CJ-10a offroad conversion project

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

I have posted pics in a couple Off-Road FSJ Tech threads, but thought I'd start a project update thread to show what I'm doing with one of my CJ-10as. These tugs have essentially a shortened FSJ frame. I'm converting this for road/offroad use by doing the following:
Keep it on the cheap by bartering for parts where I can.
Retain stock Nissan SD-33 6-cyl. diesel motor and TF-727 auto transmission.
'90 GW Dana 44 front axle: I'm in the process of cleaning this axle up for paint; see photo below. It'll need a 4.10 re-gear, and I'd like to convert it to manual lockouts and add a locker. I'll see how the budget goes. This axle is a bolt-in for the '10a (translation = easy swap).
Isuzu Rodeo Dana 44 rear axle: Factory 4.10 gears, rear disc brakes, 6 x 5.5" lug pattern, and it's ~58" wide WMS-to-WMS. It'll be a great match for the NT FSJ front axle.
Plain-Jane Toyota 4-Runner steel wheels.
NP-208 T-case: I swapped an NP-229 case for this one. It'll replace the AMC 198 case that's currently in the tug, and locked in low-range. The 208 is a bolt-in affair, and I had to extend the shift linkage by ~5-6"...an easy fix.
34" x 9.5" TSL Super Swampers.
Reworked rear springs to extend wheelbase (using Sky Manufacturing spring hangers and a 2nd set of front Waggy springs).
The rear bed is still undecided. I'm now leaning toward building a M-416-esque 1/4-ton military trailer type bed, but I have also considered using the back 1/2 of a YJ tub or running some sort of flatbed.
Pintle hitches front & rear.It's just getting ready to head off to JCR Offroad (http://www.jcroffroad.com) this weekend, where the guys there will do the following:
Double-check all measurements & suspension setup (currently tack-welded).
Finish weld spring hangers & shackle hangers, and gusset where needed.
Set rear axle pinion angle & weld on spring perches.
Weld up the rear diff ("Lincoln Locker").These guys can weld real purty, and it'll be great confirming that everything is set up properly.

When I'm done (April '07 timeframe), I should have a unique, good-running diesel-powered Jeep that offroads well and still gets close to 25+ mpg around town. :thumbsup:

Craig

EDIT: I added a pic of the CJ-10a as it looked when I bought it (stock form).

[bigun]

Sounds like a neat project keep us informed with lots of pics

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

Sounds like a neat project keep us informed with lots of pics

Will do.

I forgot to mention that the only lift required for this Jeep was a set of 1" lift shackles from BJs Offroad. They balanced out the ride height with the custom rear suspension setup. I was really excited to be able to clear 34" tires with very little lift (low C.O.G.). :cool:

Once it comes back from JCR Offroad, the to-do list will be:

Pick up & install rebuilt front axle (being rebuilt by another Michigan shop).
Buy & install front & rear driveshafts.
Figure out fuel tank/cell and install (existing tank is too wide, and doesn't allow clearance for the tires).
TEST DRIVE!
Build rear crossmember/bumper combo, and front bumper.


Craig

[Poley]

very cool, I would like one of those

[scumby]

are you making it into a dually?

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

are you making it into a dually?

No scumby. The wheels/tires that are currently on it are just mismatched rollers (6-lug rear w/32" tires & 8-lug front w/stock ~29" tires). I just had the 34s in front of it to get pics, and will switch the 34s onto my set of 6-lug wheels once I install the front axle.

Craig

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

FYI...I'm selling off my other CJ-10a tug (I made a post in the For Sale forum). I may end up parting it out, as I have a guy interested in the tub, doors & top. I'll know more within the next day or two.

Craig

[scotty]

my only criticism is the use of a 44 rear axle. even with your relatively small 34" tires,i think the tug is heavy enuff for the 44 to not be reliable.

id keep the 70,give it a shave and finda matching 4.88 for the front. if its an off road rig,the extra beef and gearing will help and is worth sacrificing alittle ground clearance for :drivin:

[JeepNOFEAR]

That's a cool idea :thumbsup:

[incommando]

I guy around here has converted a couple of those. He says an early Toyota bed is an easy fit. Of course, finding any used Toyota truck body part around here the isn't primarily red flakes is a challenge.

