Flattie Direction

Just purchased a '47 CJ2A with a later windshield. Overall shape not too bad, drove it home with the original flathead in it. Starting to tear it down slowly.

Definately not going for an original restoration, but I want to do things right though. Big question is what direction? Looking to be able to drive it on the street (would like to be able to do 55-60mph) and still have fun on the trails. Is this alot to ask for?

Would like to run 31-33" tires, nothing crazy. As far as drive train I am open looking for suggestions. Keep the flathead or swap in a V6/SM465 combo? Would love to hear from anyone who has already built theirs or is in the process.

 

Welcome from Ohio!

Jeep looks good. Looks like a solid start.

 

Looks good. Im in the process of doing the v6/sm420/d18/saturn od in mine. Also doing a dana 30 front axle and would love to stumble on the one piece offset 44 for the rear......but that is another dream. Do that and run 4.11 or so{im sticking with 5.38} gears 33" tires and daily driver with trail capabilities should be no problem. Keep us updated with pics to.

 

Hey Windycity!

It's good to see someone from Chicagoland! There are only a couple of us around here. Anyway, I have an M38A1 that I am building to similar specs as the ones you describe. I am planning to have my Jeep streetable enough to take on long drives and trail friendly at the same time. I am swapping in a TBI 4.3 with an SM420 transmission connected to a Dana 18 transfer case. The Jeep has a 4" lift with 33" tires. I am hoping to connect the engine to the transmission today and set it in the frame to get the engine and trans mounts located. If you would like to see it in person, you are welcome to do so any time! Just let me know.

 

Welcome from the south side.

If you want 55-60mph, and are going to drive it quite a bit at that speed, I would look into addressing the steering.- Saginaw swap, or complete rebuild on the stock Rube Goldberg...er, Ross style steering. Lots of linkages and wear points.

 

Welcome from Boston!

Kinda hard to suggest what direction to go here. What's your experience with Jeeps? You don't need to do anything beyond stock condition to have fun on the trail. Jeeps are remarkably competent in their factory form.

If you don't have a lot of opinions about what you want now, you will after you drive it for a while. I'd suggest that you do as little modification as possible at first, and drive/wheel it.

For the street, you first need to put the stock steering and suspension in like-new condition. All the parts you need are available aftermarket.

The original brakes are marginal by modern standards - converting to 11" drum brakes is an excellent upgrade, along with a modern dual-chamber master cylinder. The brake stuff is available as a kit or you can scrounge the parts.

The other modification I would suggest is the Saturn/Warn overdrive. This will make your Jeep comfortable at 55-60 and will add value pretty much equal to what you spend.

Then drive it for a while and see if you want more power, lower gearing, stronger drivetrain, easier steering, etc, etc, etc.

hth

 

I go with Warloc except I prefer a SM-420 since its a couple inches shorter therefore the rear driveshaft is a couple inches longer plus the're cheaper. The Holbruck springs are awsome. It takes quite a bit of fabrication to do all that though so you might start with just 11" brakes, OD, and steering...thats all pretty easy. Welcome!

 

Welcome from Norwalk!

I'd go resto-mod. You can fit a small block chevy under that hood, so your options are endless.

Upgrade the steering (saginaw) and brakes (11" drums) and put a small (2 1/2") lift under it and you'll have a fine rig. Ofcourse, it is your JEEP, you should do whatever you want to with it

 

I know that Dennis (Speedbuggy) likes his SBC, and they are fine motors, but the V6s, especially the Jeep/Buick V6, fit under the hood so much better. And, this is a flattie, not a '5, so space is even more of a concern. There are also several 4-cylinder engines that fit well and give you a lot more performance (and lighter weight) than the L134.

Re the steering, yes, the Saginaw steering is a big upgrade. I don't know if I'd put the Saginaw conversion at the front of the queue though. I've never owned a Jeep with Ross steering (the factory steering); however, back in the day, I know my friends and co-workers drove their stock pre-72 Jeeps equipped with factory steering daily. My feeling is that if you have near the factory ride height, and your kingpins, tie rod ends, bell crank, steering box, etc are in good shape, and you don't go wild with tire size, the Ross steering is ok.

I make a point of this because doing the Saginaw steering requires some expert welding and fabrication that has to be planned and executed right. The stock steering is adequate (given the above conditions) and a Saginaw swap may be more than you want to take on at first. Plus, sheesh, you may as well go power if you're going Saginaw. Power steering on an L134 seems a little ridiculous... besides the fab problems, you just don't have the power to spare for the extra parasitic load. Pretty much requires an engine swap too.

 

IMHO a flattie with up to 33" tires doesn't need power steering. Keep the big steering wheel and a manual saginaw is more than sufficient. One less thing to break.

 

I've never felt the need for power steering....
ymmv

 

Welcome from the Motor City and fellow flattie owner!

I originally bought mine with the intent to convert to a V6 from the beginning. However, after my first Tellico Trails trip with ECJ5, I decided to leave the very capable stock running gear alone. I run a 2.5" lift spring with a 1/2" Conferr shackle. Tires are 33" Super Swampers on 10" wide steel wheels. I am very please with the look of mine and I would not go any taller.

Both setups look great! Mine on 33.12.5.15 and Jerry's on 15-31's (appearance of a 32)



Good Luck with the project!!!

 

Welcome from NJ. It looks like you have a good start to work from. Enjoy the trip.