Starting over on my CJ3B

[Buildflycrash]

I bought this 3B a few years back, I did a little work on it then left it in my driveway to fill with leaves and rot.
So what had decent floors and bed now needs a lot more work. That's not the end of the world as I plan to raise the floor up a bit to lower the center of gravity and to have better visibility. Also following the lead of Woodstock and doing a stretch in the doorway and bed. Some kind of Buick V6 of course. I'm not in a big hurry to get this done as I have three running ECJ5s

Started like this...

Rotted to This...

Building Frame (inspired by Rango) 2x4x1/8...

Looking for a flat belly by mounting engine, transmission and TC to the frame while on the table.

Late 70s Jeep T18 with D20 TC and D30 front axle, . Centered D44 from early 70s CJ(parking Brake). Plan is for stock YJ springs with shackle reversal.

 

[Dave Deyton]

You always have some cool builds! Glad you're back at it! I will be watching this build.
Looks like a really fun project. They you and Fireball need to wheel together with your well-built rigs!
Cool Project. I was just wondering how you were doing. I'll be watching this build.

Dave

 

[timsresort]

Very cool. Have you settled on a wheelbase?

 

[Buildflycrash]

Very cool. Have you settled on a wheelbase?

Not exactly. We’re hopefully going to be putting springs under it this weekend for a trial fitting.

 

[Buildflycrash]

Made a little progress on the engine mounts. These will have several big gussets.

 

[Jeepenstein]

I'll be that guy, I like the 3B high hood..

 

[Buildflycrash]

I'll be that guy, I like the 3B high hood..

It’s not likely to end up quite as high. Plan is to keep the suspension low, run 35s and raise the fenders up into the hood. Raise the rear wheel wells likely as well.

Not going to be linked so not exactly like this but you should get the idea.

 

[Buildflycrash]

Warm weather today got me outside and into the rear D44.

Can anyone tell me the year(s) of the NT D44 with one piece axles?

Is this what is known as a "flanged axle shaft" ?

 

[Buildflycrash]

Building Jeeps from old Junk is expensive!
The bearings, seals and brakes cost several hundred for each axle!
Looking at the Terra Low kit for a D20 TC last night -- It's nearly $1,000.!!

 

[45es]

Can anyone tell me the year(s) of the NT D44 with one piece axles?

!972-1975

Starting in 1972, the Dana 20 transfer case was used which has the rear output shaft centered, so the rear axle has the differential in the center. From 1972-1975 the Dana 44 was used with a 30 spline flanged axle shaft. This Dana 44 uses 11" drum brakes and the most common ratio is 3.73.

 

[Fireball]

!972-1975

Starting in 1972, the Dana 20 transfer case was used which has the rear output shaft centered, so the rear axle has the differential in the center. From 1972-1975 the Dana 44 was used with a 30 spline flanged axle shaft. This Dana 44 uses 11" drum brakes and the most common ratio is 3.73.

Also 70-71, but with an offset pumpkin.

 

[Renegade ll]

Building Jeeps from old Junk is expensive!
The bearings, seals and brakes cost several hundred for each axle!
Looking at the Terra Low kit for a D20 TC last night -- It's nearly $1,000.!!

nobody said owning a jeep was going to be cheap.

 

[blalp!]

and raise the fenders up into the hood.

I’ve thought about possibly using a 2a/3a hood with a 3B grille and tub to achieve the higher tire clearance and maintain the benefits of taller 3B engine bay. I’m sure the fenders could be made to look like they belonged in that configuration.

 

[Buildflycrash]

Also 70-71, but with an offset pumpkin.

OK, I never had a "Flanged 44". Now I get it that its a one piece axle.

 

[Buildflycrash]

Got the rear axle to roll- Still needs rebuilt.
Front axle just needs rotors to be complete.
35s are huge BTW.

Flipped the frame and tacked on some spring mounts.

The spring mounts I ordered have 9/16” holes. Everything else is 1/2”, so I’m going to have to order some bolts and bigger sleeves.

 

[47v6]

Got the rear axle to roll- Still needs rebuilt.
Front axle just needs rotors to be complete.
35s are huge BTW.

Flipped the frame and tacked on some spring mounts.

The spring mounts I ordered have 9/16” holes. Everything else is 1/2”, so I’m going to have to order some bolts and bigger sleeves.

Do not weld those on until you put the tub on and get the weight right. It will not be correct until you do.

 

[Buildflycrash]

Do not weld those on until you put the tub on and get the weight right. It will not be correct until you do.

Oh yeah, everything is just tacked. I am a little worried about it falling apart when I put the engine and tub on the frame.

 

[colojeepguy]

Looking at the Terra Low kit for a D20 TC last night -- It's nearly $1,000.

You can put D18 low range gears in it for a LOT less, gets you to 2.46 low.

 

[Buildflycrash]

You can put D18 low range gears in it for a LOT less, gets you to 2.46 low.

Maybe only $100 cheaper. Is there another option?

Very cool. Have you settled on a wheelbase?

Did some more measurements today. Looks like close to 90”

 

[FinoCJ]

Maybe only $100 cheaper. Is there another option?

Did some more measurements today. Looks like close to 90”

I think Doug is suggesting finding a used set of 2.46 D18 gears. I sold the complete set out of my CJ a number of years ago to someone for less than a $100. I remember Jeff Z couldn't give away a complete large case D18...used D18 gears are pretty common and cheap. But I seem to recall needing a 'bronco' gear of some sort to make it work in a centered D20 output. Someone is making those these days - maybe Tom's?