1985 Jeep Cj7 – Heavily Modified Trail Rig on 2040-cars

1985 Jeep CJ7 – Heavily modified for the ultimate trail rig 

This Jeep went through a complete frame-up build with over $40,000 invested. The intent was to build a stout rock crawler that not only can run the trails such as Hammers, Moab, Dusy or Rubicon with ease, but also be driven home from the trail.  

I have had this Jeep for over 18 years and it has been an incredible vehicle that has taken the family on amazing trips. It’s been in a number of magazines over the years and was featured on the cover of JP Magazine.

Here are a few videos of the Jeep

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zsn2dWsIZT8&feature=youtu.be

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-czsIYuoA4&feature=youtu.be

Specs are below -

1985 CJ7 (VIN: 1JCCF87E9FT079833)

Engine: 1995 4.0 High Output out of a Grand Cherokee

Transmission: New Process 435 4-speed with granny gear. A custom tube cross member was fabricated to maximize strength, protection, and ground clearance.

Transfercase: Dana 300  with Tera Low 4:1, Curry twin shifters,  and Dana-20 yokes

Crawl Ratio: 130:1

Axles and wheels

Rear Axle: Custom made Dynatrac Dana 60 made specifically for this Jeep and is stuffed with 4.88 gears and a Detroit Locker. Four X Doctor Dif Guard provides extra protection.

Front Axle: Custom made Dynatrac Dana 44 with 4.88 and a Detroit Locker. The shafts are custom Moser Alloy Shafts with CTM U-Joints for superior strength; Chromalloy Tie rod with 1-ton ends flipped on top of the knuckles completes the front axle. Four X Doctor Dif Guard provides extra protection.

Wheels: (5) Weld Aluminum 15X10 modified by OMF for the Beadlocks. IROK 36X13.5 (Bias Ply)

Suspension

The springs are custom made by National Spring. In order for National Spring to make them, I gave 3 weights of the Jeep, (1) front weight, (2) rear weight, and (3) total weight of the Jeep. Because the springs are made specifically for the jeep; the goal of maximum articulation, ride height along with a smooth ride were all reached.

Front Springs - Shackle reversal for improved ride and the springs are mounted on top of the axle. In addition, the springs are 10.5"-longer then stock for improved articulation and ride quality. Lastly, the front axle was moved forward 3” to increase the overall wheelbase of the Jeep.

Rear Springs – Springs are 1.5” longer for improved ride/articulation and are mounted on top of the axle for maximum ground clearance. The longer springs allowed room to move the axle back 1.5” to further increase the wheelbase. Because the axle was moved back, a custom 23-Gallon Aero Tank was fabricated. The tank has a notch to give the Dynatrac Dana 60 housing room during extreme articulation to not hit the gas tank. In addition, the Aero gas tank has a reinforced bottom to take abuse.   Lastly, to keep axle wrap under control, a Sam’s HD Traction bar was installed and mounted to a custom heavy duty cross member.

Wheelbase: Front Axel moved forward 3”, rear moved back 1.5”

Frame: Front half of the frame is completely boxed with 0.25 plate. This was accomplished by removing the engine, plating the frame, and reinstalling the engine to ensure proper plate coverage

Miscellaneous:

On Board Air – I installed a York AC Compressor that serves as the air compressor. The sidebars serve double duty - protection and air storage tanks. Because of the ample air storage, the jeep can run air tools such as grinders, cut off wheels and such.

On Board Welder – A secondary dedicated 160 AMP alternator was installed to power the welder separate from the one used for charging the battery, meaning the Jeep has two alternators. In addition, I installed a “control box” to accept the welding leads (stinger and ground). A Rubicon Express hand throttle controls the RPM of the engine (which controls the amperage to the stinger)

Full Cage by Four X Doctor. The front seats are tied into cage along with two cross bars, one just above the dash and another just behind the front seats to provide maximum protection for occupants and mounting points for the four point racing harness.  

Flexalite Aluminum radiator with electric fan. A switch in side the cab allows for turning the fan on and off. This is a great feature for water crossings or wanting the engine to heat up faster in cold climates.

Rear tire carrier  holds a full size spare tire and is equipped with a Hilift jack. IN addition, the HAM radio antenna is mounted to the carrier.

Underbody rock lights for night runs on the trail. The entire ground area is lit up during night runs.

Warn HS9500i

BesTop soft top with YJ half doors

Custom 26-Gallon Aero Tank notched for clearance for the D60 housing

VDO Gauges

Rubicon Express Hand Throttle

Four-X Doc. Diff guards

Dual battery tray

Flowmaster muffler

TJ Fender Flares

High Back adjustable seats

5 point racing seat belts

1” body lift

Inside tub completely covered with Durabak for easy cleaning and durability

CB

Ham Radio

Many more mods. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.