Super Chief

[derf]

If you didn't notice it, I picked up a short bed 1987 MJ a couple of months back.  Turns out it is a factory Comanche Chief.

 

 

My CJ project is getting close to done and I'll have room in the garage for my next project.  I want to do this one before I get back to my truggy.

 

Plans for this one are straightforward.

 

Renix 4.0 from my parts truck

AX15 from an unknown donor

Atlas II - 4.3:1 low range

Axles from a 70s F150.

~5" long arm lift front with SOA in the rear

35" tires on 15" wheels

 

I'm in the parts accumulation mode right now.  First up will be the axles.  I currently have the axles.  The front high pinion Dana 44 is a drum brake axle.  I'm starting with Reid high steer knuckles that will let me build up stock disc brakes.  The rear 9" housing and brakes will stay mostly stock.  But I'm going to do 35 spline shafts as long as I'm doing the regear and locker.  Both will get 4.56 gears and ARB air lockers.  I have a truss for the front brackets and some anti-wrap spring perches for the rear.

 

I already have some bushwhacker flares to help make room for the tires and provide some coverage for the wider axles.

 

I also have a die on order for my tubing bender.  The biggest my bender can handle is 2-1/2" tube but I'm going to use it to make a roll bar that almost looks stock.

 

I'm thinking it'll get an ARB bull bar for the front and some kind of heavy duty rear bumper.  I'll make some rock sliders and custom skid plates.

 

I have two short beds, both with various damage.  Between them I'll be able to build one whole bed.

 

The paint on the base truck is beyond shot and the rest of the parts won't match so it'll get a full strip and paint.  I'm leaning towards a dark blue paint job with cordovan interior.  Best part is that I can get the chief stickers.  Most likely they'll be light grey.

 

It's likely going to take a while to get all the parts (budget constraints and all) and get the work done.  But it should be pretty cool when it's done.

[Smokeyyank]

fun times!