I totaled my TJ two weeks ago and now the insurance company is giving me a big fat check. I want to build CJ7 that is ready to handle anything but the most extreme rock crawling but is usable as a daily driver. I am looking for suggestions on what any of you would do if you could start over and do it all the right way. No cutting corners but no $2500 custom currie axles either. Also a suggestion for good late model engine with plenty of power and good fuel economy.

see the post have you ever seen a cj7 with a 502 v8. that should be enough.

If i were going to build a 7 from the ground up i would start the same way i am collecting parts for project heep. YJ frame and tub. The yj frames are stronger, wider, and should be rust free. The yj tubs from the mid 90's should also be rust free. Drivetrain and such you have to decide what you want. I am only going to run a stock 302 with a c4 auto and a d300 tcase. Probably run a 9in rear and a waggy 44 front. So theres my thoughts. Good luck what ever way you go.

I agree with pontiac about the YJ stuff. If you have the time & $$ use a late model YJ frame, tub & 4.0L HO engine
use a CJ front clip, CJ dash, YJ seats
Get an D44 front axle from a chevy & have it cut down to wagoneer width, run SOA with the stock YJ springs (or 2.5" springs) and get a rear axle from an '80's wagoneer.
Get a D300 case & a 4:1 kit & a 999 or 727 auto tranny (or get a NP435 4-speed & adapter). Run 4.10's or 4.56 gears locked front and rear. Get some 35" tires & you'll be good to go for a moderate rockcrawling.

Or go real big & get some D60's & 38's but that's another story...

-Mel

Again, agree on the YJ frame and tub, CJ Dash, front clip, etc.

YJ 93+ rollbar and full cage kit (do a search, we've done a couple)
302 mill to NV4500 tranny with an Atlas II 3.8:1 xfer case
Hydro clutch
High-angle driveline shafts with 1 ton CV (long slip)
MORE engine mounts
Belly-up skidplate
Boyce Equipment or other good reconditioned Dana 60 (with 70 outers) up front Corporate 14 bolt in back
OX Locker up front, Detroit in rear
4 wheel disc brakes
Dual diaphragm brakes
SOA on JC Whitney HD 2.5" springs
traction bar (sam's offroad style home made)
Ford front shock towers
MORE rear shock towers
9012's all around
37" MTR's on Hummer rims
Borgeson steering shaft
Hydro assist steering for West Texas Offroad
Dual Battery system (hellroaring technologies)
Snorkle
On-board welder

damn, I guess that adds up... I'm great at spending OTHER people's money.

here is a thought. if there is anything left of your Tj and is worth anything (depending on whats damaged) buy it back from the insurance Co. you have first dibs on it before any yard gets it
also it will be far less thatn you think

I agree ... my plymouth was so called totaled i got a good check for and for $30 i got the car too.

I have thought about buying back my TJ but I totaled her in Wyoming and I live in Missouri If the price was as cheap as you say it could be it would be worth the trip and all the hassle.

it's worth checking in to [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

I would go with a 4:1 ratio in the Tcase. makes a great offroad upgarade but doen't hurt the road maners at all.