[adamsclarke]

my only criticism is the use of a 44 rear axle. even with your relatively small 34" tires,i think the tug is heavy enuff for the 44 to not be reliable.

id keep the 70,give it a shave and finda matching 4.88 for the front. if its an off road rig,the extra beef and gearing will help and is worth sacrificing alittle ground clearance for :drivin:
I agree...a rear 60 or 14 bolts is cheap....and that 70 on the tug is WIDE!...so I definately wouldn't use that. should be a seet project.
A guy in Lynchburg, VA has 4 tugs. He converted 1 to a trail truck...with a HP 44 frt, 14 bolt rear and a rear frame and bed section from an S-10. Definately heavy, but sweet and different :)

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

Pics from JCR Offroad. The rear crossmember/bumper still needs to be built, and the rear portion of the frame (up to the new shock mounts) will be boxed. These guys do nice work! :cool:

Regarding the Dana 44 vs. heavier axle comment, the tug isn't that heavy once you get the bobtail bed and HUGE freakin' weight removed from the back end. It'll just end up with a truck bed of some sort eventually. The Isuzu D44 will do just fine, IMO.

Craig

http://jcroffroad.com/images/1x1speed/DSC00099.jpg
http://jcroffroad.com/images/1x1speed/DSC00100.jpg
http://jcroffroad.com/images/1x1speed/DSC00101.jpg
http://jcroffroad.com/images/1x1speed/DSC00102.jpg
http://jcroffroad.com/images/1x1speed/DSC00103.jpg
http://jcroffroad.com/images/1x1speed/DSC00104.jpg

[bigun]

You went spring under?

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

You went spring under?

No, I just posted the photos upside down. ;) :D

Yes, I went spring-under. There was no reason to go spring-over, as doing this would have made the rear of the vehicle significantly higher than the front. I only need enough lift to clear 34" tires. In front, that meant a set of 1" lift shackles from BJ's Offroad, combined with stock springs. In the rear, it'll get a bed of some sort, and I can design it to clear whatever I need.

Craig

[bigun]

No worries it was just kinda shocking when you see all the treads on going spring over.

[DanHS]

That looks really nice. Will the rear crosmember go between the rear shackle mounts and eliminate that overhang? I like the fabwork they did. Spring under makes sense, and now you can always spring over it if you need more lift in the future. My only thought is that you now have the ubolt ends sticking down and taking away clearance. Now I want to build one, only as a dually, just have to wait for the local Air Nat Guard base to scrap one and for me to have more time and money...

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

No worries it was just kinda shocking when you see all the treads on going spring over.

:)

That looks really nice. Will the rear crosmember go between the rear shackle mounts and eliminate that overhang? I like the fabwork they did. Spring under makes sense, and now you can always spring over it if you need more lift in the future. My only thought is that you now have the ubolt ends sticking down and taking away clearance.

The rear crossmember will just be added to the rear. I thought about bobbing the frame to the rear of the shackle hangers, but I want some bed space on the rear (it won't be that big as it is). Regarding the U-bolts, I thought about going with a U-bolt flip kit, but wanted to conserve $$$. I reused the stock spring plates, shackle hangers, shackles, etc. to save some dough. I have two young kids in daycare...'Nuff said. :D

Craig

[scumby]

how much room do you have for a bed? 3-4 ft?

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

how much room do you have for a bed? 3-4 ft?

An even 48" bed would leave an inch or two between the bed & cab. At least it'll be nice for keeping the numbers "round". :)

A fuel cell will probably take up a little of this space.

Craig

[scumby]

add one of these to the back of it, it's 48" long.

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l119/scumby16/Untitled.jpg

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

More pics... :cool:

http://jcroffroad.com/images/1x1speed/DSC00113.jpg

http://jcroffroad.com/images/1x1speed/DSC00115.jpg

http://jcroffroad.com/images/1x1speed/DSC00117.jpg

[KaiserMan]

This is a great little build you've got going. Some nice fab work. Makes me want to pick up a tug. Looks like it would be a heck of a lot of fun in the woods.

[DanHS]

It would sure look right towing a 1/4 ton military box trailer. I want to try the same thing, but with the narrowest dually rear axle I can find and a D60 front, and a little bit taller tires.

