Resto-mod '81 Cherokee

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jaber
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Re: Resto-mod '81 Cherokee

Post by jaber »

As in the OP of the tranny is too long? I saw on another build thread where a member trimmed his shaft for the t-c. I would think it would work fine, as long as it didnt get too hot and kill the temper.
Jeff

'46 cj3a
'51 Willys p/u
'51 Willys Parkway Conversion
'74 CJ5
'75 J-20 Wrecker
'75 J-20 Cummins service truck
'77 J-10 p/u
'79 Cherokee
'88 Grand Wagoneer
http://s252.photobucket.com/albums/hh14/jeffaber/

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rocklaurence
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Re: Resto-mod '81 Cherokee

Post by rocklaurence »

jaber wrote:As in the OP of the tranny is too long? I saw on another build thread where a member trimmed his shaft for the t-c. I would think it would work fine, as long as it didnt get too hot and kill the temper.
No, the shaft seal mount on the Tcase hits the seal mount on the transmission before the mounting flanges come together (3/4"). The later NP231s have a shorter input seal mount (it doesnt stick out as far). So, I'll need to buy a NP231 or have a 3/4" spacer made. Im thinking to have the spacer made but also include a Clocking option.

On another note: I totally refinished the dash pad for the Cherokee! I used a flexible epoxy, viynal texture and black die :D I will post pictures of it tomorrow

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rocklaurence
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Re: Resto-mod '81 Cherokee

Post by rocklaurence »

OK, here are the pic of the dash. When I started it was tan painted black, had 2" hole on top over the instrument area and a dent on the front edge. I thinks it came out really nice ;)
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VAGJunkie
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Re: Resto-mod '81 Cherokee

Post by VAGJunkie »

:shock: I think I just pooped a little! That thing is gorgeous!
86 Grand Wagoneer
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rocklaurence
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Re: Resto-mod '81 Cherokee

Post by rocklaurence »

VAGJunkie wrote::shock: I think I just pooped a little! That thing is gorgeous!
LOL, thanks.
I'm also working the front door panels and arm rests. Once the Cherokee comes back from paint, we'll start putting it back together.
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TUDrewser
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Re: Resto-mod '81 Cherokee

Post by TUDrewser »

What's right in the center on top of the dash? Is that mesh? I have a big ol' crack right there...thinking maybe I could cut it out and make it a grill or something, then paint it. You are inspiring, but I'm not sure I have the skills to match ;-)
1990 GW "saved by Jerry" edition
will e wrote:I guess life is better if you are not moving too fast.

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rocklaurence
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Re: Resto-mod '81 Cherokee

Post by rocklaurence »

TUDrewser wrote:What's right in the center on top of the dash? Is that mesh? I have a big ol' crack right there...thinking maybe I could cut it out and make it a grill or something, then paint it. You are inspiring, but I'm not sure I have the skills to match ;-)
That's where Jeep thought a speaker should go :x They are one of the first areas to crack because there is so little material. A plastic speaker cover would work fine and cover that area.
It wasn't hard. You just need the correct materials and the local Fast Parts isn't going to have it. I asked a lot of questions at the Auto Body supply house and they know what works and what doesn't.

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rocklaurence
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Re: Resto-mod '81 Cherokee

Post by rocklaurence »

We'll be picking up the cab from the painter Monday. The Loden green looks awesome!

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rocklaurence
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Re: Resto-mod '81 Cherokee

Post by rocklaurence »

We picked it up today and started putting it all back together with 18 bazillion nuts and bolts we saved. I really like the Loden green with flat black accents.
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We started on the fire wall and tailgate

Manimal70
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Re: Resto-mod '81 Cherokee

Post by Manimal70 »

WOW! You've done a GREAT job!
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ProTouring442
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Re: Resto-mod '81 Cherokee

Post by ProTouring442 »

Love the color! Looks great!
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pyro
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Re: Resto-mod '81 Cherokee

Post by pyro »

Can't wait to see it up close! Looks great
'81 J10 Laredo 258/T176
'82 Cherokee 258/TF904
'84 CJ-8 258/T176

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rocklaurence
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Re: Resto-mod '81 Cherokee

Post by rocklaurence »

We made progress on the overdrive install today. First, we assembled the motor, AX15, original FSJ NP208 and loaded it into the Cherokee. Look at how nice the shifter location is. It sets Approx 5" toward the dash compared to the original T177. Second, we're sizing up clutch master cylinders locations and need to determine what master to use with the AX15 slave.
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In the future we'll put a kit together for the AX15 install. Probably the cheapest OD available.

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rocklaurence
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Re: Resto-mod '81 Cherokee

Post by rocklaurence »

We developed an adapter plate for the AX15 mount which allows the use of an OEM bushing and the FSJ cross member in the original location. :ugeek: Next, we'll find out what needs to be added/removed from the original drive shafts.
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pyro
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Re: Resto-mod '81 Cherokee

Post by pyro »

When can I drop mine off for an engine/tranny swap?
'81 J10 Laredo 258/T176
'82 Cherokee 258/TF904
'84 CJ-8 258/T176

Florida FSJ's Click Here!!!

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rocklaurence
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Re: Resto-mod '81 Cherokee

Post by rocklaurence »

pyro wrote:When can I drop mine off for an engine/tranny swap?
You know, This AX15 swap is working out great and is strong enough for the 360V8. IMO, this would be the first/best overdrive option for our FSJs with a manual transmission. The AX15 is stronger than all the 4 speeds that Jeep used with the exception of the T18 (3/4 ton).
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jaber
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Re: Resto-mod '81 Cherokee

Post by jaber »

My problem is that everyone up here thinks they have gold gears in them and the yards cant keep them.
Jeff

'46 cj3a
'51 Willys p/u
'51 Willys Parkway Conversion
'74 CJ5
'75 J-20 Wrecker
'75 J-20 Cummins service truck
'77 J-10 p/u
'79 Cherokee
'88 Grand Wagoneer
http://s252.photobucket.com/albums/hh14/jeffaber/

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rocklaurence
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Re: Resto-mod '81 Cherokee

Post by rocklaurence »

jaber wrote:My problem is that everyone up here thinks they have gold gears in them and the yards cant keep them.
I got this one for $340 but will need to buy a external slave bell for it. Even if it needs rebuilt, I'll have a 5 speed for less than $1k.

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rocklaurence
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Re: Resto-mod '81 Cherokee

Post by rocklaurence »

Moc'd up the drive shafts today. The combo is only 2" longer than the T177. So, Ill have both DS re worked after the holiday and will mount up the gas tank tomorrow.
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jaber
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Re: Resto-mod '81 Cherokee

Post by jaber »

The front shaft from an XJ might save you some coin.
Jeff

'46 cj3a
'51 Willys p/u
'51 Willys Parkway Conversion
'74 CJ5
'75 J-20 Wrecker
'75 J-20 Cummins service truck
'77 J-10 p/u
'79 Cherokee
'88 Grand Wagoneer
http://s252.photobucket.com/albums/hh14/jeffaber/
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