New Addition, 73 cj5 v8

Hey,
I picked up a fairly stock 1973 cj5 with the original 304 in it early last summer.
So far i have redone the brakes, wiper linkage and done a tune up. I would like to do some aftermarket stuff to it while keeping it fairly stock etc. tires, bumpers.
Also i have a set of headers to put on it that came with it, a new set of hedmans. whats a good muffler combo to run with it.
any other things i should do to the jeep?
Thanx, any advice would be appreciated.

 

my vote no headers, nice tires, some flexy springs(bds is my spring o choice) and rugged bumpers and rocker protection and enjoy.

 

What size tires have you found to work the best? Also does anybody make a good front bumper and rear bumper/spare tire combo?

 

I have a 75 CJ. Added a 2-1/2" BDS lift and am currently runnin 33's. As for bumpers, I made my own.. Ooops.. Edit , runnin 31's

 

+1. Headers are a PITA on a Jeep IMO. Hot, noisy, leaky, fragile ... did I mention leaky? The factory manifolds are pretty good for cast iron, and they will hold up for trail use much better. Get yourself a free-flowing dual exhaust with a crossover, if you need the more aggressive sound or feel you need the extra power. Personally, I prefer a quiet exhaust, but you can still have dual exhausts with quiet mufflers if you want. Dump both at the rear.

Lots of discussion of tires in previous posts. Lots of options, though one usual theme. I'm running 33s on 7x15 rims with a 2" BDS lift.

You'll need rocker protection before you venture into the big rocks, unless you like body damage (body damage is cool, BTW).

The factory front bumper will work fine until you bend it. For the rear, well, Cross Enterprises used to be a good recommendation, but I think they are out of business. Check on your local Jeep forum for who does good fab work locally. You'll also want some roll-over protection, and your local fab artist can help with body armor.

If you have factory taillights, realize that they too are very vulnerable to rock damage. Your rear swing-away will help with that.

 

I have a 360 with side hedman headers with magnaflow exhaust. I have them on engine since 4 years now. I love the sound it make (almost like a harley when at idle) but you can shut it off if you're planning on a long run. I had problem with leak at start but i bought an aluminium boxed gasket on ebay and no leak since that (3 1/2 years running).

 

I wasn't as fortunate as Johneyboy, every attempt I have ever made with headers on an AMC engine has been frustration and leaks. You don't need them, keep the factory cast iron.

I have the factory front bumper and think its cool, dents scratches and all. Winch will mount on top, so why change? I did add a piece of square tube for the rear bumper and built a tire carrier into the gate when the factory tire carrier rotted away.

Tires = 31 x 9.50 swampers on mail Jeep rims. It loves them. Goes anywhere it will fit.

I have gone big before and now find that I like it better nearer to stock. I changed the tranny to an SM420, added a winch and that back bumper, and otherwise just keep replacing worn parts to get it back to stock.

Edit: I did also add a mastercraft heater. I fear no blizzard so long as I have the hose-of-heat stuck up under my jacket.

I have considered YJ springs, boxing the frame, and maybe an ECTED or ARB, but for now, I'd rather drive it than work on it.

 

235 85 16 on skinny jeep rims fierce attitude tires wearing good and gripy... i used 3 inch channel for the front bumper,3 inch heavy angle for the rear you can see the front here
and the rockers here

 

Well, sounds like ill be sticking to the factory manifolds and staying with a somewhat close to stock exhaust. what mufflers have you guys found to be a good one to use, not outrageously loud, but still has the v8 sound?

as far as tires, i was looking at some Maxtrex Mud Trac 30 9.50 15, has anybody tried these?

Bumpers for now ill leave the stock one on the front and add a spot for the winch, on the back I'm going to build one with a tire carrier and maybe a spot for a gas can or 2.

on a side note, i think I'm going to rhino line the inside of the jeep and maybe the rear corners.

 

I've got 30 x 9.5's. Love the size.

 

I didn't Rhyno line mine, but did the do it yerself Herculiner route..

 

i lined the inside and the rub rails with spi liner its a 2k product and about as close to rino liner as the average guy can buy