My beat up project 58

I got this 58 CJ5 in a trade last July. My first Jeep but not my first project or 4x4. I'm a heavy equipment mechanic by trade and that may show in this build. I'm also working with a tiny budget that effects how the build is done. I don't have the money or desire to restore it but just make it into something fun to drive.


231 Buick even fire
T-14/Dana 90
Dana 30 front with scout 44 outers for the disc brakes. Detroit locker
Dana 44 rear with Advanced Engineering Powerlok 5.38 gears
Bestop front seats
93 YJ roll bar and rear seat
12 gallon OMC boat tank aux fuel.
93 YJ springs on homebuilt hangers and shackles (soon)
Power steering gear from a 95 Nissan Pathfinder
GM power steering pump
71 CJ5 windshield frame
33x12.5x15 Baja Claws



Due to the nature of the homebuilt power steering and worn out steering knuckles, I have built my own tie-rod and drag link. I'll build better later.
I also used an old PTO shaft from a I.R. stump grinder as the intermediate shaft to the gear.



So far, I have the brakes working great, the steering works better than expected (For a total cost of 35 bucks), and the engine runs great.

I still need to get the wipers working, do my spring swap (with front spring reversal) and build the rest of my roll bar. Also going to build a swing out spare tire carrier.
A top is on my wish list along with a heater.

Purist beware, but I'm a function over form kind of builder. (Read as "no money")

More pictures here:
http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g260/cajun66/Willys/

 

Looks like you are going to have some fun. I'm kinda surprised that a YJ rollbar fits in an ECJ. You'll find that the YJ springs are a little longer than the stock springs. You'll need to account for that to keep from shortening your wheelbase. You found the best website for the work you have coming up. Good luck with your build.

 

Nice rig.. I like the shifter knob and crusty-rusty gauge bezels on the dash

 

cant be a 93 yj rollbar..they switched to the family style in 92..unless its been cut....

 

Sweet ride, What a trade!

Al

 

Welcome. I would not worry too much about folks getting twisted about not restoring that rig. It's already so far from restoration it does not matter. It looks like a great trail jeep. I like it..........

 

That's what happens when my brain takes a shortcut. Just my springs are from a 93. The roll bar and rear seat are early wrangler. The roll bar was shortened in the front to fit but I still need to move it back some. I keep hitting my head on it when I'm off roading.