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

Thanks guys. I did the "basic" suspension setup (tack-welded things), but JCR Offroad in Kalamazoo deserves credit for the pretty finish welds, shock mount relocation, and rear bumper/crossmember. They also "Lincoln Locked" the Dana 44. They add a couple pieces of plate and weld all-around (vs. just the corners of the carrier...see sample photo below). It should be a fairly bullet-proof setup.

Craig


http://jcroffroad.com/misc/Ebayparts/welddiff.jpg

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

I just ordered this Summit RCI-2161AD fuel cell (http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=RCI%2D2161AD&view=1&N=700+150+400379+) to mount in the bed (thanks for the suggestion, JCR). Free shipping, and it should be here by Monday. I'm very close to a quick test-drive. :thumbsup:

Craig

http://static.summitracing.com/global/images/prod/large/rci-2161ad_w.jpg

[AlsChopShop]

keep the pics coming, this is a good looking build! :thumbsup:

Al

[yeep74]

:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

B:drivin:

[UKJeeper]

Nice work so far. A guy i know has had his old Flightline turned into a real nice rig. Thought you might want to see it.

http://www.j33p.org/_club/rides_view.cfm?ride_id=16&start=1&order=1&filter_by_make_id=1&filter_by_model_id=12&filter_by_last_name_chr=ALL

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

Nice work so far. A guy i know has had his old Flightline turned into a real nice rig. Thought you might want to see it.

http://www.j33p.org/_club/rides_view.cfm?ride_id=16&start=1&order=1&filter_by_make_id=1&filter_by_model_id=12&filter_by_last_name_chr=ALL

Yeah, I exchanged a few e-mails with him. Nice rig.

I didn't really do anything with the '10a this weekend, as temperatures were sub-zero and I spent most of my time plowing my drive with my other '10a plow rig (http://www.altelco.net/~emenaker/jeep/cj10a/plow_rig/plow_tug_1.jpg). I am getting the 34" tires mounted on the 6-bolt wheels today, though. I should also be getting my '90 GW Dana 44 front axle back from getting regeared & freshened up this Saturday.

I really like these tugs, and may have decided to hang onto my other (plow) one...I may be getting rid of my '55 M-170 instead.

Thanks for the compliments from you other guys too, BTW. :)

Craig

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

I took a "mental health" (vacation) day yesterday, and made good progress on the tug.


Front axle is now pulled.
I built a makeshift (temporary) redneck-style wooden platform for the new fuel cell. This will just be used for the initial test-drive.
I picked up the fittings needed to hook up the input/outputs on the fuel cell to the 5/16" and 1/4" soft fuel lines.
A couple of the brackets on the rear that I cut off to remove the bohemoth weight above the rear axle have been ground down


I also got a call from Jeff at The Jeep Outfitters, and my rebuilt/regeared Dana 44 front axle will be ready for pick-up Saturday. Road trip! Since the front axle has been sandblasted and painted nicely by TJO, I'll spend some time repainting the front springs & spring plates before reinstalling.

Craig

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

Well, my front axle was delayed a couple more days. No big deal, as I still have to paint the leaf springs before reinstalling anyway.

The big news is that I picked up a modified, somewhat beat-up M-416 trailer today. It's not in great shape, but it's not horrible, either. A previous owner had cut out the rear and made a home-brew tailgate. I got the tub removed from the trailer frame, and got it up on the back end of the tug. You'll have to use a little "creative vision", as I'll be cutting it down to ~46" long, adding some new squared-off fenders (the original ones are pretty beat-up), and will install some sort of tailgate again in the rear. I'll clean up the rust adequately for this season, and hit it with a quickie olive drab paint job along with the rest of the vehicle; next year, I'll probably replace the floor (there are a few small holes in it). I'll probably build a wooden deck & sides on the trailer frame, and use it for yard work.

Craig

[bigun]

Looks like it is going to be one of a kind!!

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

Here are few pics of the recent work - front axle installed, M-416 bed cut down, and redneck fuel cell mounting (just to test-fire the motor). This 3/4 shot shows the stance with the narrow-track FSJ front axle. The 34" Swampers fit nicely. Time will tell if they'll rub at all (it looks like they'll stuff just fine).

I'm currently working on repainting the rear axle and getting it ready for reinstallation. Then I'll address rear brake lines (already have the parts) and bleeding.

