47 CJ2A Build

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fwak1234

Active member
Joined
Jan 13, 2009
Messages
26
Location
Central Utah
First build from scratch here: Started with 47 2A tube, grille, tailgate, and hood (will not be using)

Plans: Patch floors (to be safe and strong but still look pretty $#!+), make frame from 2x3 3/16 wall (mini z front and vertical step in rear), 350/350 combo, 8.8 out of Crown Vic, Jeep XJ 2wd front beam axle, raise rear floor to same height as top of fenders (hinged in front), fuel cell in rear under rear floor, 235s in the rear (Mud Terrains), and probably 205 fronts, vega steering box, build my own column, keep floor start switch, minimal wiring (headlights, tail/brake, starter, guages), 1/4 elliptical front end (as of now), 4 link coilover rear. That's about all I can think of right now.

All of my build experience is off-road based, hence the CJ and the MT's.

And now some starting pics
 

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This is an idea I am thinking of for the front suspension. Don't know if it work though, thinking the heims for the control arms will be under too much stress.
 

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Have you Googled quarter elliptical front spring and clicked on images?
They don't require a shackle in most cases.
Spring on the top or bottom of the axle and the control arm on the opposite site of the spring on the axle.
 
MikeC-Yeah I am a big fan of the old flatty's. This should be a fun build and I will try to keep the thread updated as best I can.

OI-I did some googling on it over the past week and have probably read about 20 different threads on it. Was just going to try for a different take. Thinking about running the design in a mock up and see how it holds/articulates once I get the frame build and the engine/trans setup.

dmw-Thanks, I have seen a lot of other builds and I am gunna probably take a few little touches from a few. Favorite one I've seen is the one that was in either 4WD or JP. THing was rad but a little about my skill set and tool availability.
 
Welcome from SoCal.
I did a 45, we're the same age. I changed it 2 or 3 times before i get the way i wanted. I sure you'll do the thing. Thier never done just changed from time to time.[;)
Enjoy and have fun.[P
 

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Well flipped it over onto the driver side to start wacking out the passenger rust. Only have about 18” of useable metal. And that’s spread out through the whole pan. So just ordered a pan off of eBay. Should be here next Thursday. Guess I’ll move to cutting out the rear floor and raising it up to make room for the frame. Then on to fixing some small(er) rot on the sides of the body. Will post some pictures later this week.
 
Got some updates from this week so far:

Picked up an engine/trans for $300: 84 K5 305 With heads/mild cam/edelbrock intake/quadrajet (needs rebuild)/start/alt/water pump and some of the harness. Trans is out of a 70's (PO thought 77) C10 with a TQ converter. Engine needs pretty much all the bolts, valve cover, headers, and dip stick (all on the way).

Got a little more sheet metal work done: Cut out the rear passenger floor, extended the back are from the driver/pass side clean across and threw in some braces behind it. Also made a patch panel for the passenger rocker.

Gunna dig back into some more sheet metal work tomorrow.

And now the visual documents.
 
Tada
 

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The tranny is a 700r4 (over drive) if it has a 27 spline input shaft then, it's an early's 80 if it has a 30 spline input shaft, it's a mid 80's and later tranny, which is way better.
 
Looks like a good start! I also will be starting a willys build in the spring. Have a cj3a with a steel top that I'm planning on chopping and building a T- bucket type frame and chassis under. I have cannibalized a suburban hoping the 10 bolt rear will be wide enough to run the tires outside the tube. Got the 350 and 700r4 also. I'll be watching and learning. Good luck my friend.
 
Been a little out of the posting bit for the past few weeks. But frame is done, body mounts made, welded in engine mounts and trans mount (temporary for trans), got some of the front end assembled, tacked up rear 4 link mounts, figured out front perch location, and got the wheels in. Next up is steering column, finish the front end, pull the body back off and get everything welded into the body then I can sand the body, fab a windshield frame, paint the body and paint the frame. Then it all goes back together to be plumed for brakes/gas and run all the electrical. Then get a driveshaft made. Will try to get photos up in a few. Have to transfer from phone to pooter.
 

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Looks like a good start! I also will be starting a willys build in the spring. Have a cj3a with a steel top that I'm planning on chopping and building a T- bucket type frame and chassis under. I have cannibalized a suburban hoping the 10 bolt rear will be wide enough to run the tires outside the tube. Got the 350 and 700r4 also. I'll be watching and learning. Good luck my friend.


I’m running a rear end out of a 92 crown vic (~62”) from disc mate to disc mate. Running a 2” BS 15x8 wheel and have about 1 1/2” between wheel and the body on each side.
 
Some more pictures, sure I'm missing some and also haven't been super focused on the pictures. Original goal was to have this done by May but looking like it may be a bit sooner.
 

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