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"chief" A 74 Cj5 In Idaho

Discussion in 'Builds and Fabricators Forum' started by CharlesC83, Sep 24, 2020.

  1. Sep 24, 2020
    CharlesC83

    CharlesC83 Wrench

    Lewiston Idaho
    Joined:
    Sep 2, 2020
    Messages:
    35
    Some pictures of before we bought it in 2009.

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    I made an intro post also. But again, this was a Jeep I cleaned up with/for my father 11 years ago. It was to relive the 72' CJ5 and 83' CJ7 he sold many years before. He mostly drove it around the woods of his remote home in his retirement. And cut and hauled firewood in his original 1983 pack mule trailer with it.

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    I currently am the new owner, my Father passed away in June of this year. I nick named this Jeep Chief. As he was Chief deputy of the Sheriffs Dept he worked at for 34 years when he retired in 2002.

    We bought this in Missoula Montana in 2009, I spent 1 year in my apartment garage cleaning it up for him to use. I'm now in Lewiston Idaho for the last year with my fiancé and I have the CJ. This will be a mild thread, no chopping and hacking. Just work and respect for an Older CJ, and a sentimental item to me.

    I will post some pics from working on it to catch up to current times. This seems like a nice forum. Much better than social media. I do not intend to do anything extreme, but hopefully can throw my "build" into the ring here on Early CJ5. I will post pics as much as I can, people really just wanna see pictures anyway.

    Specs are-
    -1974 CJ5
    -258-TBI swapped
    -T18
    -Dana 20-JB Fab shifters
    -Dana 30 4.27 Powertrax gear drive limited slip
    -Dana 44 4.27 Trac-Loc installed new by me

    It had the Bench seat. I changed it to buckets and used bestop seats. I had to build the seat brackets mostly off of pics of what a CJ would have had with buckets. And using pieces of the old bench frame.

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    Newer style CJ/YJ intake and exhaust manifolds were used.
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    Cleaning.
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    Morphed the stock air cleaner to work with TBI.
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    Started on the Seat frames.
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    If anybody has questions fire away. I don't mind, and there is no real derail in my thread. We can talk about Jeeps or Fine pistols/revolvers. Either way. Have a good day and thanks for reading if you read this far!
     
    73 cj5 and ITLKSEZ like this.
  2. Sep 24, 2020
    CharlesC83

    CharlesC83 Wrench

    Lewiston Idaho
    Joined:
    Sep 2, 2020
    Messages:
    35
    More pics of adding the buckets. I notched the driver fender to allow the seat to go back a little more. And had to make a latching folding mechanism for the passenger seat. To allow access to the toolbox.

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    bigbendhiker, Snoops, 73 cj5 and 2 others like this.
  3. Sep 24, 2020
    CharlesC83

    CharlesC83 Wrench

    Lewiston Idaho
    Joined:
    Sep 2, 2020
    Messages:
    35
    I took a while. But I was able to get a body shop to paint it for me. As close to the original color as they could get. It was actually difficult to find a body shop that would touch it. Even 10 years ago there were limited shops that wanted to do actual body work. The shop that did it was great though. I did literally everything I could to make it easier for them by disassembling it as much as possible. They still took their sweet time. My dad wanted it shiny and new looking. Had it been my choice I would have tried my shot at painting it myself. But it sure looks nice, and gets the compliments.
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    New Warn 8274. He bought an 8274 for his 72 CJ5, in 1974...
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    The old man and I, 10 years ago.
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    fhoehle, bigbendhiker, 73 cj5 and 2 others like this.
  4. Sep 24, 2020
    CharlesC83

    CharlesC83 Wrench

    Lewiston Idaho
    Joined:
    Sep 2, 2020
    Messages:
    35
    In around 2016 I replaced the clutch for him. On my garage floor at home instead of at work on a hoist. It wasn't too bad honestly.

    I pulled the pan and did the rear main and 1-piece pan gasket at the same time. It's still dry 4 years later knock on wood.
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    73 cj5 and ITLKSEZ like this.
  5. Sep 24, 2020
    Fireball

    Fireball Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Pullman, WA
    Joined:
    Feb 9, 2018
    Messages:
    5,626
    Sorry for the loss of your dad. That's a fantastic looking Jeep. You've done a nice job with it.
     
    bigbendhiker, ITLKSEZ and CharlesC83 like this.
  6. Sep 24, 2020
    Boyink

    Boyink Super Moderator Staff Member

    Tulsa, OK
    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2002
    Messages:
    6,193
    Looking good! Dad would be happy.

    Funny a body shop wouldn't touch painting a Jeep? Seems like about the simplest vehicle to do...
     
    CharlesC83 likes this.
  7. Sep 24, 2020
    FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    Bozeman, MT
    Joined:
    Jul 18, 2013
    Messages:
    5,593
    That didn't take long :clap:....welcome...nice jeep.
     
    ITLKSEZ and CharlesC83 like this.
  8. Sep 24, 2020
    CharlesC83

    CharlesC83 Wrench

    Lewiston Idaho
    Joined:
    Sep 2, 2020
    Messages:
    35
    Here in recent Times...I installed a Powertrax grip pro in the front diff. Replaced the upper and lower ball Joints and the axle U-joints.

    I also tried out some BFG 31x10.50's I had lying around off my newer TJ unlimited before I lifted it. But they were "too" big in my opinion. And I went to the trouble to have the original 1974 wheels powder coated years ago. So, I went with the STA super traxion 7.00-15. Very cool In my opinion. I mounted and balanced them here at work myself. They balanced with minimal weight and are smooth as glass up to 65 mph at 25 psi.

