Build Thread 1986 CJ7 Build

[KRUPP]

It's something that was a popular mod starting 25 or so years ago. The rear YJ flares are a bit wider/longer, from front to back, than the o.e.m. ones.
When you experience tire rubbing at the rear of the opening when wheeling, trimming the sheet metal at the rear is usually the fix. About a 3" wedge of sheet metal removed at the bottom rear is usual, unless you want to start hacking through other sheet metal supports behind the rear fender.
When you do the trimming and try to re-use the o.e.m. rear flares, they tend to "kink" when you force them to be larger/wider radius from front to back.
If you re-use the original holes at the front of the wheel opening, the rear of the o.e.m. flare also pulls up, away from the bottom edge of the sheet metal, because it is now too short to cover the slightly larger wheel opening length. Some people don't like that look, so they go with YJ or even longer TJ rear flares.

 

[Belizean]

I guess i probably won’t need that. Just graduated to 33s soon as I get them mounted.

 

[KRUPP]

Mar 6, 24:
-So, turns out that we have a couple NP435 transmissions (Ford, I think). The T5 I have now is basically a “car” transmission and its 1st gear is kinda fast. The NP435 is a bomb-proof “truck” transmission with a granny low.


Bummer that I couldn’t have thought of this when the t-case was out in December. But, I was reminded when I drove down to our boneyard just recently and saw em. Dangit!
-Is there an issue with height clearance/interference with the tunnel with this trans? I believe a call to Novak or Advance is in order too, to mount the Dana300.
-Might have a T18 down there also. Have to dig some more. I think it’s the same drill for that swap though. But, any advantages for the T18 over the NP435? Both pretty solid 4-speeds.
-I swapped in a T18 into my old CJ5 decades ago. Seemed like it was no issue, but I also had a ‘80 Scout Dana300, which bolted right up.

 

[gert]

The NP435 is a great transmission and so is the T18, with the T18 you need to inspect it to see what gear ratios it has one set of gears is not nearly as deep as the other set


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[CJ]

The NP435 is a great transmission and so is the T18, with the T18 you need to inspect it to see what gear ratios it has one set of gears is not nearly as deep as the other set


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Yea, t18 is great, but Ford t18 can be cranky. Granny gear is hard to find.

 

[KRUPP]

Apr 2, 24:
-While I’m still waiting for my driver’s seat to be redone at the upholstery shop (says it’ll be done in a week or so), I decided to point some attention to the passenger seat.
-Lever for the catch to enable the forward tumble was bent pretty bad and actually cracked at its narrowest part. Decided to break it off, straighten both sides and weld it back together.
-Cleaned/brushed and repainted the whole bracket assembly before reinstalling seat.

 

[KRUPP]

April 20, 24:
-Brought home an NP435 4-speed I've been eyeing down at our boneyard. There were 3 to choose from. I did some inspecting and gear tooth counting to verify what I was getting.
There were 2 different types down there: The Ford, 4-wheel drive type with a slightly lower 3rd gear at 1.74:1.
And there was a Ford/Dodge/GM, 2-wheel drive type with a higher 3rd gear at 1.66:1. Both have the 6.68:1 granny 1st.

I chose the one in best condition, which happened to be the Ford/Dodge/GM, 2-wheel drive. Other than new seals, gaskets and shift fork pads, I'm not sure it needs anything.
I'll have to replace the output shaft to adapt to my Dana 300 T-case, so I'll see if anything looks bad during that disassembly process.