Scrambler Build Questions

**RockTractor** · 01-18-2010 10:12 AM

OK - the time is drawing near to start building this thing..

What I have now:
* Scrambler Body and Roll Bar (good shape)
* 1/2 Hard Tps and Buulkhead
* Scrambler Frame (almost cracked in half)
* Chevy 350 motor (84cj7lt1- I may need your help with Budlong to see what can be done here)
* TPI intake parts
* Aluminum Radiator
* Hedman Jeep conversion headers
* AA Conversion bellhousing, centerforce clutch
* NV4500 Tranny
* 4.3 ATLAS T-Case
* ProRock60 Rear
* H1 Rims

My initial thoughts for the build:

Motor: Stroked to 383, use TPI intake parts and Megasquirt II for fuel and spark

Headers, Radiator, Bell Housing, Clutch: OK as is

Tranny: OK as is

T-Case: OK as is

Klune-V: Maybe??

Rear axle: Detroit Soft Lock or ARB, 4.88 gears

Front Axle: Undecided ion type, ARB, 4.88 Gears

Frame: Chuck the cracked OEM frame and get aftermarket frame: TDK, Matkins (still in business?), or other?

Rims: Recenter H1 rims for proper offset and bolt pattern.

Tires: Probably some Interco product, in the 37 to 40 range

Body: Line inside of tub, paint JD green or JD yellow

Front Suspension: SOA on RE SOA springs, full width spring perch conversion, extended front shock towers. (I really don't want to have to mess with track bars, etc up front)

Rear Suspension: Triangulated 4-link on coils or coil-overs.

Armor: Flat Skid, Rocker Skids, Rear Corner Armor, something extra to protect the long CJ-8 rear overhang. In the front, not sure on flat fenders or some sort of high clearance set up.

Steering: Hi-Steer with some sort of hydro assist (looking for some input here)

Brakes: Definitely upgraded (looking for some input here)

Comments - Critiques - Suggestions?

I have moderate fab skills and would like to build what I can. But, given my skills and time available, I'm sure after market purchases will be required.... I have been out of the Jeep aftermarket loop for some time now.... what manufactures shouldl I be looking at for some of these options?

Anything I am missing??

**sceep** · 01-18-2010 10:25 AM

what are your plans for the thing?

reason i ask is your choice of front leafs, and brakes. seems to me, that you should scrape up some extra pennies and link/coilover the front as well. i'm very pleased with my manual willwood brake setup on the buggy, and brians fond of his hydroboost

do you need a klune? seems you have/can have enough gear. spend the $$ on front coilovers instead
(we have nothing but rave reviews of the two klunes we own BTW)

line the bottom of the tub while you are at it.

**abqtj** · 01-18-2010 10:26 AM

First off, you have better than "moderate" fab skills, Jay!

But I like the direction this sucker is going. I'll be interested to see the leaf front/coils or coilover rear.

**McTJ** · 01-18-2010 10:31 AM

Originally Posted by RockTractor

T-Case: OK as is

Klune-V: Maybe??

Sell the 4.3 and get a 10.3:1 4-speed. That should give you all the gearing options you'll ever need.

**Brian1** · 01-18-2010 10:35 AM

What aluminum radiator do you have? hope it is a big one or dual pass to keep a 383 cool in a Jeep.

Brakes, no doubt about it go with a hydroboost stystem. You can piece it together yourself from a junkyard or give Vanco a call for a new unit with the high flow mod for ram assist.

With the specs of a 383 motor, the weight of a built Scrambler and the tire size of 37-40s do not go with anything other than a front Dana 60. When you want to upgrade the shafts I just went with Nitro alloy shafts and their 300M joints. Quality seems decent, a good price and lifetime warranty. If you want the ultimate give RCV a call for their Dana 60 CVs ($1900!). Steering you cant go wrong with either Parts Mike arms or WFO arms with the kingpin preload bolt. Depending on how much you want to spend on hydro steering you can go with either Howe or PSC for the top of the line or West Texas Offroad for the steering box mod and a ram of your choice for lower budget.

For the rear 4 link checkout Ruff Stuff Specialties for brackets, misalignments and rod ends. I would recomend 1.25" chromoly lowers and 3/4" chromoly uppers for rod ends.

Tube flat fenders are nice but I also really like the Campbell 1 piece fiberglass hoods with built in fenders.

edit: other than a front 60 you could go with a Spider 9 including knuckles, True Hi9 diff and custom alloy shafts but that will add up quick!

**Dirty Harry** · 01-18-2010 10:41 AM

Are you going to paint it orange with purple flames?

It seems like that is basically what you described, I would talk to Jeffrey!

**RockTractor** · 01-18-2010 10:55 AM

Thanks for the feedback Nate!

Originally Posted by sceep

what are your plans for the thing?

Pretty much the same as my old CJ7 except a little more trail worthy (suspension, gearing, wheelbase, motor, tires, axles) and a little more road road friendly (gearing, motor)

Originally Posted by sceep

reason i ask is your choice of front leafs, and brakes. seems to me, that you should scrape up some extra pennies and link/coilover the front as well.

Well, my choice for front leafs was pretty much based on my capability. I'm not sure I can pull of a link suspension up front - there seems to be much more involved that a rear set-up.

Originally Posted by sceep

i'm very pleased with my manual willwood brake setup on the buggy, and brians fond of his hydroboost

Cool - I'll check both out.

Originally Posted by sceep

do you need a klune? seems you have/can have enough gear. spend the $$ on front coilovers instead
(we have nothing but rave reviews of the two klunes we own BTW)

No, I don't need it. My thought for having it was at the top end... with it, I go do 4.10s in the axles instead of 4.88s and get a little lower RPMs on the freeway - and, at the same time, get a few more gear options overall.

Originally Posted by sceep

line the bottom of the tub while you are at it.

What does that do for me? Heat? Sound? Does the lining underneath get in the way when modifying "stuff" later down the road?

**RockTractor** · 01-18-2010 10:56 AM

Originally Posted by McTJ

Sell the 4.3 and get a 10.3:1 4-speed. That should give you all the gearing options you'll ever need.

That sounds more expensive than just adding a Klune-V. But, I like your thinking!!

**sceep** · 01-18-2010 10:57 AM

Originally Posted by RockTractor

What does that do for me? Heat? Sound? Does the lining underneath get in the way when modifying "stuff" later down the road?

yes to all, and corrosion inhibitor.

**RockTractor** · 01-18-2010 11:20 AM

Thanks for the feedback Brian!