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Holy Guacamole!

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The story starts here:


With dreams of joining the ECJ5 group on the Rubicon Trip, I’ve been itching to build a rig to make it a reality. When the opportunity presented itself, I reached out to @timsresort. With his kindness, this possibility became a reality. It arrived today; what a great Jeep, and perfect starting point! Thanks again Tim!

I’ll work on adding more photos and details over the coming weekend.

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Not knowing if there are any traction aid devices or what exactly the axle ratio was (Tim said it seemed low), I started there. Behind door number one:
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Then on to door number two. But there was a sign on the door that read “USE LIMITED SLIP DIFF LUBE ONLY”. Being a flanged axle we know what this means… On the plus side, the gears appear to be in great shape and match the front 5.38s. Everything will stay right where it is until I decide what to do. I have several different gear sets and/or axle combinations. This includes a set of D44 3.73s with an Eaton Truetrac that a member kindly sold me this summer. I need to figure out what makes the most sense and move forward.
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The front is a Dana PowrLock, a desirable limited slip unit
(here aftermarket or from a Scout rear 27?)
Rear is the OEM unit, a Dana TracLock.
Not as desirable, but supplied with the flanged axle.
The tooth counts are on the edge of the ring gear, possibly obscured by oil here.
(ring gearteeth)/(pinion gear teeth) = ratio, ie 41 / 11 = 3.73 (3.7272727...).
Will also be on any tags that were under the cover bolts.
Likely 4.88s.
 
Green Jeep and I spent a few hours yesterday afternoon in the garage getting to know each other. Here’s what I’ve learned:
Basics:
V6, T14 (soon to be W/R T19), D18 (single stick), Axles are 5.38s D27 w/ PowerLoc, D44 flanged offset w/ TracLoc, Rubicon wheels with 31x10.5 R15 tires.

Details:
7 Blade fan
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Rancho 2.5” springs with 1” Con-Ferr shackles
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Rear bumper beef with custom tow hitch
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Ramsey DC9-1 8000# winch (it will need some love)
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Given the starting point of this Jeep, the upgrade list isn’t huge. There some maintenance items that I’ll pick away at too.

T19 W/R transmission. This is at the top of the list due to the clutch being stuck. While at it, reseal the D18 and switch to twin stick.

Brakes. Front disc at the least. I may just replace all of the lines to be safe. When all else fails, I’d like to be able to stop and get out.

Wiring needs to be addressed. There is a bunch under the dash, much of it has been cut. A number of switches in the dash are stuck etc.

Mount the passenger seat.

This list will do a good job of keeping me busy and the Jeep fund low. :lol:
 
Any plans for an overdrive? I imagine the 5.38s will keep your top speed down somewhat, though the V6 helps make up for it. Perhaps an OD is not needed for your local roads, but I'd want to get an overdrive in there while the floorboard is cut up for the transmission swap.

The Jeep looks like a very solid starting point.
 
Huh.
Jeep did not offer the 5.38s with the V6, at least not on the factory option list.
Factory offerings were 3.73 standard, 4.88 optional.
The F134 Jeeps usually came with 5.38s.
However, Jeep was accomodating of special orders from dealers and customers, so those gears could be original.
Seems odd that the PO would keep the TracLock and have the axles switched to 5.38 gears.
A Powrlock in the front axle is unusual.
I understand the PowrLock will be aggressive in the front axle, leading to hard/unruly steering on the trail.
Would be interesting to know the story behind that.

In your case, I would keep the 5.38s and fit an overdrive.
Absolutely I would get the overdrive before starting the T-19 project.
IMO the Dana 18 has its faults, but availability of the Warn/Saturn overdrive is its most positive and compelling feature.
I looked for an overdrive shifter in your pics and did not see one.

JMO - you have plenty to do before you dive into the transmission swap.
Not sure what your level/background/resources are, but any advantage by including in the clutch unsticking will be negligible.
I pulled the T-14 from my first '75 on my back in my driveway, using just the jack that came with the Jeep.
Transmission R&R on these is pretty darn easy, swapping to a 4-speed is considerably more involved.
Wiring, brakes... I'd suggest power steering.
 
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Before the “Big Forum Outage of 2025”, I believe my post was something to the effect of wiring was better than anticipated. It will need a bit of cleanup and some upgrades, however, I don’t see the need for a full harness replacement.
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-Pulled the winch to prep for P/S install.

-Purchased some power steering pump brackets and pulley.
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-Removed the right side angle iron rocker guard to poke around at the rust. In an effort to save the patina on the tub, I’m going to start looking for a good piece of sheet metal the same color. Using a silicon bronze welder, I’m hoping to graft in a new piece with little to no weld burn. This will hopefully work with the cracked fender too.
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