Bear\'s new project

[bear555]

Soon I will think of a name for this project but here\'s the plan.

Build a TJ rolling chassis from scatch and put my cj-5 body on it.
Engine is a chevy 350 with an SM465 tranny (Got it)
frame is a 1998 TJ (Got it)

The plan is to build up a rolling chassis while the cj is still drivable
Since I\'m not one to let a lack of a plan stop progress, I still have some questions that I have not answered yet. like how am I going to mount the cj grill to the frame. and where? but I\'ll get back to that later

Here is the rest of the plan
242 transfer case
dana 30 front axle (I\'m thinking a cherokee hi pinion)
ford 8.8 rear axle

My budget is 300 per month.

more to follow.....

[Yukoneer]

8.8 and d30 with a 350 motor.

good luck.   you\'ll be doing repairs often.  I\'d prefer d44 front/rear or better.

[smichaelR22]

im slightly jealous of the motor and tranny you got such a deal on.... in fact im quite bitter.


axles.... hmm ya, but you said your not really going to wheel it hard and stick with 33\"s?  i guess its all how you drive.

[bear555]

Its ok, it won\'t be so bad just don\'t look at it :)

I\'ve heard different things on axles. for instance, Is the 8.8 stronger than a dana44? allot of sources say yes. As for the front choice this is driven by cost, I may upgrade later....

Today I brought the frame to the chiropractor for a little adjustment.
Once its back in the garage it will be wire brush and rattle can for a few months.

I\'ve also picked up some stock control arms for about 5 bucks each. I also picked up a set of stock springs for 10 bucks.
These items may not last long but it will help create a starting point for the build.

More to follow

[smichaelR22]

its been over a month since your last update... where did the 300$ go this time arround?

[Guest]

prolly gift-giving for the season...

[smichaelR22]

have to have priorities....

[bear555]

Yup, tis the season to spend money on gifts. good thing is I got a 4wd hardware gift card back :)  

Question I\'m thinking of buying the advanced adapters 350 wrangler motor mounts. They\'re a sling mount, and I\'m interested in opinions. I\'m worried that I might need to move the engine to fit the cj body correctly. But I\'m also thinking that using these parts I could modify it later...

Also What the heck is the difference between the 4cyl and 6cyl tj frames?

[Guest]

i believe its just the motor mount locations.  Not 100% positive.