AlumaJ8 build, LCG CJ/LJ on 40s

[Defbob]

I’m starting a build from scratch. I sold my ‘44 Willys MB which is helping fund this build.

It will be an Aqualu CJ/LJ tub on a custom frame and link suspension. It will have a ride height similar to a 3” on a TJ. I will run 40s on a D60 and Sterling. I had bought a pair of ‘09 Superduty axles, but changed my mind about the front axle. I didn’t want to truss it (oil pan clearance) and I didn’t like the pumpkin offset. So I ordered a custom housing to mimic the Superduty width and use my Reid knuckles. The pumpkin has been moved inward 2”. This leaves me with 5.25” of exposed axle tube. Branik is resplining a set of 1550 joint shafts for me.

The rest of the drivetrain will consist of a 6.0L/4L80E/Atlas 3.0. Gearing in the axles will be 5.38. I also have a ‘12 Ram 3500 steering box I will be using.

The first pieces of the build showed up. My front axle housing and my knuckles.

 

[wjtstudios]

It’s going to be a beast! It’s going to be great watching this thing come together


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[Defbob]

I had to locate my steering box to get a picture of it

 

[JKbrick]

Hey I’ve been to Branik’s shop, it’s here in Ft Wayne. Will be watching this build


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[Defbob]

My axle housing arrived today

 

[Defbob]

And I got Savvy LED tail lights for my birthday

 

[dillard09]

That's a sweet front axle. Can't wait to see this build. Keep the pics coming!

 

[Defbob]

The housing has 3.5” X 1/2” wall tube vs the .370” wall tube of the Spicer Ultimate 60. Also the tubes are welded to the ends of the housing as well, so it shouldn’t spin the housing like the crate axles...

 

[19YJ94]

Can't wait to see this build come together.

 

[Defbob]

I ordered a Genright YJ Crawler Comp tank with the 4th of July discount. The 23 gallon one. I should have that in a couple weeks. I think they make them when ordered. I still have to order the tub and fenders from Aqualu. Then I can take final measurements for making the frame.

 

[VeruGE*144]

That looking great man. Subscribed, can’t wait to see what you will do [emoji106]

 

[Brute]

Is this going to be a J8 2-door pickup?...it should be very nice. Looking forward to the build...

 

[Defbob]

No, a bobbed CJ8. An LJ length CJ

 

[Defbob]

I built an aluminum CJ7 for a customer and named it AlumaJ7, so I decided to name mine AlumaJ8

 

[Defbob]

This is the chassis

 

[Brute]

No, a bobbed CJ8. An LJ length CJ

I built an aluminum CJ7 for a customer and named it AlumaJ7, so I decided to name mine AlumaJ8

Got it......

 

[wjtstudios]

Amazing job! Can’t wait to see the tub. How much do you need to bob the tail to get it to fit to the frame?


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[Defbob]

That frame is the one I built for the CJ7. Mine will be a little different. The tub comes LJ length from Aqualu

 

[Defbob]

Another piece to the puzzle arrived today. My Genright YJ Crawler Comp 23 gallon tank arrived. Once I order my body, I can do final measurements for my frame.

 

[AZ Explorer]

Serious build. Very cool!