'71 CJ6

Well I guess I can start a thread here since I actually started working on it. Plan is to build a decent trail rig out of the 6. So far I have 4" yj lift spring under it (spring under). I left the ubolts long because I wasn't sure what axles I was going to use. I've since decided to stick with the 44 in the rear and use a nt 30 I have in the basement up front. I'll probably use a ford 4 speed and keep the spicer tcase. I have been looking at tires today and think ive settled on 35x10.50x15 ssr's. As far as the engine im keeping the dauntless until it gives up the ghost then ill either rebuild it or maybe drop a sbf in. How it looked when I bought it

Test fit with the half cab

As it sets now.

Of course any questions or critique are welcome

 

I like the looks of that 6 with the half cab.

 

I am so Jonesing for a 6!

I will have to live vicarious through you for now!

 

Hey, nice start. Keep posting pics, which I'm terrible at.

 

Remember, the aluminum diamond plate uninsulated from the steel body will cause corrosion due to galvanic action.

 

Yes, that stuff is coming off after I get the tires and see if and where I have any contact with the body. I had dreams of boatsiding it but I think thats more trouble than I want to fool with. I should be ordering the tires first of next week

 

So I pulled the front axle out and I thought I was going to use a narrow track 30 I have but.... I spied a nice set of axles a guy gave me a few years ago. It’s a set from a quadratrac cj7. I dug around and I think I have enough new and used parts to convert the front axle to six bolt hubs. Plus the rear 20 is offset the the pass side. It seems like a smart swap with the addition of some one piece shafts in the rear. What do y’all think???

 

You have an AMC 20 that is offset? You sure it's not a Dana 44? Might even be a flanged D44 given the year of your Jeep. What gears are in the quadratrac axles? I'm guessing they are pretty tall gears if stock. Does the Quadratrac have the cone-type slip-limiting system? I've heard once the cone wears down in those it's worse than an open diff.

Sorry that was more questions than answers, just trying to see what you are working with.

 

Sorry I might have been a little confusing. The cj6 had factory axles (27, offset flanged 44). I have a set of really nice axles from a quadra-trac cj7 (30, offset 20). I've got the front 30 already setting under the jeep and was thinking about just swapping in the 20 as well. I know with a set of one piece shafts and a good locker the 20 should be decent axle.

 

AMC 20's got a bad reputation when they came out due to their smaller axle tubes and 2 piece shafts. I would have to agree. However if you address their weaknesses they can be a good axle. I have one in the rear of my CJ7. I welded the tubes to the case to alleviate the tubes spinning, made a truss that went across the top of the case and came down and attached to the top of the axle tubes to prevent the tubes from bending, and put Moser 1 piece axleshafts in. The ring gear is actually a little larger than a Dana 44 gear. I've ran it with an OX Locker for 7 years now and it's been trouble free.
Some might say that's a lot of work to make an ok axle a good axle and I wouldn't dispute that but what the heck, it was free.
Good luck with your 6; keep us posted...

FWIW,
Mike

 

When I measured it the spring perches were way off Sgogpn. So I guess i'll stick with the 44. Got my front gears in still haven't ordered the rear or decided on rear traction device yet. Tires are ordered but they said third week in august.

 

The 44 will treat you good as well. Looking forward to keeping up with your thread as you build.
Have fun with it, and keep those pics coming.

Mike

 

Well I’m waiting on axle parts and tires so I started really looking at the body this weekend. I’m not worried about it being perfect, it’s gonna be a trail Jeep not a show Jeep but it’s gotta be structurally sound. So I decided the tubs coming off for some hat channel and floor repair.

I almost got it ready to pull this weekend.

Looks like it was a mint green color originally. Here’s the worst rot. It’s worse than I originally thought.

 

Here’s a PO’s “repair” under that drivers side floor pan.

 

Tires came in today, 35x10.5 ssr’s. And I know the black wheel hater squad will be along shortly to chastise me lol.

 

Only people stuck in the past or afraid of change have a problem with black wheels. They simply look much better on the majority of Jeeps. Haters gonna Hate, keep it up.

 

Beautiful wheels

 

To many people dipping their hater tots in the sauce me thinks. I like them .

 

Thanks guys!!