NNJ rebuild newbie!!!!!!

Just have to say, off the bat, that you guys are the cream of the crop when it comes to info on CJ rebuilds and all it"s glory!! I have been reading and taking notes for the past 3 month"s on engine swaps and adapter kits and spring conversions and some pretty sick mods on the older as well as the mid to upper 70"s CJ5"s that my head feels like a hot air balloon on NITROS!!! I have been reading alot on the SBC swap for the UNI CJ5 and have multiple questions before I start my SO CALLED project. My Wife is just THRILLED !!!!!!!!! but life is to short not to do what your heart tells you.
To start off, IT"S OLD!! I have wanted a mild but wild CJ5 since I can remember and now I have the time and some $ to start it. The vic is a 58 CJ5 Willys with the 134 F Head,T90, D18,D25, D44 two piece, which I am sure you knew!!!!
1. Will the stock T90 and D18 w/ D25 and D44 handle an 8? Street use!!! Jersey doesn"t have places to wheel except the beach, which will be utilized? If not what would be an inexpensive swap?(planning on 33X12.50) I assume a 4" susp lift?
2. With stock drive train, and 305, what Top speed would I expect? All front end linkage and necessary hardware replaced with new, as well as Saginaw power steering upgrade.
I have Front Disk brake questions as well as radiator and fuel tank relocation ideas. I kind of wish this was a 79 w/ T18 d300 but I have to love the free aspect, besides, I love the WILLY"S emblem on the Dop down tail gate(Charecter)!!!!
OK, enough for the first thread, there will be more, hope to hear from at least someone in the near future and thanks in advance

 

looks like a good builder. why not v6 it? if its a streeter you don't need a lot of power. you might want to think about regearing, to a more street gear. Imo 33's would be fine, 2 inch lift. good luck with the build welcome from MANCHESTER TN
Posted via Mobile Device

 

Welcome from another Jersey boy. Where in NJ are you?

There is wheeling to be done in jersey aside from Island Beach state park. Don't forget about wharton state forest in the Pine Barrens, and Rousch Creek in Pa is just a few hours away.

From what I understand, the t90 will not survive for long behind a V8. You should look for a GM truck with a 305 or 350 and a 4 speed, and then just get the adapter for the d18.

I would assume that with the f-head you have 5.38 (?) or 4.27 gears, this will not give you a whole lotta top speed with any motor, an Overdrive would be a good upgrade if you're looking for more comfortable highway cruising.

Not sure what fron disk brake questions you have, but there is a good writeup on this site and one here ( http://jpmagazine.com/techarticles/93298/ ) on the conversion.

-Dante

 

Many, many Jeeps were fitted with V8s and kept the T-90. More than anything else, the integrity of the drivetrain depends on your driving style.

The V8 is much less popular today than the V6. Both the Jeep/Buick V6 and the Chevy 4.3L V6 are very popular. These engines deliver plenty of power for a lightweight vehicle like a Jeep. Their main advantage is how they fit - they fit the Jeep engine compartment more easily than a V8.

There's lots of information on Novak's site - start here and browse about the topics that interest you: http://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge/early_cj_gm_engine_conversion.htm

Welcome from Boston!

 

what Tim said

 

I thought Wharton was closed due to Tree huggers, I will have to look into that as well as Rousch Creek. Thanks for the Idea about the 4 speed chevy trans, I never thought about that. Yes, the gears are 5.38"s. I wasn't too sure about the speed after adding an 8 swap. Thought the added HP would give it about 10 to 15 more MPH but I will have to research that alittle More. I was reading alot about the D30 with front disks and the AMC 20 for the rear with Disk conversion. The rear DB conv wouldn't happen for a while due to other expensises. Seems as if you are not going to wheel it hard, they would be the most durable and easiest to swap in. Just a thought!! Thanks again for the reply

West Milford by the way

 

I have to say that I am looking forward to my new project and am feeling alot more comfortable now that the crop has begun to feed the cow. I got the fresh 305 for $200.00 and I kind of like the sound of the exhaust over a V6. 2.5 lift sounds like a better plan due to # 1 (expence). I would have to assume that 2.5" lift would not require a TC drop mount or a drop pitman arm. I guess I will figure that out when I get there.
Again I have to say that this site is Priceless to me. Makes the parts hunt shorter and much less expensive. Thanks again.

 

I don't really plan on beating on the jeep,not yet anyways, I have my wifes BMW for that. It's of a nostalgic childhood want!! 40 and STILL a child :twisted: I have to agree that Novak is an encyclopedia of info for many conversions and it seems as the prices aren't to bad either. I guess once I really start digging into the project I will gain a better direction. Just looking for a good place to start. Thanks for the input

 

I looked for a while for gearing options for the 25 and the 44 and couldn't find anything for the D25 and very little for the 44. Do you have any suggestions of where I can look and get some prices? I plan on rebuilding or just resealing the axles depending on their needs. This would be another option.

Thanks for the info

 

The Warn/Saturn overdrive is a really neat option. It will make your 5.38s fine for the highway. I would put brakes, steering and overdrive at a higher priority than a bigger engine. http://www.hermtheoverdriveguy.com/

 

I am originally from e. brunswick, spostswood area. we used to do a lot of wheelin at south amboy bay. sadly they put a bunch of condos there about 8 years ago. brings back some memories.
Posted via Mobile Device