1971 J2000 build on Jeep JKU Frame

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Copper204
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Re: 1971 J2000 build on Jeep JKU Frame

Post by Copper204 »

So this is how I did the front radiator core support. Was at weld supply shop on Monday. Was looking at steel to make raisers. I saw a set of leaf spring shackles. Had a aha moment. So I bought these started measuring and test trimming. Came up with perfect set and offset. To also include a 1 inch neoprene spacer mount. So happy with this solution. Perfect set and centers the truck cab on the frame.
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Sorry I slacked on getting welded photos. I thought I had. But was a 14 hour day yesterday.
1971 J2000. 1981 CJ-7. 1989 XJ x3. 1989 MJ. 1990 YJ x3. 1972 Jeep Commando V-8 304 , Biggest baddest Purple 2017 JKU Rubicon in Tuolumne County

Follow me on instagram- @copper204 @oh_that_1_other_dude and @1971_Gladiator_Build

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Copper204
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Re: 1971 J2000 build on Jeep JKU Frame

Post by Copper204 »

So to back up a little. Had to take my fully built 4L65E apart to install new main shaft. The GM shaft was 27 splines. I want to run a Jeep 241OR Rubicon box. So needed a custom shaft and adapter. In comes Novak Conversions for the rescue. Been waiting for 2 months for the kit to come in. They were having a shaft case hardening issue. They have since corrected the issues. So apart it comes and back together it goes. It will also have the needed speed sensor for my FI-Tech fuel injection system.
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OLD SHAFT
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NEW SHAFT WITH TONE RING
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ADAPTER UNIT WITH SPEED SENSOR
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SHAMELESS PLUG FOR YUKON GEARS BENCH BUDDY
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1971 J2000. 1981 CJ-7. 1989 XJ x3. 1989 MJ. 1990 YJ x3. 1972 Jeep Commando V-8 304 , Biggest baddest Purple 2017 JKU Rubicon in Tuolumne County

Follow me on instagram- @copper204 @oh_that_1_other_dude and @1971_Gladiator_Build

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Copper204
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Re: 1971 J2000 build on Jeep JKU Frame

Post by Copper204 »

Here is the engine, transmission, adapter and Jeep Rubicon 4 to 1 transfer case all mated together. And installed in the Jeep JKU frame and new cab test fitted again and again and again.Maybe it would have been easier to use old frame. Just not my style and wanted a modern twist to the drivetrain and suspension.
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So we will not even discuss the cost of these two components. But since I am kind of that guy. I wanted fully functional Catalytic Converters. Not required for the 1971 truck. But we will say. I have bought used cars and trucks for less than I paid. These will need to be cut up a tad. The stock exhaust on LS 6.0L runs down passenger side. Well I will have a stock original JKU fuel tank sitting there. So those two cannot co-exist.
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1971 J2000. 1981 CJ-7. 1989 XJ x3. 1989 MJ. 1990 YJ x3. 1972 Jeep Commando V-8 304 , Biggest baddest Purple 2017 JKU Rubicon in Tuolumne County

Follow me on instagram- @copper204 @oh_that_1_other_dude and @1971_Gladiator_Build

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Stuka
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Re: 1971 J2000 build on Jeep JKU Frame

Post by Stuka »

Cool to see some more progress on this!

Bummer on the old cab. Looks like there are still some good parts of it left, outside of the internal support structure. And cool of J&W to go through and find a cab that was good.

I need to swing by one of these days and check it out.
2017 JKU Rubicon
Pevious Jeeps: 1981 J10, 1975 Cherokee, 2008 JK, 2005 KJ, 1989 XJ

Topic author
Copper204
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Re: 1971 J2000 build on Jeep JKU Frame

Post by Copper204 »

I am always there….lol
1971 J2000. 1981 CJ-7. 1989 XJ x3. 1989 MJ. 1990 YJ x3. 1972 Jeep Commando V-8 304 , Biggest baddest Purple 2017 JKU Rubicon in Tuolumne County

Follow me on instagram- @copper204 @oh_that_1_other_dude and @1971_Gladiator_Build

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Copper204
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Re: 1971 J2000 build on Jeep JKU Frame

Post by Copper204 »

And just like that Aaron came out and got rid of rust.
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Time to address some perforations. And the. Off to get powder primer installed and backed on. Body man will hate me.
1971 J2000. 1981 CJ-7. 1989 XJ x3. 1989 MJ. 1990 YJ x3. 1972 Jeep Commando V-8 304 , Biggest baddest Purple 2017 JKU Rubicon in Tuolumne County

Follow me on instagram- @copper204 @oh_that_1_other_dude and @1971_Gladiator_Build

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Stuka
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Re: 1971 J2000 build on Jeep JKU Frame

