Several questions - new to the cj's

I recentley bought a CJ5 (papers say a '78 but I believe it has 80's running grear) I am looking at picking up a second one that I came across for a great deal. I am not sure how I should mix and match the parts or if I even can. The goal is to have one solid rig. I haven't bought the second one yet and that is where I need help.

Specs are as follows

The one I own has:
(78-80's model..not sure)
Has a complete Fiberglass Tub
Frame bad (rusted right off in the back and front)
t-176
D300
amc20 in the rear
D30 front with warn hubs/limited slip
AMC Inline V6 (with several performance mods)

The one I am looking at has
(early 70's model...3" shorter)
No Tub
Frame is good (C channel though)
T15
Dana 18
Dana 44 rear
Dana 30 front (with Warn hubs)
Buick V6

Options I am considering:

Option 1:
Bolt the fiberglass tub up to the second CJ b/c it has a good frame.
Problem: Theframe is a different length (3" shorter)... would the body mounts be correct? Also, is the running gear and engine as good as the first CJ listed?

Option 2:
Stip everything off the first CJ and bolt it all to the frame of the second one and box in the frame. Again.. would things mount correctly? or would we need to fab crossmember brackets and tranny mounts etc etc

Option 3:
Don't buy the second one and fix the frame on the first...

Sorry for the long first post.. but wanted to have everything in there.

Thanks for any help.

 

Almost nothing from the second one will fit the first.

Option 1, the tub won't fit without modification of either the tub floors or the frame. The outside of the tub is the same shape, but the floors are different. The fenders and hood are a different length, by 5".

Option 2, again mostly won't fit. An inline 6 (not an inline V6 - there's no such thing) is too long for the engine compartment of the "70". Except for the front axle, it would be difficult to put the "78" drivetrain under a "70" frame. The '78 rear axle won't work without changing the spring pads, and the "70" rear axle gear ratio won't match the later front axle.

Jeep never offered the Dana 18 with the T-15 ... if it's a V6 and a Dana 18 then it's a '70 or '71 model (or earlier), and likely a T-14. The '72-75 models have the same wheelbase as your "78" Jeep, and either have an inline 6 (232 or 258) or a V8 (304).

If you like the "78" that you have now, I suggest you look around for a parts Jeep from '76 or later, or look for another frame, or think about repairing your existing frame. For CJs, almost everything changes in 1976, but after 1976, most of the pieces will work on your "78".

Welcome from Boston!

 

Thanks for the response. I discussed it with my build partner and based on your answer and other research we are going to pass on the older CJ and look for something 76 or newer.

Great site and forum btw. I have learned a lot already. When we get under way I will post some build pics. thx again

 

Good luck brother.

Come on back when you get going.
Happy Hunting.

 

We are removing the tub this weekend and going to get a better look at the frame... may post up some pics at that point. Hoping the frame is only gone on the ends. Will find out soon

edit: One more question. The drive train has been sitting for years. The engine fires up and sounds good.. it runs. What is the best way to clean out the tcase/tranny/engine? Just drain what sludge is in there and refill... run it.. do it again etc. Or is there a better method?

 

just drain and watch for water and/or metal peices.
if no signs of contaminants or water, just refill and drive it.

 

i'm a believer of changing, running it around a bit, churning up any other gunk that may not have come out in initial drainage...however, it can be a bit wasteful, especially if unneccasary. looking for the signs that jpflat2a mentioned is the best sign of if you will need to dig deeper.

sounds like a fun (and big) project you've got. be very weary of weak and damaged frames, i put a coat of some por-15 on a frame up project of my own. really good coating, you can paint it right on over rust-i chose to clean it up a bit first however. it is a rust encapsulator that stops rust and completely stops the growth and spreading of it.

 

lol.. I will let you know how fun it is in a couple months J/k We are pretty excited to get started. I will look at the fluids as they drain and make note of any water/metal. Thanks for the tip.