    I have a "bolt-in" roll-bar kit coming from rock-hard 4x4. It is supposed to be nice. We will see. I built the current roll bar myself and it sits a little too high. I built it that way cause i thought it needed to clear my dads head. Ha.

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    fhoehle, dane71, 73 cj5 and 3 others like this.
  9. Sep 24, 2020
    CharlesC83

    CharlesC83 Wrench

    Lewiston Idaho
    Joined:
    Sep 2, 2020
    Messages:
    35
    Thank you! You know what I meant, not gonna turn it into a crawler. It will stay pretty mild.
     
  10. Sep 24, 2020
    CharlesC83

    CharlesC83 Wrench

    Lewiston Idaho
    Joined:
    Sep 2, 2020
    Messages:
    35
    It had actual dents that needed to be repaired and a little rust spot in 1 area. They had no interest. The shops are filled with younger guys that really only want to replace body panels and paint them. Pulling dents and using minimal body filler is not the thing anymore. I found a shop in the Bitterroot of Montana that did it. He owned a CJ himself. He did great work.
     
    Boyink likes this.
  11. Sep 24, 2020
    CharlesC83

    CharlesC83 Wrench

    Lewiston Idaho
    Joined:
    Sep 2, 2020
    Messages:
    35
    Thank you. I was able to be with him as he went. I'm new to the area, sort of. If you need an extra wheeling person let me know.
     
    Fireball likes this.
  12. Sep 24, 2020
    jeepstar

    jeepstar Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Sheboygan
    Joined:
    Jun 28, 2006
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    2,754
    great pics! keep them coming!
     
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  13. Sep 24, 2020
    CharlesC83

    CharlesC83 Wrench

    Lewiston Idaho
    Joined:
    Sep 2, 2020
    Messages:
    35
    Some better shots of the Super Traxion's. Super cool. The Jeep is currently down. I removed the fuel injection wiring harness and computer and distributor. And sent the m to Performance fuel injection to add a heated o2 sensor, spark timing control and a new Chip program. It is just sitting in my garage with my TJ.

    Other cool news is the Tom Woods CV rear shaft and parts to install will be here today! The rear shaft U-joints were operating at 13 degrees at the diff and15 at the T-case....with only the HD leaves and M.O.R.E 3/4" lift shackles it vibrated and the T-case is lowered a bit already by me, more than stock.

    I installed the 9/10 leaf packs for him because he hauled gear in the back, and that's what his 72' had stock. So those leaves lifted the Jeep 1" or so over the stock units.

    With the CV I will be able to put the crossmember all the way up to the frame if i want. Or just run 1 shim or so.

    The TJ is mine.

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    And I drive through traffic with the windshield down. Not 100% sure the legality, but have driven right passed the cops with no worries.
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  14. Sep 24, 2020
    Fireball

    Fireball Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Pullman, WA
    Joined:
    Feb 9, 2018
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    5,626
    I like driving around with the windshield down too. The dogs like it even more. It's not much fun above 40mph though.
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  15. Sep 24, 2020
    CharlesC83

    CharlesC83 Wrench

    Lewiston Idaho
    Joined:
    Sep 2, 2020
    Messages:
    35
    Jeep looks good. Is that station in Pullman?
     
  16. Sep 24, 2020
    jeepstar

    jeepstar Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Sheboygan
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    the cj is better :)
     
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  17. Sep 24, 2020
    Fireball

    Fireball Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Pullman, WA
    Joined:
    Feb 9, 2018
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    The gas station is in Uniontown, the first small town on the 195 coming from Lewiston to Pullman.

    Thanks on the Jeep compliment. It's staying mostly mild like yours. There's a build thread here: Old Red Maintenace Thread. I've also got a '71 that's getting a more serious build in the next few years, but haven't started a thread on it yet.

    I'd definitely be interested in 4 wheeling. I'm relatively new to the area too and don't know where the trails are other than some up in Mary McCroskey state park. We'll have to figure that out. @ITLKSEZ lives up in Post Falls and would probably be interested in some wheeling since he's just gotten his Jeep done. I think he knows lots of trails up in Northern Idaho.
     
    ITLKSEZ likes this.
  18. Sep 24, 2020
    CharlesC83

    CharlesC83 Wrench

    Lewiston Idaho
    Joined:
    Sep 2, 2020
    Messages:
    35
    Sounds awesome. The area in your pic looks familiar. My lady and I travel to Missoula several times a year still, or we head to Spokane sometimes and go right by that area. She does not prefer Hwy 12 unless I'm driving.
     
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  19. Sep 24, 2020
    CharlesC83

    CharlesC83 Wrench

    Lewiston Idaho
    Joined:
    Sep 2, 2020
    Messages:
    35
    Thanks!

    I also own a 79 K10 stepside. Those are my 3 current rigs the TJ, CJ and the old Chevy. But my lady does have very nice vehicles. The Chevy is not stock, that's what we'll say.

    That TJ has a few serious parts under it also, Double low range is one thing it has.....on top of other items. It's just money, and time, and effort and possible failure....
     
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  20. Sep 24, 2020
    ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

    Liberty Lake, WA
    Joined:
    Aug 13, 2015
    Messages:
    6,656
    Looks great.
    I won’t have mine on the road till the spring, but I’m game for a trail ride after that. I’m sure @tomasinator would be interested too.

    My neighbor was an ID state cop for a while (now a deputy in Spokane Co), and I asked him about that. He said as long as you have eye protection, you’re good to go. If your windshield is up, it needs a wiper. Hand operated is fine.
     
    CharlesC83 likes this.
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