Opinions on build plan???

[Lars915]

I'm thinking of getting out of the big rock monster and back into something a little smaller and better suited to trail riding. I've got a 1975 CJ5 I think would be a good build platform even though there are better starting points available ($700 CJ5 versus $6000 TJ helped make the decision.) Here's the plan.

1975 CJ5
Stock D30 and D44 axles
Big joint kit for front axles (equiv to D44)
2 1/2 inch lift and extended shackles
Ford 302 and T-18 out of my rock rig
Keep the Dana 20 and throw in a 3:1 kit
33" tires
4.11 gears which would give good cruise at 55mph.
ARB's front and rear
8k winch

From what I've experienced on the trails, this setup should handle 99% of the trails in Colorado and Utah, although it is a little short on wheelbase. It should also still be docile enough that my wife could drive it to work if she wanted.

What do y'all think?

[piratebuggy]

Sounds like a common sense approach. I've always thought keeping if simple and cheap was alot more fun. But you know any minute now there's going to be somebody saying "60's 44's and more triangulation man........."

[Lars915]

Yeah, I'm expecting that. Believe me, I've fought through the "throw the one-tons under the Jeep" argument many times in the last couple months.

[BCYJ]

Sounds like a 'real world' plan to me.

Having 60's rolling on 40's aint that great when your jeep could walk over every obstacle you come across in your area without a driver.

[piratebuggy]

(there'll be a rabid dog pirate wild man along any minute.) I'm thinking the short wheelbase gives a tighter turning radius on the trails. Around here there's an abundance of these pesky trees getting in the way. If you get bogged down that's what the winch is for. This thread is exactly what I'm planning on doing with my Jeep.

[Lars915]

The short wheelbase is why I'm thinking ARB's for lockers. I can't imagine what driving this thing on the highway with a Detroit would be like :eek: