Project Flatfender

[HUNTINCOUPLE]

Lookin good guys!

[724wd]

REAL PROGRESS!  first time the frame and body have mated since August of 2015!     i think the rear end will have to shift backwards another inch to center the tire in the opening, and the springs have a bunch too much lift!  Making shorter shackles (3") to replace the 6"ers on there now will help, but I may look into having the eyes reversed, too. But all that will have to wait until I can load up the frame to simulate ride height. Then it's steering, motor mounts, transmission mount, front and rear crossmembers, mounting the fuel tank... 

Anya wouldn't get in and make motor noises, so i did it for her 

[724wd]

Got the steering box mount welded in this weekend and have started planning out the transmission crossmember. It's looking more and more likely I'll have to do a 2 piece/carrier bearing front driveshaft due to the lack of transmission clearance. not ideal, but that's life. I notched the crossmember to allow the steering shaft to live in the same space and those welds look better in person than in pictures, i swear! I was filling a fairly large gap, so that's my excuse...

Also started the front crossmember and need to pick up some hardware to complete that. It will be removable in the event the steering box needs to be service or replaced. Then I can mount the bumper and tow hooks I salvaged from the original frame horns.

[Lucky Eric]

Nice looking project, makes me want to get my cj5 uncovered and out of the garage.

[724wd]

More progress. Engine is ready to button up, transmission is rebuilt, transfer case adapter is being modified, front crossmember and bumper finalized. Intake manifold sorted, and header pieces gathered. I will need to cut a header flange, however.

I’ve also discovered I can raise the drivetrain 3” up in the frame. Will improve driveline angles, pan clearance, etc. luckily I kinda planned for this: engine mounts and trans crossmember easy to modify.