Craig

[fulsizjeep]

thanks for the updates! lookin good :thumbsup:

[bigun]

Wow you are moving on this one! Looking good.

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

Thanks guys. I'm shooting for a 4/1 completion date (OK, not "completion"...they're never "done"...but at least driveable). I want to be able to drive it for a couple months before taking it down to Windrock in Tennessee in June.

Craig

[DanHS]

Nice! I love the look of the narrow Swampers. The bed ought to work out perfectly, have you measured any Jeep tailgates to see if they can be made to fit well? It would be cool to have a tailgate that said Jeep.

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

Nice! I love the look of the narrow Swampers. The bed ought to work out perfectly, have you measured any Jeep tailgates to see if they can be made to fit well? It would be cool to have a tailgate that said Jeep.

Thanks DanHS. I'm not sure what I'll do yet with taillights. I could use the original round truck-style lights countersunk in the rear of the bed, or I could go with trailer-style lights mounted to the side of the bed. It's a clean slate at this point...I'll figure that out in a while.

I'm 99% certain that I'm just going to box in the rear and not have a tailgate. It'll be much easier to get a nice, solid structure that way. I may try to work a Jeep stamping of some sort into the rear. I'll have to give that some thought.

Craig

[scumby]

if you do a flat tailgate or rear bulkhead you could use the j10 stickers. that's my plan anyway.

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

if you do a flat tailgate or rear bulkhead you could use the j10 stickers. that's my plan anyway.

Thanks scumby. I'll have to investigate this some. I also have a couple CJ-7 tailgates around. I have thought about cutting out the "Jeep" stamping and welding it into a piece of flat sheetmetal, then using that for the back.

Craig

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

I just finished cleaning up & painting the rear of the frame (semi-flat black). I also drilled four (4) extra holes in the tops of the frame rails for body mount positions. I'm picking up the rear axle from the sandblaster tomorrow, and will have it painted early this week. By next weekend, I should have the freshly-painted rear axle reinstalled, at which points I can install brake lines and bleed them.

Craig

[bigun]

You do realize that you are embarrassing the rest of us with the speed at which you are working at?

:grumble::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

Well, I got up at 3:30am this morning and got my freshly-painted rear leaf springs & Isuzu D44 rear axle installed under the '10a before I came to work (I'm anxious to get this thing done). :thumbsup: Pics to come once I have the rear brake lines installed and wheels mounted back up.

Craig

[bigun]

Well, I got up at 3:30am this morning and got my freshly-painted rear leaf springs & Isuzu D44 rear axle installed under the '10a before I came to work (I'm anxious to get this thing done). :thumbsup: Pics to come once I have the rear brake lines installed and wheels mounted back up.

Craig
There you go again!!

[Mavawreck]

Beautiful! That thing is really cool, I like everything about it. Just one question, Would a cj5/7 or tj style front clip fit? I think every jeep should have round headlights...

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

Beautiful! That thing is really cool, I like everything about it. Just one question, Would a cj5/7 or tj style front clip fit? I think every jeep should have round headlights...

Thanks Mavawreck. The front clip on this is unique and cool enough that I wouldn't switch it (I am a fan of CJs, though, and also have an Unlimited with round headlights). The hood is standard CJ-issue. CJ fenders and grill would bolt up, but I'm not sure if inner fenderwell trimming would be required to clear some of the stuff in the engine compartment.

Craig

[rustywagoneers_com]

i think the position of the firewall relative to the front wheel opening is the big problem with using a CJ clip. you would have to move the tub back some distance to get it to work. i used to know the amount, but that information is not accesible at this time. the engine sits farther back in relationship to the front axle on the CJ versus the FSJ style stuff. which means the firewall and tub will be different by that amount. hence the 'funny' front clip for the CJ-10 stuff. at least they were able to make the radiator fit under a standard CJ length hood..... great progress on your machine... i will be mounting the tank and re-attaching the rear body mounts on the one i am building today. then it is time for brake and fuel lines, paint, t-case shifter, and send it to wherever he is getting the flatbed made.

peace
Dave

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

i think the position of the firewall relative to the front wheel opening is the big problem with using a CJ clip. you would have to move the tub back some distance to get it to work.

That makes sense. If you were mounting the tub/front clip on a standard CJ/YJ frame, it would be a non-issue, though.

