Preparing for this winters tear-down.

Hey guys, I finished my power steering install just in time to be told by my landlord that, surprise, I need to move. It actually a good thing because the new place I'm going to be renting has a 1300 sq ft shop out back so I'll have room to work, I did the power steering install in a one car garage. The steering works great but to be honest it looks like crap. I had to button up everything to prepare for the move so some of the detail work I'll need to go back and re-do. Anyway, I'm planning for a fairly big winter tear-down. Here's the plan:

1. Get some new 35 inch tires, currently running 33's.
2. Swap out both my front and rear axles for some D44's with 4.56's. I'm wanting a wider footprint also for a bit of added stability. Thinking I'll go SOA and flip the leaf mounts to keep the u-bolts as far out of harm's way I can.
3. Swap out my t-14, or t-86(not sure which I have, looks like it was sapped by the PO) For a t18 with granny low for mild wheeling.
4. Upgrade the brakes, I'm thinking discs on all corners, I have the 11inch drums on it now, but I'm not happy with them.
5. Hanging pedals with a hydro clutch set-up.
6. Everything else, new brake lines, wiring, relocate the fuel tank to the rear, notch the wheel well and move the seat back and down a bit, rust repair etc etc.

I know I'm going to be into the Jeep for far more than the purchase price but the tub, frame and Dauntless are all in good shape and I figure if I get all this done it should last me the rest of my life excluding snapping parts when I decide to do something stupid. Granted this isn't an all inclusive list, but I think it's a decent jumping off point.

Can anyone poke holes in my plan as far as compatibility? I have time and money, and after the move I'll have the leg room to really tear into the old beast.

Thanks in advance.

Here's what I'm starting with:

 

Nothing wrong with that as it sits!

 

True, most of the things on my list are wants and not needs. This rig isn't my DD but will be in the future so I figured why the heck not set it up with some added extras...I can't leave well enough alone.

 

Having grown up in the Spokane area, I would "need" a very good heater, and undercoat the chassis and body to combat the salt they use around there in the winter time.

And you have your powersteering in, and what lookes like good traction tires, that is what I would go with.

And you might want to re-think the SOA. That changes all the geometry, and can make it an un-happy vehicle.

 

35 in. tires and a s.o.a. on a Jeep puts it way up in the air. Makes them feel real top heavy. Spring overs must be done right or you may have lots of other problems . Your Jeep looks good like it is. Do some of the other mods but re think the s.o.a. Just my thoughts. Good luck.

 

I agree with rethinking the SOA.

X2 on the disk, could even do disk parking brakes, of course dual master.

Not a fan of hanging pedals, but my JEEP doesn't see water at all, and I love manual everything, so I'm extremely biased. :twisted:
Perhaps an O/D to go with the 4.56's? I'm not sure if it's necessary with your engine, tires, gears.


Can't wait to see your build!

 

The heater and undercoating are on my list. I like what I hear about the Summit Racing heater, thinking of going that way. Did a bit more reading it looks like adding discs to the rear may be more costly than the extra stopping power would be worth, haven't decided yet. Thanks for the heads up on the SOA being a trouble spot. Have I overlooked/over thought anything else?

Thanks.

 

Ill give you some advice and experience so YMMV...I thought I wanted most of the same stuff you did on the last jeep I built...I found that it takes alot of money and time and I got to the point where I was just sick of turning wrenches and opening my wallet...so I finished it and sold it..the one I am building now will stay simple to get it road worthy then I will upgrade down the road after some seat time. These projects never go smoothly or as cheap as we envision them. IMHO dont tear it down

 

Rear discs are well worth the effort IMHO if you see lots of mud and water. If not then maybe not so much. I have 4 wheel disc and absolutely love them, with a manual m/c.
Hanging pedals are a plus in my book. Gets the m/c out of the dirt, less maintenance, and easily accessible to the m/c's. Hydraulic clutch is a plus as well.
I also recommend re-thinking the spring over. A serious can of worms that gets very expensive very quickly. Steering issues, spring wrap issues, etc., etc. they can be done well but are much, much more than just putting the springs on top of the axles. Rear driveline angles can. E a serious issue as well.

A good heater and top would be at the top of the list.
The T-18 is a great trans. 44 axles are good if you want to do it once. Many like the 30 front axle but with 35" tires you are overtaxing it IMHO. If you stay with 33" tires it may hold up ok. Why 35" tires? 33" look great on an early. 35" look too big IMHO. If you NEED bigger tires that's Another thing.


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Thanks for all the opinions guys. Re-thought the SOA to the point where it's off my list. First will be getting the steering buttoned up. I have it redneck aligned now with about 1/8th inch toe in to get my to the alignment shop about 5 miles away. Figuring out where my tail lights are shorting out along with a brake rebuild + MC upgrade are must do's as soon as I get into the new place. ....All that's left is everything.