Well, I've been on here for several years now and have only contributed miscellaneous advice to others. Well, it's now time to introduce a project of mine that I have been messing with for the last 6 or 7 months, off and on...
Last September I bought a low mile, 2 owner SX/4 Sport that had been sitting for the last almost 7 years. It was bone stock but with a Clifford aluminum valve cover that had been on in for many years before me finding it. It had a 258, A/C, auto, 119, 3.07s, silver paint, black trim, black interior with a split rear seat and dealer installed sunroof that actually didn't leak! Oh yeah, it also had factory fog lights, rear spoiler, and rear window louvers...
Here is where I started messing with it...
First off, I clearanced the fenders and rockers to clear 31s, I trimmed the front fenders under the headlights, around the corners and removed the front valance behind the front bumper. I added expandable coil spacers for about 1" of lift, 2' lift blocks in the rear because the leafs were shot... The transfer case was starting to slip so I used that as an excuse to swap it out for a 208 from an 82 J20 truck. That is my transfer case of choice for Eagles and FSJs and has been for many years. I drove it around for several months like that and enjoyed it. But I can never leave things well enough alone...
I pulled it into the garage after I bought a donor 84 Grand Wagoneer for an engine and transmission... An AMC360 with a 727... I pulled everything from under the Eagle from the front and rear suspension to the engine and transmission...
I have done an SAS to a wagon several years ago that had a 304, 999, and 219 with a D30/AMC20 combo from a Metric Tonne 86 Comanche with 4.10s and set it on 35s... It was big, bad, stable and capable but lost it's every day driver ease of use. It got tons of respect in traffic and on the trail. But it was too big to climb in and out of on a constant basis... I didn't want this one to be that car all over again...
I used old photos and my 20 years worth of Jeep wrenching and parts swapping to pick out the right pieces and parts to build this one... I used the front 6 leaf spring packs from the 84 GW with Warrior CJ shackle and spring hangers with YJ shackles. I made 3/16" plates to laminate the underside of the subframe from the forward most bolt holes under the radiator crossmember all the way to the backside of the transmission crossmember bolt holes. Doing that added a ton of rigidity to the unibody! I wanted to have it as a complete bolton using every factory bolt hole from stem to stern... The upper front shock mounts are 1/4" thick flat steel plates bolted to the shock tower tops using all the existing bolts and studs. I used JKS stud eliminators front and rear for proper shock mounting. I'm using the GW swaybar with XJ bushing brackets and will be using JKS CJ Quicker Disconnects on it for off highway duties... The rear spring I used some of the stock spring pack with 89 S-10 2wd Blazer rear leafs mixed in including an old drag racer trick of making a half leaf for the topside of the springs from the axle forward to help control axlewrap and spring deformation that kills the pack... And unfortunately for now, I had to use 2" lift blocks in the rear to help make things level. I may have the front main leafs dearched at a local spring shop so I can lower the front in order to eliminate them and bring the height down a little more to make me happier for daily use...
For axles I'm using a D44 and AMC20 from an 85 GW with 3.31 gears and a Trac-lock in the rear. I have a flat-top knuckle and forged 1" rise steer arm on the passenger side to be able to make the steering work. I have a stock GW pitman arm on it to maintain a good steering angle. With 33s the gear ratio should be about perfect for now to use on the freeway and all around. I might go as low as 3.73s later to make everything happier... I rebuilt the rear brakes with new wheel cylinders, shoes, and hardware kits. I have brand new rotors, ceramic pads, rebuilt Chevy big bore 3/4t calipers, new brake hoses, rebuilt master cylinder from when I first bought the car, and new front wheel bearings, new longer custom brake hoses front and rear...
Originally I took a V-8 Javelin engine crossmember and butchered it for the motormount portion so I could use that to be able to bolt the engine in, but I forgot about the engine to firewall offset that those bigger cars have versus this smaller platform... So I will be rediong them from scratch so the engine will bolt up. The transmission crossmember will also have to be re-engineered from scratch in order to get the transmission mounted back up as well. I'm planning on being able to reuse the stock t-case skid...
I haven't done anything to the 360 yet as far as performance goodies, but I am putting 3" single exhaust on it while I'm at it...
As soon as I figure out how to get pictures on here, I'll post them... I'm sure you will enjoy them... I should be done with the car in the next week or two... I'm excited!
Holy cow! You're going to have it all finished up in less then a year? You don't let the grass grow under your projects do you? Good for you. How do you find the time?
Yes, pics, pics, pics. I can't wait to see it. Seems most get a picture hosting service of some kind, load their pics there, and then insert a link in their posts on here to the pics. Hope that helps.