Here are more pics of my progress. I still need to pick up one fitting for the brake lines. I should have them done this week. I also got the t-case filled with fluid today, and will be measuring for driveshafts this week. I have to take a little bit of a break and return some scrap steel, as I heard prices around here are between $170-200/ton (double what they were a couple months ago). I have a decent amount of steel to scrap (including the 1200-lb. weight from the back of the tug), so that'll help fund my driveshafts.

Craig

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

A buddy helped me out again last night (thanks Kelsey), and we measured for driveshafts. He also started cleaning up the M-416 bed, and we got the bed/fuel cell mounted on the back of the Jeep. I'll measure & drill mounting holes in the bed in the next few days. I got the tie rod/drag link disassembled, and they'll be ready for paint by the end of the week.

I also ordered driveshafts (from D&R Driveline in Jenison) today over my lunch hour. They'll be ready tomorrow afternoon.

It's looking like a test-drive this weekend! :thumbsup:

Craig

[jepj2000]

Can't wait to see it with the bed mounted up! Its getting close man keep it up.

Rankin

[scumby]

craig, i have a couple of questions on your front end set up.

1. your using an NT front end, right? what size wheel and offset are you using on your 34's?

2. are your front shacles lift shackles?

i currently have a WT frontend with 15x8's on my 34's and they stick out a bit too far for my liking, about 3-4"s.

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

Can't wait to see it with the bed mounted up! Its getting close man keep it up.

Rankin

Thanks. :)

craig, i have a couple of questions on your front end set up.

1. your using an NT front end, right? what size wheel and offset are you using on your 34's?

2. are your front shacles lift shackles?

i currently have a WT frontend with 15x8's on my 34's and they stick out a bit too far for my liking, about 3-4"s.

Hi Scumby - Yes, I'm using a '90 GW narrow-track front axle (60.5" WMS-to-WMS), and couldn't be happier with the stance. Of course, it matches well with the rear axle width (58"). The wheels are stock 15" steel wheels from a late '80s Toyota 4-Runner. They're 7" wheels, but I'm not sure about the backspacing measurement. I am running a set of BJ's Offroad 1" lift shackles, not because I needed to, but rather to balance out the ride height with the rear of the vehicle.

I'm picking up my driveshafts after work today, and should be able to test it out by Sunday. My wife has been extemely patient and supportive of the work I have been doing on this, and is also excited about riding in it when it's done. :cool:

BTW, I just checked out your alaska4x4 thread today, and shared your build thead with some folks on cj-8.com. How long are you going to be at sea? I'm still plugging away at scanning your manual, BTW.

Craig

[scumby]

i actually got back on tuesday, nice ride with only minor seas (10-12 ft).

one of these days shortly i will post the final assembly pic. i have test run mine already but only around town. it drives well just not liking all the additional spray from the front tires sticking out. i think when i get down to the lower 48 i will see if i can find someone to trade a NT for a WT.

i may have to get a set of those shacles to level my ride as well.

very anxious to see your bed.

as i discussed with you i did not want to take away from your build up thread but for those who may be interested, here is my 10a build up thread on a different board.

http://alaska4x4network.com/showthread.php?t=26590

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

as i discussed with you i did not want to take away from your build up thread but for those who may be interested, here is my 10a build up thread on a different board.

http://alaska4x4network.com/showthread.php?t=26590

You're not taking anything away from my build-up thread...yours is a beautiful rig. Here, I'll help... :D

http://alaska4x4network.com/showthread.php?t=26590

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

Well, I took it for a test-drive today. I have to address a torque converter and/or governor issue, but other than that, it drove as-expected. BTW, I need to turn out the steering stops a fuzz, but the tires stuff in the front very nicely! More details soon...

Craig

[bigun]

Now take pictures during the day light so we can see LOL Glad to hear that the teething problems may be small.

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

I got the body mounts made for the bed, and reinforced the rear under the fuel cell. I also got the fuel cell mounted. I still have to make a panel to close in the rear of the bed, and then I'll wire-wheel it down and paint it black.

Here are a few gratuitous flex shots. It seems to do OK overall...nothing earth-shaking, though. I wasn't going for an uberflex rig, though. I just wanted to keep it fairly simple.

Craig

[BRUTUS]

I like it alot! Definately different than the mainstream! Kudos!