Post by Stuka »

Floors look really solid. Are those some holes along the top of the door jam under the drip rail?
2017 JKU Rubicon
Pevious Jeeps: 1981 J10, 1975 Cherokee, 2008 JK, 2005 KJ, 1989 XJ

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Copper204
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Re: 1971 J2000 build on Jeep JKU Frame

Post by Copper204 »

Yes, my buddy Keith said not hard to fix. He will make small patch rail in there and fix about six small dollar bill areas on floor.
1971 J2000. 1981 CJ-7. 1989 XJ x3. 1989 MJ. 1990 YJ x3. 1972 Jeep Commando V-8 304 , Biggest baddest Purple 2017 JKU Rubicon in Tuolumne County

Follow me on instagram- @copper204 @oh_that_1_other_dude and @1971_Gladiator_Build

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Copper204
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Re: 1971 J2000 build on Jeep JKU Frame

Post by Copper204 »

So had some time this morning. We are in flex hour rates. So can only work on it with door up and no Swamp Cooler. So decided to get the front clip off and bag and tag the bolts. Will say for a 51 year old rig. The bolts came out real easy. Sprayed them down with a dab of Penetrate probably helped.
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1971 J2000. 1981 CJ-7. 1989 XJ x3. 1989 MJ. 1990 YJ x3. 1972 Jeep Commando V-8 304 , Biggest baddest Purple 2017 JKU Rubicon in Tuolumne County

Follow me on instagram- @copper204 @oh_that_1_other_dude and @1971_Gladiator_Build

Jeep nut

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Copper204
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Re: 1971 J2000 build on Jeep JKU Frame

Post by Copper204 »

Found a cool sticker. And another little data plate. Will restore or reproduce to re-install when re-assembling truck.
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Have to fix this area on both of the side of the core support panel. Prior to going for stripping and powder coat primer.
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1971 J2000. 1981 CJ-7. 1989 XJ x3. 1989 MJ. 1990 YJ x3. 1972 Jeep Commando V-8 304 , Biggest baddest Purple 2017 JKU Rubicon in Tuolumne County

Follow me on instagram- @copper204 @oh_that_1_other_dude and @1971_Gladiator_Build

Jeep nut

Topic author
Copper204
Posts: 246
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Location: Sonora, Ca.
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Re: 1971 J2000 build on Jeep JKU Frame

Post by Copper204 »

This the way I made the front radiator support brackets. These are trailer leaf spring pivots. Will work perfectly. Whole frame will need grinding and finish welding. I am no welder. So will have a pro wrap that mess up.
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1971 J2000. 1981 CJ-7. 1989 XJ x3. 1989 MJ. 1990 YJ x3. 1972 Jeep Commando V-8 304 , Biggest baddest Purple 2017 JKU Rubicon in Tuolumne County

Follow me on instagram- @copper204 @oh_that_1_other_dude and @1971_Gladiator_Build

Jeep nut

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Copper204
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Re: 1971 J2000 build on Jeep JKU Frame

Post by Copper204 »

Here the entire front clip is off and will prep parts prior to them going to powder coated for stripping and powder primer. Will be coating the entire engine bay most like in spray bed lining. Possibly using the Raptor Liner product.
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1971 J2000. 1981 CJ-7. 1989 XJ x3. 1989 MJ. 1990 YJ x3. 1972 Jeep Commando V-8 304 , Biggest baddest Purple 2017 JKU Rubicon in Tuolumne County

Follow me on instagram- @copper204 @oh_that_1_other_dude and @1971_Gladiator_Build

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devildog80
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Re: 1971 J2000 build on Jeep JKU Frame

Post by devildog80 »

Just sayin.....would not do bed liner in engine compartment!

Just suggesting to do more research before final answer :/
'81 CJ5 Base, 258 I6, MC2100, T176 4 spd, 300 TC, D30 Front NT, 3.31, 2-Piece AMC 20 rear NT, 3.31, 4" high arc spring lift
'84 Grand Wagoneer, 401 V8 (.030 over), MC2150 HA Comp, 727 auto, Selec-trac NP229, AMC 20 REAR - D44 FRONT - WT 3.31, 4" high arc spring lift
Rather be driving, than waiting to be modified

Topic author
Copper204
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Re: 1971 J2000 build on Jeep JKU Frame

Post by Copper204 »

Still like idea of lining. But after the powder coat Job by my friend. It is a mute point. Too clean to not paint it trucks final color.
1971 J2000. 1981 CJ-7. 1989 XJ x3. 1989 MJ. 1990 YJ x3. 1972 Jeep Commando V-8 304 , Biggest baddest Purple 2017 JKU Rubicon in Tuolumne County

Follow me on instagram- @copper204 @oh_that_1_other_dude and @1971_Gladiator_Build