Sounds like you are doing yours in a similar way that I did mine. I made a complete subframe for my wagon:
(http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k13/rollguy/ALTREGL015.jpg)
(http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k13/rollguy/ALTREGL016.jpg)
I also made a complete tube frame (doubles as an air tank for onboard air) for my SX4:
(http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k13/rollguy/ALTREGL007.jpg)
All 3 of the Eagles that I modified used Dana 44's, 4.2 engines, 998 trans, and Dana 300 TC.
And yes, we like photos here! Some have said: "photos, or it didn't happen".
Well... I work from home and do mechanic work and starting to do restorations for other people as well. That's how come it isn't taking me a year plus to build it. The process of gutting the engine, transmission, and complete front suspension only took a day and a half... I'll try setting up a photobucket account this evening so you can see what I did with mine...
Quote from: idahoeagle on September 21, 2012, 11:44:27 AM
Well... I work from home and do mechanic work and starting to do restorations for other people as well. That's how come it isn't taking me a year plus to build it. The process of gutting the engine, transmission, and complete front suspension only took a day and a half...
Master... :notworthy:
I'm in awe of those of you who can not only hold a full time job but do a project on the side in a fraction of the time it took my unemployed self to do.
Well... Here come the pictures, 1st attempt... 1st pic is of a car exactly like mine, I kinda forgot to take a picture of mine when I got it before I started modifying it...
http://m1280.photobucket.com/albumview/albums/idahoeagle1972/Mobile%20Uploads/images_zps921cfdbe.jpg.html?newest=1
Next one is after the lift and clearancing on 31s before I tore it apart...
http://m1280.photobucket.com/albumview/albums/idahoeagle1972/Mobile%20Uploads/ResizedImage_1348805337045_zps9df329ac.jpg.html?newest=1
Here's the first Eagle I straight axled... An 85 wagon...
http://m1280.photobucket.com/albumview/albums/idahoeagle1972/Mobile%20Uploads/DCP_7600_zpsf6ef6a37.jpg.html?newest=1
Stock front suspension out...
http://m1280.photobucket.com/albumview/albums/idahoeagle1972/Mobile%20Uploads/ResizedImage_1348805431926_zps50ab2e7f.jpg.html?newest=1
And front diff out...
http://m1280.photobucket.com/albumview/albums/idahoeagle1972/Mobile%20Uploads/2012-05-06_17-42-52_102_zps0edfbc30.jpg.html?newest=1
As well as the engine...
http://m1280.photobucket.com/albumview/albums/idahoeagle1972/Mobile%20Uploads/ResizedImage_1348805475284_zps1c22a73e.jpg.html?newest=1
And transmission and transfercase...
http://m1280.photobucket.com/albumview/albums/idahoeagle1972/Mobile%20Uploads/2012-05-28_11-10-55_88_zps8a57f972.jpg.html?newest=1
Engine compartment kinda looking a bit empty...
http://m1280.photobucket.com/albumview/albums/idahoeagle1972/Mobile%20Uploads/ResizedImage_1348805567642_zpsc0acfaf9.jpg.html?newest=1
The V-8 crossmember before modification...
http://m1280.photobucket.com/albumview/albums/idahoeagle1972/Mobile%20Uploads/ResizedImage_1348805612951_zps6172fb08.jpg.html?newest=1
And after...
http://m1280.photobucket.com/albumview/albums/idahoeagle1972/Mobile%20Uploads/ResizedImage_1348847666258_zps88a1dcac.jpg.html?newest=1
Beginnings of the frame plates with the spring and shackle hangers...
http://m1280.photobucket.com/albumview/albums/idahoeagle1972/Mobile%20Uploads/ResizedImage_1348805811784_zps0d2b90dd.jpg.html?newest=1
http://m1280.photobucket.com/albumview/albums/idahoeagle1972/Mobile%20Uploads/ResizedImage_1348805866418_zps9002a7df.jpg.html?newest=1
Front springs and first mock-up of the 85 Grand Wagoneer 44...
http://m1280.photobucket.com/albumview/albums/idahoeagle1972/Mobile%20Uploads/ResizedImage_1348805973462_zps2aee9180.jpg.html?newest=1
Everything starting to come together...
http://m1280.photobucket.com/albumview/albums/idahoeagle1972/Mobile%20Uploads/ResizedImage_1348805762597_zpsfe05c064.jpg.html?newest=1
The D35 joining the pile of parts...
http://m1280.photobucket.com/albumview/albums/idahoeagle1972/Mobile%20Uploads/ResizedImage_1348806038495_zps68d609d3.jpg.html?newest=1
The AMC20 that replaced it...
