neohic

Can’t say I haven’t thought about it. For a lowered street truck, not having that big ol’ dummy solid axle would sure free up a ton of room for an oil pan. I’m sure one could get way better suspension geometry dialed in too. I usually quit thinking about it though right around the time that I remind myself that I really don’t need a dedicated track killer that I’d spend all that time and effort on. Handling and a dropped suspension can be had without such a hard push of the reset button.

I see this one just about everyday. Very well done!

Pinky came with a bikini top crammed under the seat and it was always on prior to the tin top. The problem is that it’s currently playing the role of “second vehicle”... rain or shine! I’ve been fighting for construction of a new shop and that includes a super high ceiling with plans of a top lift. Until then, I love the hard top!!!

I think I fit the top on it in February? So... since February. Funny thing is I’ve never driven this thing with the top off in good weather! I was prototyping some parts this past winter and it was used for parts runs. 20*, no top, no doors, no cage, windshield down, and me in a big fuzzy bomber hat. Sure was a riot! Driving a Jeep like that sure makes you feel you’re ON it rather than IN it!

Not much of an update but I also haven’t really done anything new. I lifted the hood the other day and noticed that the new master cylinder looks like it’s leaking out from the casting and the seal under the cap. All the fittings are tight but there’s enough that the paint is slightly lifted under the master. The casting does look pretty gnarly... might hit it with a file to try and straight edge it, but I can already see pulling it for a replacement. I also have been trying to figure where an oil leak was coming from under the dash. Yup!... from under the dash. Can’t believe I never thought of it until yesterday, but the oil pressure gauge had a drip at the compression fitting. As for today, the wife and I took it for a little drive. The leaves are starting to turn up in the mountains. Perfect day in Colorado.

I’ve been watching since the beginning!

Looking good. I’ve really missed this build thread.

... direct from the kitchen window this morning.

I’d say! Details?

Just did this exact swap at work in a Scout II and it screams! I would imagine that it ought to scoot around an LJ just fine. Work of caution: the Scout blew up two Dana 44s without even flinching then was replaced with a custom Currie 60.

That looks really good.

Looking good, Brent!

YES!!!

... yes!

I’ve got everything you need. PM sent. Edit: technical difficulties. You MIGHT have gotten a PM. Edit... edit: PM sent.

Not gonna lie... I kinda dig this one.

Only a couple more things to do before it’s close enough to being a part of the modern world.

Nice.

... yup. I did that.

Something that I haven’t really done yet is to show some highlights of the interior of Pinky. I’ve got a bunch of stuff in here! It had a rear seat when I first got it but it didn’t match the fronts and it was pretty much useless and difficult to get to. I wanted some storage space. Keeping that storage means that everything else has its place. The spare is held in place with a simple bracket. Inside and behind the spare are jumper cables, coolant (not that it leaks or uses any), a gas can, blanket, and bikini top (come the day the awesome tin top ever comes off). The jack had a couple inches cut off the top so I could fit it where I wanted. The bottom is a spare ratchet strap because I like utilizing things instead of just storing when I can. The top is a clamp I made out of tube. The amo can keeps just about all the tools one needs to work on one of these things. Towards the front I ran out of room between the cage and windshield frame for a stock rear view mirror. Honestly I think they look funny when the windshield is folded down. Should I take the top off I wanted to still have the mirror. Same kind of clamp. No idea where the mirror came from. Then there’s the seats. These came out of a project at work and they’re cheap-o aftermarket replacements for first generation Ford Mustangs. They sit on a simple tube that spans the width of the body and have sliders under them... because seat sliders are needed in a CJ5. ... and that’s about it. I wish I would’ve documented it, but the steering column has been moved up to make more leg room. I wish the original toolbox was still under the passenger seat but that’s just another piece for the future body work that may or may not ever happen. Anyhow, here’s an obligatory front end picture to wrap up a post.