I know, opening another candy bar before I finished the first one.
The Vehicle: 1979 AM General DJ5D 232ci I6/904 Torqueflite
The Condition: Apparent problems included rusted front fenders, single rust hole in frame, gas tank straps, slight transmission oil pan leak, and bad tires. The good is decent frame besides a single spot, good sheet metal everywhere else, starts right up, tight-ish steering, brakes just done, and good transmission. All new wiring, and LED tail lights. Clean title, and the simple fact that it is a mail Jeep is cool...
The Objective: A Unique Daily that I can afford to drive, but still use for my normal needs.
The Plan('s): I don't know... I have two ideas in my head. A lowered down hot rod style playing on the fact that it is already 2WD. Lowered Jeep's are rare... The other option is a 4WD conversion, and mild lift. The drawbacks there is added weight, and it's been done...
-Lowered Plan: Axle flipped rear, notched front frame, front axle moved forward. This plan requires a different engine. The oil pan occupies the space the front axle would need... The easiest solution for me is a engine swap... The GM 4.3L V6 is what I'm looking at. I found out the '90's Cherokee came in a 2WD that has the perfect replacement front axle. disc brakes, and no kindpins. Win-win.
-4WD Plan: Spring-over up front, Jeep axles, and a 4WD tranny/T-case combo to bolt to the 4.3. Cheap, and effective. The up side is that this option is a piece of cake, and I could do a bit of trail riding. Down side is the extra weight, and...it's been done...
The Current Plans:
1. Remove factory doors and fab up hinged half-doors. Making removable tops to make them whole doors.
2. Add passenger seat.
3. Body Work/Paint.
What I'm starting with. I drove it home (Only a couple miles). That was a hoot to drive on the right side with the door open with manual drum brakes.
Perfect floors!
Only a couple spots of surface rust under it!
Extra crap gutted out. I have no need for a mail tray, or fifty empty packs of cheap smokes...
I left the radio power wires in it, and tied them up. It will be getting another radio, but not the current "system." No real interesting stuff hidden inside. Other then a brick next to the parking brake handle. I think the brick IS the parking brake. lolx
Going to try and find a pair of nice low backs, and another one of them lap belts for a passenger seat. I think my Silverado seats are just to bulky...
Cool auto cross build. Gives me some insight on what I'd be looking at digging into the '76.
http://www.offroadfabnet.com/forums/...ead.php?t=7568