Future JEEP Project

This project is several years down the road so don't get too excited to see progress on it yet.

In 3-4 years I will need a good 4X4 to get me around the mountains of the west. By then I plan to be traveling pretty much full time. This won't be your typical Jeep project with a big lift kit and big tires. Lift kits create problems with driveline angles and I'm getting too old to be lifting a 100lb dog in and out of something that high up. I won't be doing any serious rock crawling, I just can't bring myself to break stuff like that. I DO like the idea of good ground clearance though.

Here's the requirements I want it to meet:

1. It can't be lifted.
2. It must have good ground clearance.
3. It must be reliable = strong running gear.
4. If I'm still in CA it must be old enough to not worry about smog.
5. It can't cost a bundle.
6. It must be able to go 70mph on the highway comfortably.
7. It must make good power.
8. It must get reasonable gas mileage.
9. It must look cool.
10. It must have enough room in the back for Shadow.
11. It must be safe.

How do I get there??

1. The engine will be based on a Chevy 307 cubic inch small block. Here's a page on the engine build: 311ci engine build

2. The transmission will be a simple Turbo 350
a. Rebuilt with performance parts.
b. Shift kit.
c. New torque converter.
d. Plate and fin cooler.

This trans set up is strong, compact and not too expensive. The torque converter is the most expensive part.

3. The transfer case to be used has not yet been determined. I don't know much about them so there will be a learning curve there.

4. The axles will be at least Dana 44's if not Dana 60's-depending on what I can find at a decent price when I get that far.
a. 5.13 gears should get the highway rpm I'm shooting for with the large dia. tires.
b. Aftermarket axles
c. Air locker differentials
d. Big disk brakes.

The two axles will likely cost more than the rest of the project!!

5. The suspension will likely be a 4 link in the rear and a 3 or 4 link in the front using coilover shocks. Leaf springs will work but I like to fab stuff so why not??

Here's a pic of a project underway at JP Magazine that got me pointed in this direction.

This is a Jeep YJ but the concept is the same for any jeep. Cut the body to fit the tires, not just jack it higher in the air.

With the tailgate down Shadow can jump in the back easily.

Craigslist is a wonderful thing. Unfortunately I missed a nice NP231 transfer case for $75 - just didn't have the cash available at the right time. There have been several Turbo 350 transmissions on there for $50-$100 too.


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