Jeep nut

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Copper204
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Re: 1971 J2000 build on Jeep JKU Frame

Post by Copper204 »

So took the stripped cab to my buddy Larry who owns L&L Powdercoating in Sonora, Ca. The perfectionist in him came shining through. He reblasted and DA sanded it. Then fixed a couple of holes. Then layer down the sexist powder coat primer. He got that stuff into all the nooks and crannies. This has changed my plans. I will be painting firewall same color as outside. He did an above and beyond job.
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Nothing better than taking it to a perfectionist.
1971 J2000. 1981 CJ-7. 1989 XJ x3. 1989 MJ. 1990 YJ x3. 1972 Jeep Commando V-8 304 , Biggest baddest Purple 2017 JKU Rubicon in Tuolumne County

Follow me on instagram- @copper204 @oh_that_1_other_dude and @1971_Gladiator_Build

Jeep nut

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Copper204
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Re: 1971 J2000 build on Jeep JKU Frame

Post by Copper204 »

And here we have it after it came out of oven. My friend Adam went up and picked up his stuff and my cab and parts. Time to strip the fenders and bed and get them with hood to Larry.
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Wife is accusing me of going overboard. I may be doing that. That just like when working on a customers cars. I may be a little bit of a nit picker and want it as I and customer envision it. It does not make for huge profit. But definitely makes me happy at the end of day. And Larry is the same way.
1971 J2000. 1981 CJ-7. 1989 XJ x3. 1989 MJ. 1990 YJ x3. 1972 Jeep Commando V-8 304 , Biggest baddest Purple 2017 JKU Rubicon in Tuolumne County

Follow me on instagram- @copper204 @oh_that_1_other_dude and @1971_Gladiator_Build

Jeep nut
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Stuka
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Re: 1971 J2000 build on Jeep JKU Frame

Post by Stuka »

I had L&L do the powder coating on my JK's rock rails last year, they came out amazing. They do really good work.

That cab should now last forever basically, which is super cool.
2017 JKU Rubicon
Pevious Jeeps: 1981 J10, 1975 Cherokee, 2008 JK, 2005 KJ, 1989 XJ

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Copper204
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Re: 1971 J2000 build on Jeep JKU Frame

Post by Copper204 »

Couple of more photos. Larry told me the primer is not UV resistant. So looks like it will be living inside the shop.
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Every piece on this truck will go through this process.
1971 J2000. 1981 CJ-7. 1989 XJ x3. 1989 MJ. 1990 YJ x3. 1972 Jeep Commando V-8 304 , Biggest baddest Purple 2017 JKU Rubicon in Tuolumne County

Follow me on instagram- @copper204 @oh_that_1_other_dude and @1971_Gladiator_Build

Jeep nut

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Copper204
Posts: 246
Joined: Sun Jan 03, 2021 9:35 pm
Location: Sonora, Ca.
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Re: 1971 J2000 build on Jeep JKU Frame

Post by Copper204 »

So frame is at KrashFab in Valley Springs, Ca. Having a master welder firm up and do a professional job on all my booger welds. Caspy had to basically grind off my booger’s and redo everything.


So decided to prep all of the hardware for the frame. Rust proofing the hardware to avoid issues. Also did not want any of the silver looking hardware. It will have a matte black finish when done.
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Tumbler with resin compound to remove all the rust.
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Rust removed 8 hour run time.
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Into the sand blast booth.
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Gun blueing compound. Not pictured also. Soaked and rinsed bolts in muriatic acid to strip any unseen coatings after blasting. Then rinsed and acetone washed.
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This is finished Gun blue black. It is soaked in old motor oil that will set the coloring and on a microscopic level, protect the finish. The reaction of the metal is almost instantaneous. I will be doing this to almost every fastener on this rig.
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Here is the frame.. you can go back and look at my booger welds in older post’s. I am mechanic , retired detective and Marine. Not a welder.
1971 J2000. 1981 CJ-7. 1989 XJ x3. 1989 MJ. 1990 YJ x3. 1972 Jeep Commando V-8 304 , Biggest baddest Purple 2017 JKU Rubicon in Tuolumne County

Follow me on instagram- @copper204 @oh_that_1_other_dude and @1971_Gladiator_Build

Jeep nut
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Stuka
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Re: 1971 J2000 build on Jeep JKU Frame

Post by Stuka »

I don't think I have seen anybody use gun blueing on hardware before. Does it hold up as well as zinc plating? And I assume it has the upside of being easier/cheaper than shipping out hardware to be zinc plated or black oxide coated.
2017 JKU Rubicon
Pevious Jeeps: 1981 J10, 1975 Cherokee, 2008 JK, 2005 KJ, 1989 XJ
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