CJ7 Rebuild...engine,axles,tires/rims,lockers,etc.
Okay folks here is another rebuild for '80 CJ7...what I will be doing: Replace 6-cyl with AMC 360 (from '85 Wagoneer), will keep T-18 trans, D300 transfer, AMC 20 rear axle has one-piece shafts but will get either Ox-locker or ARB Locker, Dana 30 in front will get same locker with 4340 shafts and u-bolt kit for Yoke, tub will be '95 Wrangler, brake upgrade to hydro-boost, I will go to 35" MT tires. The rear frame rails are rusted through and will need support plates welded on and a replacement rear crossmember. I intend to use a one-inch body lift and already have a 4 inch Rough Country "spring under" lift.
With this said, I have to explain why I am not going to Dana 44s or 60s, I'm in Pa. and most of my off-roading has only a minimal amount of climbing, but does involve muddy trails. I believe that since I've already invested in the one-piece shafts and I can control power and speed from the V8 I will be successful with the axle upgrades and 35" tires. Assembled new axles would be great but are costly for me so I am thinking of delivering the existing axles to a shop that will install 4.56 gears and a on-off locker. Comments Please. :-|
Scrap the underneath stuff???
How about those Waggy 44s? Not exactly a clean swap are they? And yes Rausch Creek is about 90 minutes away. Never been there though. The AMC with the one-piece axles and the Dana 30 may be topped out with the 35s, but i think alot of this comes down to driving style. I always thought the guys who were in control and exhibited less "hammering" or "wheel hop" had the right idea...with that said, there will always be those instances when the combo of speed, torque and tire grabbing is a must!!! That is when i will be at risk.