My Other Adiction

[FiveNdime]

I thought I would share my other habit. I like to build rides that are different. I did some trade work for my dad who had this thing sitting in the shop for years. He had plans for it but the plans changed and I talked him out of it so I could start my favorite rat rod platform. It was basically stock when I got it minus the flat six motor that was in it. I've been working on this thing for a couple months now when I have time. Its coming along but im no where near finished. For now my build cost budget was set for 2000 bucks. I may go over a few bucks but thats due to my stuborn ways...ie keeping it 4 wheel drive will cost me a few more bucks. This is the reason for me parting out my other XJ.....I think its worth it!

Well enough talking, on to the pictures.

The day I brought it to its new home.

mock up of the ride height.

The start of the rear susension. I took the original leafs and brackets off the bottom of the frame. I then seperated the leafs and took a few packs out and reassembled them. I then made a place for the new/old brackets to weld up to on top. I also flipped the shackle to the opposite swing direction.

For kicks I made a W for willys as a part of my gusset.

 

[FiveNdime]

Now for the front suspension work. I did basically the same theory as the rear. I took the stock front bracket and moved it to the rear which moved my shackle to the rear giving it a better ride quality. I then made a pocket for the front part of the spring to sit in. I also moved the springs outboard of the frame rails.

I sourced out a 72 Jeep 258 inline six mated with a 3spd and a dana 20 transfercase. I am ditching the dana 20 in favor for a twin stick dana 18 with either a stick or electric overdrive. This is so I can get the rear output to be on the lower side of the case instead of out the middle which is up high. and more inside the cab which means more tunnel work then needed.

I then tackled the floor and tunnel. The floorboards were swiss cheese so I couldnt leave them like that, since its just not safe. I ended up cutting the old tunnel and moving it up and back so I could hopefully put the sticks for the transmission and transfercase in the stock areas.

Here are some random photos. I built a crossmember out of chain for the rear notches. its surprisingly rigid but took me hours to weld up lol

 

[FiveNdime]

Here is how it sits now. without the motor. I'm currently in need for some chevy axles or a different pair of axles that I can toss under it. I'm ditching the stock stuff.

 

[kndrewa]

Cool, I like rat rods

 

[streetpirate]

I hope you chop it. love it so far!

 

[NW-ZJ-SCOTT]

Joey, that looks amazing. I cannot wait to see the outcome!

 

[jonesinxj]

Awesome!!!!

 

[BoringDave]

Here is how it sits now. without the motor. I'm currently in need for some chevy axles or a different pair of axles that I can toss under it. I'm ditching the stock stuff.

Just curious what's the vehicle on the top of that rack and how did you get it there? Also that's a perfect use for thornbirds.

Dave

 

[crazymoose1990]

111

 

[BoringDave]

111

What are those half arrows?

 

[crazymoose1990]

Yeah tryed to post pictures of my Mando frame and tub, but just cant get it to post from photo bucket. So I gave up and posted three ones.

 

[FiveNdime]

Just curious what's the vehicle on the top of that rack and how did you get it there? Also that's a perfect use for thornbirds.

Dave

Its my CJ3A with a 4.3L Chevy motor and 700r4 transmission swap. Ive got a long way to go on it. I give you props for noticing that, no one else on any other forums has. The racking is a custom made setup. I can stack quite a few rigs up there. The rails the jeep sits on can be pivoted up or down and the use of a winch mounted to the rack pulls it up the rails. Kinda hard to explain but works well. I ran out of floor space so I needed to go up!

Thanks for the compliments guys. Its been a blast of a project. Its going to look pretty sick when I get it done. Hopefully for this summers season.

 

[BoringDave]

You probably know him. But have you been to The Jeep Guy? He has a few of them trucks and wagons.

 

[FiveNdime]

You probably know him. But have you been to The Jeep Guy? He has a few of them trucks and wagons.

I actually bought the motor, transmission and transfercase from him for this project. If I remember correctly his name was Ryan. Super nice guy, talked my leg off haha. I'm gonna take my truck to him when I am done so he can check it out.

 

[Gold Cobra]

The welded chain cross-member is awesome. I'd love to see this thing in person.