Hotrodding a Jeep

[Lacone]

I'm new to Hot Rods and just starting my project. The Hot Rod I plan on building will use a 1998 Jeep Wrangler. Anyone out there done anything with a Jeep? Any Ideas? I have just finished building a rock crawler out of a 1993 Wrangler and am looking forward to building a street rod on the Jeep format. The Wrangler has a frame and tub arrangement like a lot of rods I've seen. There should be some common ground for ideas. Thanks, Lacone

[pro70z28]

There's a guy runnin' around our area with a tubed Jeep / BBC. That set-up with the short wheelbase must be a tick to keep straight @ WOT.

[screamer63_1979]

I just bought a 90 wrangler with a chevy 305 and 700R4 in it. A 350 would easily fit, the V8 kit is about $200, plus exhaust/rad and whatever else you might like to do. fits with lots of room leftover, lots of room above the engine - a blower might fit with a stock hood or a mild scoop.

You ever replace / change the front axle u-jount at the wheel (pass side)? Mine is bad - real bad. Just curious on how difficult this is, or if the whole axle shaft needs replaced.

chris

[drg84]

Yaay! A subject I actually know a bit about! Wrangler Jeeps are built on the same essential frame that was used in the 70s CJ series. Now, due to the use of Chrysler transmission, you can bolt almost any Mopar engine on earth to your current bellhousing. However, if you want to go GM, you can use the transmission from an AMC jeep and it will accept a GM block. OR, you can bolt in a T350, make a custom shifter and it will work. OR if you want to go ford.... Jeeps are very compatable vehicles. There are a few questions you may want to ask before you do your job. #1, do you want 4wheel drive? #2 how much do you want to spend and #3 How much HP are you going to push through your drivetrain? When you have your answers to them, youll be well on your way

[drg84]

Originally posted by screamer63_1979

You ever replace / change the front axle u-jount at the wheel (pass side)? Mine is bad - real bad. Just curious on how difficult this is, or if the whole axle shaft needs replaced.

chris

The U-joint is one assembly. You remove the wheel, brake rotor, bearings then the U-joint. Its a messy job, but not unreasonalby hard. And no-you dont have to replace the entire shaft. U-joints are kind of expected to go, and i dont think jeep owners would be to happy if they had to replace their axle every 50K miles

[screamer63_1979]

This is a great place - I get better, quicker answers there than i get at 2 jeep yahoo groups.

This jeep has 110k on it. many mods over the years, and i got it for the right price. It has about 2 grand in accessories on it.

I had an 88 comanche from new to 98k and the u joints never failed - but perhaps I treated it better or stayed out of the deep water This vehcile (hopefully) will get to play in the mud.

I got it cheap cause the engine is shot. It has a 305 chevy/700R4 with a New Process 231 transfer case (from an S10 i was told, but the 231 is what they used in the jeeps as well if i recall my comanche specs right).

On the axle - no kinp pin (whatever it is) to pull? That makes it easy!

it has a Best Top full soft top - i managed to get it to fold, but have no clue how to get the ribs off, or even if they are supposed to come off. I have a bikini top for it and think leaving the big top on would look kinda goofy!

Chris

[john gemmer]

Hey welcome to CHR . I new I was,nt sick everyone ben telling me Im one sick puppy for wanting ro slam my 47 willys jeep Ive allways thought i would make a cool street rod Again welcome