73 CJ5 - Building it from Boxes

I picked up this CJ about three weeks ago. It is completely torn apart and was in 10 or 15 boxes. I'm in school right now so I'll be working on this whenever at home. Since I am in school there is a budget to this. I think it can be back together and running for about $1500 if I keep it very stock, which I plan on.

What I'm starting with:
-Fiberglass tub, hood, and fenders
-Metal Windshield frame (no rust) and grill (bad condition)
-Very clean freshly painted frame
-Dana 44 / Dana 30 (Warn lockout hubs)
-Partially rebuilt engine, will be using another one for now
-T14a
-Dana 20
-Power steering
-2.5" lift springs
-Newer fuel tank
-Worn out 31's

Bigger things that need to be done:
-Decide on drive train, I have a T176/Dana 300, but will require new driveshafts since the T176/Dana 300 is longer. Cost is my dilemma
-Brake and Fuel lines, I plan on doing them myself
-Flip tie rod or different springs
-Find and rebuild a weber carb, currently has a carter
-Find a replacement grill
-Mount body (new frame does not have holes drilled for the body)
-Rebuild tranny and transfer case
-Start putting everything back together
-Paint body after it runs/drives


Pictures taken about 1 1/2 years ago before it was torn down:





Cleaned and painted frame:



Cleaned and painted engine block:



Boxes of Jeep parts:



Before and after painting:





The problem I have with the tie rods in their stock location in that there is no clearence between then and the spring (bolts aren't tight, but it don't help much)





Before putting the T176/Dana 300 in:


When I put the running 258/T176/Dana 300 in place I realized my current driveshafts are to long/short:



This is what I have for now. Once I figure out which tranny/transfer case I want to use I’ll be able to bring them here to rebuild. I put this post on jeepforum too, so you might see it in on both sites.

Let me know any opinions, ideas, or thoughts you have as I'm new to both CJ5's and vehicles that came with carburetors.

 

Looks great so far, you do good work...

what kinda of wheeling you going to do? my rear drive is only 14" and it's held up fine... but i'm a trail rig only...

keep up the great work...

 

I don't have any specific type of wheeling I'm planning on. It'll be mainly a on-road jeep, but also trails/mud whenever I get the chance. I'm doing this more for the fun of having a project like this then for the end result.

 

As I said before... posts will be few this spring. Anyway, I have only been home two weekends this semester and so I haven't been able to do much actual work. I rebuilt the carb and hooked up the minimal wiring to get it to run, just to find out the starter solenoid was bad. I tore apart the tranny and was about to rebuild and realized it is a T-15, not a T-14.

Then last Thursday I found this jeep for sale. $900 for a running jeep with plow and ACME hardtop, so I jumped on it. I may change out my windshield frame to the later model (this one is rusted) so I can use the top or my other option is to sell the top and recover some of the money spent on the jeep. What are you opinions on this?




I will continue to update this little by little, but most work will be done this summer.

 

Acme top and plow for $900 is a serious score! Should get your money back on the top alone if you choose to sell.

Any machinist can put new tubing in your driveshafts. I had mine made and not even balanced. No problems at 60 mph. T15 is a good trans. Funny the grill is rotten, that's usually most people's starting point. Good luck with the build!

 

I've heard of people buying basket case motorcycles but never an entire jeep! You are a braver person than me. Keep us updated on the progress.

 

Is that jeep painted woodgrain?

 

It is more than just painted wood grain, it is. The tub is freakin shot, it is about 50% wood. The PO just used it for plowing his and nearby driveways. Miracuously, the grill is in really good shape.

The windshield frame is also shot so I'll have to get a hold of another one if I want to use the top. Maybe I'll find somebody to trade my frame/glass for their late model one.

 

what if ya lifted it by putting the spings over top?

 

sorry im new to this jeep thing too, ive heard its been done eh
i have a cj5 all lifted and 35x12.5's on her , but alas i bought it done. uhmm im having issues with sparetires. boo