1982 CJ7 Build Thread - update 5/17

[RacerX]

Today I finished installing the rear brakes only to find a missing e-brake bar... found one on eBay now I’m waiting on that part to call the rear “complete”.

Thw front diff went in a lot easier! Installing an early housing into my 82 forced me to weld shock mounts onto the axle tubes. Aside from the weight and shock mounts, it was a direct install.

Having already replaced the calipers and pass, I’m going to swap the caliper brackets and clean up the dust shields (and paint) before starting the bleed process.

For a shop or even a skilled team, I’m very proud of myself for successfully installing these things by myself. No labor or additional help... love working alone but def sucks sometimes!

After I’m done swapping and painting, the whole undercarriage will look as clean as the body...

 

[RacerX]

Bonus post... my wife bought me a new rear seat for my birthday!!

It arrived today!!

 

[RacerX]

Swapped out my front and read shackles then built bumpers... I’m really not happy with the reverse rake (front appears higher than the rear). I’ll drive it around some with the hope that the front will settle... if it doesn’t, I’ll have to decide I a winch or on shorter shackles. See what happens.

 

[Johnny]

Do some research on removing some leafs and or look at swapping 1 or 2 from front to rear. Everything has multiple effects but it might just be the ticket.

 

[RacerX]

Things just sort of steam rolled on this Jeep....

it’s been running hot despite a new water pump and thermostat. I started looking options for flushing the cooling system and noticed a decent oil puddle under the rear of the Jeep.

I’m now looking at a bottom reseal to hopefully address the leaks. But... I’ll have it all apart, so I should replace the oil pump and timing chain too.

The $90 in parts and half day of labor for the rear main seal, timing chain cover seal and oil pan seal just grew into another $150 in parts. Money I really don’t have right now unfortunately.