Build Thread 1980 CJ7...My new toy

[Eagle One]

Traded a boat I haven't used in a while for a 1980 CJ7. The Jeep runs and rides really good. The steering is all over the place, but I hope to have that taken care of soon. I found a guy parting out a couple of Jeeps and was able to get everything for a power steering swap. I also ordered new steering linkage and ball joints. I am heading back over to his house Friday to get a grill with all the lights, a dash that is comolete, and a tilt steering column. The windowframe is roached, but I scored one in better condition for $25 that I'll be getting tomorrow. Here is the Jeep as it sits right now.

 

[Amiles42]

Very cool. Share lots of pictures.

 

[Project86]

Jeeps can be as much fun as boats. Just remember: JEEP-just empty every pocket. Boat-Bust out another thousand. Not many people know this but you can spell boat like this boatt. That would be bust out another ten thousand.

Nice start to sweet project keep the picts coming.

 

[Belizean]

Jeeps can be as much fun as boats. Just remember: JEEP-just empty every pocket. Boat-Bust out another thousand. Not many people know this but you can spell boat like this boatt. That would be bust out another ten thousand.

Nice start to sweet project keep the picts coming.

Actually Jeeps are a lot cheaper. I could buy 10 - 20 really nice scramblers for what my buddy bought his boat for

 

[Masscj7]

Welcome to the sickness! We love pics!

 

[Eagle One]

Well, actually, this is my third Jeep. Had a TJ when I lived in Montana, and currently have a 2018 JKU Golden Eagle. This Jeep, like I said is my toy.

Started working on it today, replacing the ball joints, tie rods, and starting the power steering upgrade. The kids got here tonight, so not much more this week. I've been collecting parts all week! Got a Poison Spider cage, a better condition grill, tailgate, and dash with all the gages. Also scored a fairly new carb, even though I'll eventually go with FI. Here is what I've done so far, and a couple of teaser pictures!!!

 

[mdeluca]

Excellent...

What a project!

 

[Eagle One]

Got a couple of hours today since the kids went to the FSU game. Got all the ball joints installed, the other steering knuckle cleaned ip and painted, and cleaned up and painted a few other things.

 

[Eagle One]

Latest update. I got a lot of parts cleaned up and painted. Got all my bearing and seals for the front end and opened up the differential. Rut Roh!!! Broken teeth and the oil looked like a chocolate milk shake. Guess it's time to decide on a gear ratio and lockers.

ARB's both ends? Detroit locker rearband Detroit Trutrac front? Trutrac's both ends? I'm pretty sure I want a locker at least in the rear. Also, what gear ratio? I have the 4.2 with the T176 and Dana 300, I'm planning on going with 33" tires and it will probably never see the highway.

Suggestions, thoughts?

 

[Belizean]

No highway ? Go low !

 

[Eagle One]

Lucked out and found a set of axles with new gears for $500. Not sure what gears it has, but they got to be better than my 3.07s in it now. Will find out tomorrow when I go and get them.
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[Eagle One]

Been a while since I've updated, so here goes.

Got the new to me front and rear end, they have new 3.21 gears. That's better than the 3.07 I had in the original shot axles. Since right now I am only running 31" tires that are fairly new, they'll do. I have the front end installed and the axles in.

I had to order new spindles since the bearings where probably original and the "rims" desinigrated when I tried to remove them. I also ordered new 1 piece axles for the new rear end since they are both wide tracks.

I have the power steering pump installed, and waiting on the heavy duty bracket and brace to install the gear. Also waiting on the new heavy duty steering links. I've rebuilt the steering shaft and installed new bearing in the bottom of the steering column.

I've also done a lot of clean up and repainting of the front half of the frame and inner front fender wells.

 

[Eagle One]

Got most of the front end finished! I tore out the old rear axle and I'm in the process of cleaning and undercoating/painting everything back there. I also got a Spartan lunch box locker for the rear.

 

[gert]

sweet dude love your Jeep

 

[Eagle One]

Front and rear are finished. I also redid the complete brake system with all new parts. Hooked up the power steering and it is working great. Going to grease all of the fittings and fill the front and rear pumpkins tonight. Also hope to bleed the brakes tonight if the SO is willing to help me.

 

[Petescj]

Looking good! Wish I could find a$25 windshield. Nice score.

 

[Eagle One]

Been busy lately with the build. I couldn't get the fill plug on the AMC20 to budge no matter what I tried, so I ended up getting a new diff cover with drain and fill plugs in it. I redid the steering column with all new bearings, switch/wiring new levers and buttons and a new key cylinder. I also installed a Grant steering wheel to make a little more room in the drivers seat. Put new knobs on the shifters, installed an ammo can center console, and scored some newer YJ seats and frames from a friend that got new seats for his YJ. I also got all the lights working except reverse, but haven't looked into that yet, and the horn is working again also. I finally got a new rear bumper with tire carrier so my spare isn't just sitting in the rear compartment. My new soft top and headlights should be here tomorrow, Christmas Eve!

 

[Belizean]

That is the nicest Mod20 cover with fill plug I have seen. Plug Right there at the bottom also

 

[gert]

Sweet dude really sweet


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[Eagle One]

Been busy lately with my CJ! It now has a new top and doors! I have also swapped out all the heater and radiator hoses and the thermostat. Changed out all the battery/starter cables and have taken it on a few trips. Still have to get the oil pressure gauge working. Just ordered a carb rebuild kit and a bunch of interior items. Got some old school KC's for Christmas and also upgraded the headlight to halogens.