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01-25-2007, 12:14 PM
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Gear Head
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Join Date: Apr 26, 2004
Location: Allendale, Michigan
Posts: 595
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CJ-10a offroad conversion project (pretty much completed)
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 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.
Craig
EDIT: I added a pic of the CJ-10a as it looked when I bought it (stock form).
Last edited by 1x1_Speed_Craig : 06-27-2007 at 11:00 AM.
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01-25-2007, 12:25 PM
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Join Date: Feb 10, 2003
Location: Back in Mountainair NM
Posts: 20,092
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Sounds like a neat project keep us informed with lots of pics
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01-25-2007, 12:32 PM
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Gear Head
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Join Date: Apr 26, 2004
Location: Allendale, Michigan
Posts: 595
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bigun
Sounds like a neat project keep us informed with lots of pics
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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.).
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
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01-25-2007, 12:35 PM
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FSJ Maniac
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Join Date: Mar 22, 2003
Location: Safford, AZ
Posts: 2,504
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very cool, I would like one of those
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Fullsized Gets it DONE!!!!
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01-26-2007, 12:05 AM
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Member
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Join Date: Oct 01, 2006
Location: richland, wa
Posts: 53
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are you making it into a dually?
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01-26-2007, 05:44 AM
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Gear Head
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Join Date: Apr 26, 2004
Location: Allendale, Michigan
Posts: 595
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Quote:
Originally Posted by scumby
are you making it into a dually?
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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
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01-28-2007, 05:23 PM
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Gear Head
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Join Date: Apr 26, 2004
Location: Allendale, Michigan
Posts: 595
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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
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01-29-2007, 08:08 AM
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Join Date: Jun 12, 2000
Location: dayton,oh,45431
Posts: 6,627
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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 
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01-29-2007, 08:43 AM
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Master Mechanic
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Join Date: Nov 09, 2004
Location: Nashville TN
Posts: 1,406
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That's a cool idea 
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76 Cherokee Camo(Parts)
76 Cherokee Camo 401/TH400/Dana300/HD44/14bolt/36s
77 Cherokee blue 360/T18/D20/33s
1969 AMC Javelin SST 390
1968 AMC Javelin SST 290 (Parts)
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01-29-2007, 08:49 AM
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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.
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01-29-2007, 08:58 AM
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Grease Monkey
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Join Date: Jan 24, 2007
Location: Virginia
Posts: 279
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 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 
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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 
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02-01-2007, 10:59 AM
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Gear Head
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Join Date: Apr 26, 2004
Location: Allendale, Michigan
Posts: 595
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02-01-2007, 11:49 AM
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Join Date: Feb 10, 2003
Location: Back in Mountainair NM
Posts: 20,092
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You went spring under?
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02-01-2007, 11:59 AM
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Gear Head
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Join Date: Apr 26, 2004
Location: Allendale, Michigan
Posts: 595
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bigun
You went spring under?
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No, I just posted the photos upside down.
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
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02-01-2007, 02:18 PM
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Join Date: Feb 10, 2003
Location: Back in Mountainair NM
Posts: 20,092
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No worries it was just kinda shocking when you see all the treads on going spring over.
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02-01-2007, 02:31 PM
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Join Date: Aug 29, 2004
Location: Baiting Hollow, Long Island NY
Posts: 5,268
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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...
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'84 Grand Wagoneer 360/727/229, 32" General ST's and 36" Swampers, 3" lift, TFI/Mallory 6AL, CS 144, Taurus fan, custom bumper, and custom 'bodywork'. Soon to have 6" lift
'79 Cherokee S 360/T15/D20, rusting away while I figure out what to do with it
'91 Final Edition GW in Spinnaker Blue!
My FSJ pics
FSJ Grille Identification
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02-01-2007, 02:49 PM
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Gear Head
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Join Date: Apr 26, 2004
Location: Allendale, Michigan
Posts: 595
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bigun
No worries it was just kinda shocking when you see all the treads on going spring over.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 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.
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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.
Craig
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02-01-2007, 03:03 PM
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Member
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Join Date: Oct 01, 2006
Location: richland, wa
Posts: 53
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how much room do you have for a bed? 3-4 ft?
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02-01-2007, 03:06 PM
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Gear Head
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Join Date: Apr 26, 2004
Location: Allendale, Michigan
Posts: 595
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Quote:
Originally Posted by scumby
how much room do you have for a bed? 3-4 ft?
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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
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02-01-2007, 03:26 PM
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Member
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Join Date: Oct 01, 2006
Location: richland, wa
Posts: 53
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add one of these to the back of it, it's 48" long.

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