Project "Eugene"

I figured it was about time to start a build thread for my project. I got it a few months ago for cheap as a retired mud-racer. The mechanicals were good, but the tub was trash, there were no brakes, and the suspension needed to be completely overhauled. So I decided to do a frame-off restoration of it and build it for off-road use, with only some around-town on-road use. It came with a second tub, hood, and fenders that just needed to be refinished and worked on a bit. This is how it came to me:





I got the original body off with the grinder and the sawzall:





I pulled the engine and driveline and it was time for sandblasting:



This is where it stands now, sandblasted and primed:

 

I'm still trying to identify the axles on here. I haven't found much of a resource for it yet. I don't know if they're original, or if they should be upgraded or what. Maybe you guys can help:







Also, the rear shocks are mounted to the axle tube (pretty bad welding too, it looks like). I'm assuming this was done at some point to allow for longer shocks. Since I'm redoing the whole suspension anyway, should I leave the shock mounts like they are or put them somewhere else?

 

I know I want to go with a YJ spring setup on here, I just don't know how much to do yet. The Jeep came to me with 35" boggers on it and the axles are set up for spring-over. Would just using stock YJ springs give me enough lift to keep the tires, or should I buy new YJ lift springs? I'm trying to keep cost down here, so if stockers will be enough, maybe with a little body lift, great. I want to do it right and safe though, so that's really the most important thing.

 

That's and AMC Model 20 in the rear and a D30 up front I believe.
This should help.

 

Looks like a d30 up front amc 20 in the rear. Surprised they held up to those 35"s

 

nice looking build... keep up the good work... that 20 and 30 will hold up to a lot in the FL mud...