Okay as im about to start the project...

Okay im rdy to make the move to working on this here is my plan tell me if im off.

Firstly my jeep is not meant to be a mud or rock climbing jeep. It came with a snow plow and maybe once in a year I might end up in a spot I need to 4wd for. Mostly it will be used as a back up vehicle and snow plow. Its a 68 cj 5 with dauntless v6 and 3 speed tranny.

I plan to pop off the body first stip down to the frame. The engine and tranny seem fine so dont plan to mess with them other then clean and paint. The frame I plan to check into getting striped and painted. Someone I know told me that you can take them to some place get them diped (strips all the rust) then coated with paint.

Next I plan to put all the stuff back on it replacing what dont work as I do it. From the start I know I will need all new shocks and suspension. I was considering going with a 1" lift kit.... now this is my grey area. On one hand I have seen some 2.5 inch lifts with fair sized tires that look nice but I honestly dont think I need it. So I have to decide if it will hurt me to go with the lifts or not. If lifting it means I have to change alot to get it to run im not sure im up to that.

BODY I dont know what I will do there one I have needs alot of work and im not sure I will have 2-3k to buy new before winter (want it runing for winter snow season if possible). If I do get the money... I have seen a new body tailgate window frame the works steel for about 3k. I had planned on going fiber but problem I see there is I have heard it dont hold up well where its bolted to the body (spider webs and such) and I have yet to see one that comes with everything. So I would end up having to buy steel tailgate and window frame and im just not sure about bolting heavy steel to fiber.. maybe some who have done this can tell me if it will stand the test of time. Rust issues are only reason i consider fiber at all (michigan sucks).

Some things Im curious about is, what can I do to help keep the snow plow from destroying my suspension can i get heavy shocks or what should I do to help prolong the life of my ride.

Also If anyone knows more about what can be done to the frame when I get it striped down to help protect it would be great.


PS: mainly what im curious about is what advise can anyone offer me as far as things to do to prevent me from having to tear anything down again.

 

You could add leaves to the front springs to help with the weight of the plow, or you could get the stock M38a1 springs.