[KaiserMan]

Nice pics. That's looking pretty good. Just an idea, what about using the center of a J-truck tailgate to make that back panel? The vintage style Jeep stamping would look pretty good.

[jepj2000]

That thing is lookin pretty good. Glad to see that you got to go and enjoy it for little bit. Nice to not have any major issues with it either. Can't wait to see the final product!

Rankin

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

My weekend project was making a rear panel for my M-416 trailer bed. Some 1" tube and a sheed of 18-gauge (or somewhere around there) did the trick. I think it turned out pretty decent. I still have to drill holes for the flush-mount taillights, and a couple for a license plate. Then it's just a matter of finishing wire-wheeling the bed, and painting it semi-flat black.

I'm a little behind schedule, but I'm getting there.

Craig

http://www.altelco.net/%7Eemenaker/jeep/cj10a/offroad_project/bed_complete_1.jpg

http://www.altelco.net/%7Eemenaker/jeep/cj10a/offroad_project/bed_complete_2.jpg

[chakaD460]

Awesome work. I just finished reading through. Wish I had as much motivation.

[jepj2000]

Getting closer! Now some fenders, a little sanding and some paint. Looks better and better every time.

Rankin

[DanHS]

Looks good, like it was originally designed like that, can't wait to see it all finished. How come black instead of OD green on the bed? Paint that door hinge, it's bugging the crap out of me :rolleyes: :D

[Big-wagon87]

I can picture that cj10 with a set of big fat 40" boggers what a beast it would be.

[scumby]

what are you going to do for fenders?

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

what are you going to do for fenders?

I'll probably end up buying a set of trailer fenders for it. A buddy and I just finished wire-wheeling the bed last night. I also cut the holes for the taillights, and just need to drill holes & weld in small nuts for the license plate mounting. I hope to paint it by the weekend; I can always stitch-weld a set of fenders on after I get it on the road.

The bed isn't overly pretty, but I keep telling myself that it's a "trail rig". My goal is to use this bed for a couple years, then make a copy of it using new steel.

Craig

[grand_wag_85]

Looks good! My M416's rear panel is long since gone, was yours cut off too or did you shorten it?

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

Looks good! My M416's rear panel is long since gone, was yours cut off too or did you shorten it?

A previous owner had cut out the rear panel and built a home-brew tailgate. It just made me fell less guilty about hacking ~2' off the trailer bed. :D I bought some 1" tube and 18-ga. sheet metal to build the new rear panel.

Craig

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

The bed is now painted & remounted, and I have lights all-around. I took it for a test-spin tonight, and it did OK. It was just a little squirrely, but I don't have any shocks on it yet. I may also consider wedges in front to reset my caster (due to the 1" front lift shackles).

I plan on getting the kickdown linkage adjusted later this week, and should have it licensed/insured by next week. This should give me plenty of time to get any bugs worked out before taking it to Windrock (Tennessee) the 3rd week of June.

Craig

http://www.altelco.net/~emenaker/jeep/cj10a/offroad_project/bed_painted_1.jpg

http://www.altelco.net/~emenaker/jeep/cj10a/offroad_project/bed_painted_2.jpg

[bigun]

Squirrely, no shocks!!! Go figure LOL Looking good.

[uplandhawaii]

That's turning out to be an awesome rig! Wish I could run across one of those to build!

[grand_wag_85]

Looks good! Keep it comin!

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

Squirrely, no shocks!!! Go figure LOL Looking good.

:D Yes, I'll be mounting up some shocks this week.


That's turning out to be an awesome rig! Wish I could run across one of those to build!

Thanks. I actually have a 2nd tug (still in stock form), as well. I parted out a clean '83 Waggy, and ended up with a rust-free rolling chassis. I may go with a longer pick-up on the next project; the bed would end up being ~6' long using the Waggy frame. They're definitely cool little vehicles.

Craig

[AlsChopShop]

are you going with rear fenders? will your state let it pass inspection with out some sort of fender or mud flap?

Al

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

are you going with rear fenders? will your state let it pass inspection with out some sort of fender or mud flap?

Al

What is this "inspection" you refer to? ;) Michigan doesn't actually have vehicle inspections. Even if we did, my understanding is that there are no fender laws for passenger vehicles (just commercial ones). I may add trailer fenders down the road, but will license it "as is" for now. It's going to be primarily a trail rig, so I want to keep this in mind as I think about the vehicle kissing trees at times (translation = don't add stuff that'll get hung up on obstacles).

