The Black Panther Maintenance And Mod Thread

Introducing the Black Panther. Moving into more camping / overlanding it was time for larger space than my beloved flatfender offered.
Built by Predator Off Road it sports Scout 44's ( cut and turned front c's) a T18 and D300 with 4:1 kit. 4.56 and ARB''s both ends. 360 cid.
I'm the 3rd owner reportedly it hasn't had much use the last 4 years or so. Current goals are to freshen it up and make a good runner until the flatfender is back this fall.
Coming from the Montrose CO area it wasn't going to cooperate at my much lower elevation. I'm not putting a dime in this Carter AFB. Winter goals are GM tbi but for now I installed a Holley TA470 that was sitting around. Jetting is about right, I think it could use a larger power valve. I think it had some funky fuel but finishing up tank #2 and some treatment it's getting better by the day. Old:

New.

 

The return line was unhooked, I sourced the factory type filter with the vapor return and reconnected it.
Next thing it had no overflow can. Flaps had a generic unit. Hacked out a quick bracket:


Shake n shoot, rivnuts we're in business.

 

The washer bottle and pump were awol. Sourced a repro, it all fitted up fine, plugged into the wires hanging there. It's an Omix win ( for now)

 

It was not equipped with power brakes. 35's and manual brakes, screw that.
Sourced used factory parts. Wire wheel date, more shake n shoot. Fresh booster and master. Problems ensued. This tub has some kind of spray on liner ( hence the rotted rockers more later) the factory pedal to booster arm was short by 5/8" due to added thickness. 3/8 bar stock to the rescue.

 

Need pictures of whole Jeep!

 

Finished product

GeoffreyL came through as always and did me solid helping bleed the brakes.
The brake lines are stretched, this sort of thing keeps me up at night. Currently it has a 2" body lift I want to remove and trim the rear wheel openings. I'll redo the lines then. The lift has to stay as the drive line has been raised for clearance, the tub would interfere with the 300 shifter bracket. When I pull the T18 for the TH400 install , the 300 will move aft and clear.

 

In full glory with the po. Now sports 35" Maxxis Crawlers

 

The rockers need replaced, rotted from the inside out due to the liner. I have the Classic panels already. I already cut off the tube steps. The PO sent Poison Spyder sliders he didn't install. I will after the repairs. There is also a twin stick kit for the 300 he didn't get too.
Other than the mentioned tbi and automatic swap, I'm leaving it as is. The top is fairly new and the tires ( all 5 ) are new.
It also came with spare axles for all 4 corners, a host of trail parts etc. It's capable, having done Pritchett back in the day ( bears the scars too, not as shiny today)
Oh has no fan shroud, when I do the tbi I have a large Ford 2 speed electric to go in. Have the relays and will copy the wiring from the flatfender.
Oh again, remove all the air injection emissions foofaraw even the peoples republic of MD doesn't require it

 

But that's a CJ7!

 

Is that the Predator in Colorado Springs?

 

Yes, on good authority it was originally the owners ride.

 

Quitter!!

 

Take a ride, you'll understand...

 

You will like the ride quality of the CJ7.
I loved mine before it was stolen from parking lot at work.

 

Maybe for the wife. Not for me. But thanks.

 

CJ7 ride has nothing on a CJ6..... AKA trail Yacht!
I agree, send this thread straight to the quitters club!