Full Size Jeep Network

I wanted to start a build thread in order to chronicle the progress of the 1979 J20 that my dad and I are working on and would also like to say thanks to everyone who participates on this site as I have visited many times seeking information!

A little history: I own a '08 JKU that I've been modifying slowly for a more "overland" goal, yet still capable on the harder trails. Seeing as how I'll probably keep it forever and it will handle the more difficult off-road adventures, we've decided to keep the J20 relatively stock. We may add 33" tires and a flat bed to haul hay but that will probably be the extent of exterior modifications.



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We found the J20 about 50 miles away and decided to go take a look. We did a little research after checking it out and decided it was a project that we could handle so we returned the next morning and bought her! She smoked a little bit on the way back and died at a few stoplights (which we assumed was because it had been sitting for who knows how long) yet ultimately, she drove very well! The odometer shows about 60k miles, she leaks a bit of oil, and there's the ever-popular rust on the floor boards and in the bed but nothing too serious.

The next day I decided to take her for a spin and the quadratrac decided that it no longer wanted the chain and thus spit it out of the casting. A few hours and a tow truck later, she was back home.


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It was at that point that we decided to remove every nut and bolt from the new-to-us truck and restore as much as possible. The front end was torn down quickly and without drama, however the bolts securing the bed to the frame required more persuasion and occasionally called for the nut-breaker. It was here that we found that she had most likely been the victim of a fender bender in the rear as the rear bumper had been pushed into the body on the passenger side and the aftermarket trailer hitch was bent in a decent amount. Someone later tried to straighten the damage with a hooked-end chain yet only succeeded in bending the frame, not the trailer hitch bar. Beyond that, there were quite a few wires and hoses leading to nowhere, yet we intend on replacing those so that was a non-issue.


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Definitely not a factory paint job...


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We also discovered that a PO had installed Rough Country springs and new U-bolts in addition to an aluminum radiator, fuel pump, auxiliary speaker, header covers, and a new carburetor. The factory AC was not working and the transmission seemed to be very clean in comparison to the rest of the drive train. We would later discover that the tranny was missing a few bolts connecting it to the engine.


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We sent the transmission and engine off to the professionals for a full rebuild and were able to locate another quadratrac in Pennsylvania into which we could swap our low-range.
After the frame was stripped, we moved on to sand blasting!



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Quite a peoject, looks very good thus far

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Hurray! Another J-truck pulled back from the gates! Looking forward to more updates!

Subscribed You all are getting to it, welcome to the crazy world of FSJ. Glad to see another 79 being resurrected. Those are the same Mastercraft tires that I've been looking at for my truck. I like the tread pattern, and the nostalgic looks. Continue the good work

Thanks for the interest everyone!

We just finished blasting the frame today, that took a lot longer than I had anticipated. Next on the list is to paint the frame and then blast and paint the axles and wheels.


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Just finished up the frame with POR15 and I've been disassembling the front D44 in order to blast, paint, and rebuild it. Anyone have any advice on how to get these ball joints out? The last time I really cranked down on a press, I broke one of the adaptors. Use a torch? They've been soaking in solvent for a few days.

I also need to get working on the quadratrac....



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Are you doing this that fast, or are you stocked up on pictures to post? 'cause, dang! Nice build.

az chip wrote:Are you doing this that fast, or are you stocked up on pictures to post? 'cause, dang! Nice build.

I was stocked up, not anymore! I try to work on it a few hours every night.


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Well it's been slow going the past few weeks but the frame is totally painted (including the parts we initially missed), the quadratrac is almost whole again, the glass has been removed from the cab, U joints have been replaced on the axle shafts, and the axles have been painted and reassembled. Parts are trickling in and the rear disc brake conversion just showed up. Hopefully we'll get the springs blasted and painted, get the engine back from the shop, and start the rebuilding process!


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Awesome!

I may have missed it, what color are you planning on painting the truck?

berettajeep wrote:Awesome!

I may have missed it, what color are you planning on painting the truck?

We're not totally sure yet ourselves, possibly a tan or green. Probably a matte finish, something low maintenance and usable as this will be a farm truck (hay hauler, feed store, etc...)


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