Craig

[AlsChopShop]

right on... maybe i need to move to michigan! oregon isn't too bad, but they do require fenders and flaps for any of the offroad rigs. but they aren't as bad as some states...

Al

[jepj2000]

That thing is a really cool little rig, I like how it turned out! I think some finders would look really good on it if you can make them work as a quick release kinda thing so you don't tear them up on the trail.

Rankin

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

That thing is a really cool little rig, I like how it turned out! I think some finders would look really good on it if you can make them work as a quick release kinda thing so you don't tear them up on the trail.

Rankin

I may do just that. Thanks for the suggestion, Rankin.


BTW, someone from my local Jeep board had some photo-chopping fun. I think they did a really nice job with it. :)

Craig

http://www.altelco.net/~emenaker/jeep/cj10a/offroad_project/10aMater_photochop.jpg

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

Here's a few-minute video of my first time playing offroad in the '10a. Keep in mind a few things...
The sway bar is still hooked up, and Bucky buck-tooth (trans filter) is still vulnerable attached in the front of the tug (or it least it was attached before the video :D ).
Shocks are not yet installed.
I'm a newbie wheeler. :)This was at a short course that my buddy built in his back yard. Enjoy!

Craig

Video:
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a277/CitriusMonkey/junkies51107/th_Craig.jpg (http://s13.photobucket.com/albums/a277/CitriusMonkey/junkies51107/?action=view&current=Craig.flv)


Photos:
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a277/CitriusMonkey/junkies51107/100_0449.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a277/CitriusMonkey/junkies51107/100_0446.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a277/CitriusMonkey/junkies51107/100_0445.jpg

[jepj2000]

Man I want one of those! That little diesel sounds so good too. Glad to see it in action that was a nasty little pit at the end.

Rankin

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

Well, I'll be doing an offroad shakeout ride with the '10a at Coal Creek OHV Area (aka Windrock) in Oliver Springs, TN next Thursday through Saturday. I'll be attending the Scrambler Owners Association Nat'l Event, but my rig will be a little shorter than most there. ;) I'll post up pics/trail ride details once I get back.

Craig

[orangecherokee]

Dang, I'd love to go check it out but my truck is currently awaiting a clutch swap. definitely take pics and go up Cadillac Hill (Trail #38) You can drive out #3 and go up at the end. Definitely take pics!

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

Dang, I'd love to go check it out but my truck is currently awaiting a clutch swap. definitely take pics and go up Cadillac Hill (Trail #38) You can drive out #3 and go up at the end. Definitely take pics!

I'll make note of that. I'm signed up for the "Moderate" trails (requirements = minimum 33" tires, locker/locked, etc.), but don't know quite what to expect yet.

Craig

[orangecherokee]

Oh, well you might be able to get it. It's steep and has a huge rock at the end that you have to shoot up. I saw a guy on 35s do it but he had the thing matted the whole time :eek: I was afraid I was going to burn up my clutch so I opted for a cable pull :o Anyway, I'd run 22 and 21 for sure and stay away from the Rail Trail.

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

Action shot from Tennessee (I have many more, but don't have a lot of "Attachment" space left on the board here).

Craig

[scumby]

any updates? fenders? talk to us. :drivin:

[Ghinmi]

Craig sold it and is building a diesel Scrambler. I don't believe that he ever put rear fenders on it. Was a real nice rig in person though. Someone got a heck of a truck.

[scumby]

Craig sold it and is building a diesel Scrambler. I don't believe that he ever put rear fenders on it. Was a real nice rig in person though. Someone got a heck of a truck.

:eek: he's a bad man for not even telling us.

[Ghinmi]

Craig's a good guy. He gave the FSJ guys a fair chance at it. http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showthread.php?t=75983

Greg

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

:eek: he's a bad man for not even telling us.
You were just asleep at the wheel, Al. :D CLICK HERE for ifsja For Sale thread (http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showthread.php?t=75983&highlight=CJ-10a). Yes, I'm installing another tug SD-33/TF-727 in a Scrambler at the moment (build thread HERE (http://www.greatlakes4x4.com/showthread.php?t=58338)). BTW, thanks for the update, Greg.

Craig