CJ Project about to start

[ricolifts]

Ok guys I am full of ideas and questions about this project I am going to start again. I wanna know what you guys think.

I have a 76 CJ7.

Currently I have a chevy 350 as the engine
Has the stock engine in it. t-16 I believe.
3 inch shackle lift
2 inch body lift
Dana-44 front and back.

I plan to remove the body lift and just have the shackle lift.

I was thinking about setting up air bags for the suspension, but what would be better a 3point or a 4 point suspesion?

What is the cost to do a 4 point suspension on the 76 CJ.

I am considering. Doing a full chevy conversion on the drivetrain, but that defeats a lot of purposes.
The conversion would be Chevy blazer Dana 60s with a chevy 350 tranny.

The problems I have with the jeep are.
1. Gas Mileage this thing gets like 10 miles per gallon.
1.5. Motor mounts-Currently my motor mounts are welded L brackets upside down no real support they kind of bend with time. but they work alright.
2. With the Jeep Drive train in I break U joints all the time
3. Electrical. I suck at doing wiring so all of my wiring looks like hell We had fried some wires for the ignition and had to run it to a kill switch and a push buton start. That is all fine, but i would like the wiring to look a little better
4. The jeep follows the road like crazy. It has a sway bar, but there has to be a better way.
5. some body work is necessary.
6. A couple exhaust leaks
7. Air Conditioning i would love to put an A/C system on it.

What I really want is a awesome looking jeep that runs great. kicks some serious *** in off roading, and is somewhat comfortable.

Can i get some thoughts on what I SHOULD do with it. what way would you
guys go and about what would the process cost rough numbers.

Would you do the chevy conversion.

What could I do to get better gas mileage. Newer engine. Go throttle body or fuel injection. Would you throw a new engine in it.

Post and let me know guys i need ideas. and if you can help thats even better ;)
Rico.

BTW new to the group and I appreciate it all....

[desertrubi]

Welcome to the VJC. I don't really know where to start at all on that, and as far as money, no clue.

Do you plan on trailering it, or using it as a daily driver?

I would start with some of the simple things first. Get yourslf a wiring harness, heat gun, and shrink wrap for wiring and replace all the wiring. Have somebody help that knows what they are doing. No good working on it, to just have it burn up on you.

Figure out what you want to do with suspension. Are you going to fab everything yourself? Have a shop do it? How much money do you have to spend? That last one is a huge factor in what you can or want to do. How high do you want to take it, and will you drive it everyday? If not, then you can go a little more extreme, stretch it a little and add D60's. Never know. The D44 is still a good set up though.

Steering, Check your toe in. Mine was a little off and it wanted to follow the ruts in the road. Especially freeway from all the big rigs. Somebody correct me if I'm wrong and talking out my a#$.

Gas mileage. Yours is a 76 and get almost as good gas mileage as I get in my 05. I get about 12mpg. Don't feel bad.

[Devil Man]

roll it over & get to work CJ'S ROCK & ROLL :eek: http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=11299&stc=1&d=1180627550

[ricolifts]

I would love for it to be a daily driver.

Money. Money isn't a big factor for me but I will be doing the work myself.

Would you recommend Fabbing the suspension myself or buying a kit?

How hard would it be to get AC working on this rig?

[Simon]

Get to know the guys at 4 Wheelers Supply. They have more CJ stuff on the shelf than anyone in AZ. :)

[desertrubi]

Get to know the guys at 4 Wheelers Supply. They have more CJ stuff on the shelf than anyone in AZ. :)

LOL...very good advice right there.

[Sedona Jeep School]

Get to know the guys at 4 Wheelers Supply. They have more CJ stuff on the shelf than anyone in AZ. :)

Ditto! And you will constantly need stuff! :D

All good advice so far. As for some of your other items:

Blowing u-joints could be several things:
1. worn pinion yoke and/or straps--replace all for under $100.
2. incorrect driveshaft/pinion angle--a good 4x4 shop can fix it quickly. $?
3. mucho torque and/or too much throttle on driver's part--take Jeep School--VERY expensive! :D
If you check all that and still having a problem, my advice is too keep buying and blowing cheap u-joints instead of something more expensive and difficult to fix. Using stronger joints will make something else the weak point. If you think you are burning u-joints now, just wait until you drop in the Chevy 350! ;)

As for mileage, power, and cooling: I recently supervised (I sat and drank carbonated beverages while someone else performed actual work) the installation of an updated distributor system on a '76 with a carbureted Ford 302. This is the company: http://www.performancedistributors.com/ The 90-day results were incredible: 3 mpg better mileage, runs cooler (previously had chronic overheating issues), runs stronger and smoother. We had "especial deal", but not sure what retail is.

The problem with your tracking may be remedied by several things--again, a good 4x4 shop can fix this very easily: longer or adjustable track bar (did they have those in 1976? :D ), toe-in (as mentioned, but I don't know what it should be on a CJ), lengthen draglink and/or install drop down pitman arm--all affected by the lift, so wait until you have the height you want.

Air conditioning on a CJ!?! Hahahaha! :D It's called "removable doors"...;)

Post pics! Happy trails,

[desertrubi]

Air conditioning on a CJ!?! Hahahaha! :D It's called "removable doors"...;)

Post pics! Happy trails,

I have an 05 and don't even use the AC. Just take the top off and go. With AC on all it does is use extra gas. Never reaches you and cools you off.

[ricolifts]

It does have a chevy 350 thats why I blow the Joints ;). What do you guys think about throwing the Chevy axles, and trani on it? Good idea Bad Idea?

Also would you do a 4 bar suspension? Anyone know a good kit.

What are your thoughts on air shocks.