1982 CJ7 Jamboree Build

Hello,

Here is my build for my 1982 CJ7 Jamboree Edition.

I started with a complete 1980 Base model, a tub from a Jambo, the dash, VIN, Data Plate, Engine, Trans, and random parts from the Jambo as well.

My plan is to strip the 1980 down, rebuild everything, build it back up with the Jambo parts, and breathe some life back into the old Jambo.

Last night, forum member "numbersix" and John from R&P4WD came over and helped me pulled the trans and t-case. The 1980 came with an SR4, Dana 300, 258 I6, AMC 20 2-Piece, Dana 30, and a lot of stubborn bolts. I currently have R&P4WD building up a T-18 for me, next will be the Dana 300 for rebuild, then the straight 6. The plan is to pull the axles and put Dana 44's or Dana 60 rear and 44 front, then a coil set-up on all four corners.

I am also considering a stretch to a 4-Door as only half of the Jambo tub is actually salvageable. This will be exciting.

The 1980 is in my garage now with the Jambo tub at work waiting to be cut late summer when I find out how I will do it. Because of the size of my garage and the one tub at work with a CJ5 as well, I will most likely buy a hoist and hold the 1980 tub midair in the garage while I make the rolling chassis.

Pictures will soon follow...

 

About time you got started with a build log. Be sure to take lots of pictures, will be cool to see an Jamboree being rebuilt. Also, it will save you trouble down the road when you can't remember how something goes back together. I'd also suggest saving coffee cans, they make great bolt / small parts bins. I like to use metal cans for soaking parts in simple green. After a good soak, scrubbing and cleaning, I'll lightly coat them in WD-40 and put them in a plastic can. I'm partial to Yuban cans, they work better.

 

Thanks man. Yeah... I will probably send all my bolts through the etch tank at work if they allow it. If not, Maybe R&P can help find a good etch place for all my parts. The only problem, I don't want to have a whole can full of bolts when I get done!

 

Wife said the Jeep is a weekend only project as I am starting working for my bosses one man machine shop as the engineer. Being a weekend project, I feel with the right money and planning, this should be done in good time. T-18 still being assembled, Dana 300 at the shop for a rebuild with stock gears, SR4 out of the Jeep and outta here!, and the tub is slowly coming off. It will be stored at a friends garage but will be cutting it up to piece up the rust holes from the Jamboree tub. Then, it's off to the scrap yard. I need help planning axles though guys. This will be a Jeep I will drive one or two days a week in the summer and a weekend here or there to the river for fishing. It will also go up to the mountain on occasion and will serve its main purpose as a rock crawler.

Let me know your favorite idea for axle set-ups based on my needs. I currently have this in mind:

Dana 44 front and rear, 4.10 or 4.56 gears, lockers, floating axles, manual locking warn hubs, and 33 or 34 inch tires.

What should I look for? Wagoneer axles? TJ Axles? or R&P 4WD custom axles and housings?

Thank You,
Cordova, Chris
(503) 410-6173

 

If you want to save some money, I'd suggest keeping the AMC 20. It gets a bad rap due to the 2 piece axle shaft design. Spend a couple hundred on a 1 pc shaft kit and re-gear to the ratio you want. The ring / pinion gears on the 20 are actually larger than a Dana 44.

 

So..... does anyone know if this came stock on he early 80's CJ7 tubs? About a half inch of bondo plaster......
The tub I thought was the good one will now be going to the scrap yard.....
Numbersix, you and John wondered how the Jeep looked so clean and rust free, well bondo doesn't rust. Bondo was EVERYWHERE and consisted of just about the whole Jeep. I am surprised it didn't fall apart when wheeling last summer!

Picking up a YJ tub from a nice CJ8 owner in Beavercreek just 5 minutes away. BTW, the first time I ever saw a CJ8 and it was in amazing condition.

So, lucky for me the front fenders, grill, and dash were still salvageable to still get that Jamboree look. It is also a good thing I am replacing the axles, drivelines, transmission, and engine, and rebuilding the transfercase or else I think I would have much more problems on my hands. I just hope the frame is good.

I seriously seriously hate lying previous owners. The guy knew I would have my kids in this Jeep, I HAVE had my kids in this Jeep.... Part of me hopes he wrecks his pretty little red porsche. Maybe I should go drop the rusted tub in front of his lawn, it is only 4 exits down the highway.

Anyway, on to brighter things, the YJ tub will be here in the garage the 15th and by then I should be done tearing up the CJ tub and evaluating the frame. Will keep everyone posted. I am pretty much ready to find a frame made out of wood at this point. I can't believe I spent the money I did on this thing only to spend twice as much fixing it.... It will be done though!

 

Why the YJ tub? I know people have done it before but I think the gas tank filler ends up on the wrong side.

 

I was already going to move the gas tank filler as I have issues with it being on that side with the land rover at the gas station. I was also going to galvanize my tub and rhino line the inside anyway plus switch to the yj window frame. Now, I can do all that. Plus he gave me a smoking deal! This CJ tub is trash and I will find something for the Jambo tub, I'm not giving that up.

 

Update:

CJ7 Windshield is gone and roll bar, front fenders, and grill are coming off today. Dash is going to be the next monster and the tub will be off in due time...

@Numbersix ..... You want to help remove the tub next Saturday? Beer, pizza, and some Jeep parts if you are interested plus 20 for gas if you need it. The manifold is yours as soon as we start pulling the engine which isn't far away, maybe even next weekend.

 

Tub is being removed saturday then the YJ tub is being dropped off later the same day. Will be inspecting the frame saturday and possibly picking up the YJ frame as well. It is galvanized, painted, and in perfect condition. We will see. I will post pictures tonight.

 

Having issues posting photos.....

 

I prefer to use Google Picasa. Super easy to use, take a photo using my camera, and sync it with my account. Photo is then sync to my web album and all my other devices.

 

You can show me this weekend. I stopped trying.

 

Pretty simple, i always worked with http://imageshack.us/
Juste browse the picture you want, upload it. It will bring you at another page with 5-6 link. Copy the “ forum “ code. When you will post something on the forum you have an icon that say “ Insert image “, click it and paste the code there. Another way I’m doing it, with facebook, on a picture on facebook click the right button on mouse over the picture, and select: Copy the URL and just paste it the same way will the Icon “ image insert “

 

That's easier. I will just do that.
BTW, shopping for D44's and don't want to pay 4-5k on knew ones. I would rather pay a few hundred for a pair then rebuild them. The following vehicles are in mind:

Wagoneers
Broncos
Ford Trucks