http://m1280.photobucket.com/albumview/albums/idahoeagle1972/Mobile%20Uploads/ResizedImage_1348806063741_zps429bc7ac.jpg.html?newest=1
A shot of one of the S10 Blazer leafs against the Eagle leaf it replaced...
http://m1280.photobucket.com/albumview/albums/idahoeagle1972/Mobile%20Uploads/2012-06-01_21-12-23_239_zps9c2da4cb.jpg.html?newest=1
Rear spring before...
http://m1280.photobucket.com/albumview/albums/idahoeagle1972/Mobile%20Uploads/ResizedImage_1348806166012_zps3df0f57f.jpg.html?newest=1
And after the integration of the new leafs...
http://m1280.photobucket.com/albumview/albums/idahoeagle1972/Mobile%20Uploads/ResizedImage_1348848672606_zps3187602a.jpg.html?newest=1
The rear together sitting on the original set of 31s from before I tore it down only on the GW wheels...
http://m1280.photobucket.com/albumview/albums/idahoeagle1972/Mobile%20Uploads/ResizedImage_1348806228526_zpsc2e042a7.jpg.html?newest=1
Now on the 33s...
http://m1280.photobucket.com/albumview/albums/idahoeagle1972/Mobile%20Uploads/2012-06-10_17-05-28_921_zps43ecf970.jpg.html?newest=1
And finally on all 4s...
http://m1280.photobucket.com/albumview/albums/idahoeagle1972/Mobile%20Uploads/ResizedImage_1348806515302_zps8df55ea5.jpg.html?newest=1
And the degunked engine and transmission upgrade going in...
http://m1280.photobucket.com/albumview/albums/idahoeagle1972/Mobile%20Uploads/ResizedImage_1348806473435_zps46f33745.jpg.html?newest=1
It finding its new home...
http://m1280.photobucket.com/albumview/albums/idahoeagle1972/Mobile%20Uploads/ResizedImage_1348849425846_zps997f1e1e.jpg.html?newest=1
Almost looks like it belongs there... Hehe!
http://m1280.photobucket.com/albumview/albums/idahoeagle1972/Mobile%20Uploads/ResizedImage_1348849676363_zps11da5abb.jpg.html
Sadly enough, the weight of the 360, 727, and winch and mount only brought the front down less than an inch...
http://m1280.photobucket.com/albumview/albums/idahoeagle1972/Mobile%20Uploads/ResizedImage_1348806543363_zpsc7180a95.jpg.html
I ended up swapping out front springs for some lighter weight Wagoneer springs, Jeep used several different leaf springs under the front of the fullsize Jeeps...
http://m1280.photobucket.com/albumview/albums/idahoeagle1972/Mobile%20Uploads/ResizedImage_1348806308549_zps6693e93d.jpg.html
That lowered the front almost 2"... But the back had to come up more... I have 2" blocks in the back now, but it's still a little nose high for my liking. After I get it drivable and finish the bumpers, I might have a local spring shop flip the main leafs in front so it can come down a little more. Here's how she looks right now...
http://m1280.photobucket.com/albumview/albums/idahoeagle1972/Mobile%20Uploads/ResizedImage_1348806697694_zps635a0e7b.jpg.html
i had long front brake hoses made to work with the big bore Chevy 3/4 ton calipers...
http://m1280.photobucket.com/albumview/albums/idahoeagle1972/Mobile%20Uploads/ResizedImage_1348806848301_zps95692e5b.jpg.html
I was wanting to use the front factory upper shock mounts using JKS shock stud adapters but had to go a little different route because of obscene front shock lengths...
http://m1280.photobucket.com/albumview/albums/idahoeagle1972/Mobile%20Uploads/ResizedImage_1348806751103_zps0c58f1ec.jpg.html
http://m1280.photobucket.com/albumview/albums/idahoeagle1972/Mobile%20Uploads/ResizedImage_1348806791228_zps81e4f434.jpg.html
I still have to deal with steering... I have a shiny machined flat top knuckle with a high steer arm, new studs, and new balljoints I'm hoping to swap out this weekend...
http://m1280.photobucket.com/albumview/albums/idahoeagle1972/Mobile%20Uploads/ResizedImage_1348806734303_zps49f7cef6.jpg.html
After I get it drivable I'm going to cut the rocker panels out, not because of rust, and replace them with 3/16" 4x4 steel tubing and weld them in place. I'm going to figure out how to tie them together with the frame plating I've already done to strengthen and stiffen the chassis. I'm also going to laminate the outsides of the front subframe to help with steering strength, winching stresses and bumper mounting...
How's that for a closet build? Hehe!
:occasion14: Awesome! haha Dirty little secret, I know how it is to work in confined quarters.
Awesome!
Well... I hate it when you don't have time to work on your own junk... I got the knuckle swapped out, redid the motormount brackets for the 3rd time, worked on the bumper mounting and sides, started cleaning a few things up and connecting them under the hood to get it closer to running... I'll post pictures tonight when I get more accomplished...
Actually got some work done to the front bumper today as well...
http://m1280.photobucket.com/albumview/albums/idahoeagle1972/Mobile%20Uploads/ResizedImage_1352329562049_zps45d2e97c.jpg.html?newest=1
http://m1280.photobucket.com/albumview/albums/idahoeagle1972/Mobile%20Uploads/ResizedImage_1352327034133_zpsee22b21a.jpg.html?newest=1
http://m1280.photobucket.com/albumview/albums/idahoeagle1972/Mobile%20Uploads/ResizedImage_1352316150666_zps5dc695a6.jpg.html?newest=1
Whatcha think? The center of it is a recycled Warn winch mount brushguard with everything else built by me. The headlight guards wer bent up by a buddy to my specs...
Looks great!
Looking good and functional to me :occasion14: .
Well I got my steering picked up from the machine shop and installed on the car today... I'm fairly happy with the results so far. My only concern is I might have to swap to a stock Wagoneer pitman arm or build bumpstops for the front suspension... I hate to limit the travel or change the almost perfectly flat steering angle... I guess we'll see in the next few days... She's almost done...
http://m1280.photobucket.com/albumview/albums/idahoeagle1972/Mobile%20Uploads/ResizedImage_1352939465720_zps9cb9a626.jpg.html?newest=1
http://m1280.photobucket.com/albumview/albums/idahoeagle1972/Mobile%20Uploads/ResizedImage_1352939465720_zps9cb9a626.jpg.html?o=0&newest=1
http://m1280.photobucket.com/albumview/albums/idahoeagle1972/Mobile%20Uploads/ResizedImage_1352939465720_zps9cb9a626.jpg.html?o=0&newest=1
I even had to have jam nuts custom made...
Well she's finally on the road! I still have bugs to work out and bumpers to finish, but I can drive her after way too many months of being without Eagle...
http://m1280.photobucket.com/albumview/albums/idahoeagle1972/Mobile%20Uploads/ResizedImage_1357165049835_zps617207e5.jpg.html?newest=1
http://m1280.photobucket.com/albumview/albums/idahoeagle1972/Mobile%20Uploads/ResizedImage_1355982172705_zps09bd9edd.jpg.html
http://m1280.photobucket.com/albumview/albums/idahoeagle1972/Mobile%20Uploads/ResizedImage_1357165471188_zps733ee996.jpg.html
Looks awesome! Great job. :eaglebig:
Thanks! It was a lot.of work, and still has a lot left. But it's a blast to drive. And came out a bit heavier than i was expecting...
At some point this winter I'll figure out what I want to do for the wheel openings. I'm either going to have new larger fender lips or some kind of tube flare using 1 1/2" DOM. 120" tubing...
I'll build the rear bumper and tire carrier in the next month or two as well. It'll be plate steel just like the wings from the front bumper is.
I'm also going to replace the rockers with 4" 3/16" square tubing. Not because they are rotten or beat up. Just a structuralreinforcement and preventative armor kinda thing. They'll tie into the extra subframe plating that I'll do at the same time. The tie in material is 1"x3" 1/8" rectangular tubing. I'm going to have a 6 point cage done to stiffen up the chassis that much more and add rollover protection.
I am going to lower the car about 3" as well. But I have to make a new bracket for the steering box first. It needs to come down about 2" and forward 3" in order to clear the water outlet on the radiator and move the joint on the draglink forward of the diff, it only the casting r
Sorry, my phone freaked out... The steering box needs to move to clear the radiator outlet and to make the joint on the draglink clear the front diff.by more than 1 1/2". I can't even wheel it till I move it. As soon as I get the bracket done, I'm going to have some spring work done to.soften them up a little and lower the front 3"...
The rear I'll lower 2" by removing the lift blocks. And the weight of the rear bumper and tire carrier with the spare will settle things down maybe another inch.
:occasion14: Looks awesome man! Great work, will look even better a little close to the ground and still clearing the 33's.
Well... She's up for sale...
Sorry you have to sell it. It takes a lot of work and cash to get to that point. That's why I bought one already built. ;D
What did you give for yours?
I decided to keep it... And I'm going to regear it to 4.10s...
Quote from: idahoeagle on January 24, 2013, 09:27:53 PM
What did you give for yours?
$7500. Seller had $19,000 in receipts :o.