1981 Cherokee Chief - Rustard - 2WD 2JZ

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Yeller
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Re: 1981 Cherokee Chief - Rustard - 2WD 2JZ

Post by Yeller »

You’re on the right track with your measurements. Are you prepared to cut the floor and rear frame to get it to sit level? Of course that depends how low you are lowering it. I built a lot of lowered stuff in the late 80’s/early 90’s. My first cut and section of a frame and floor was a 76 Chevy short wide. It was dumb low lol
The bus I ride is so short it is a yellow Smart Car full of squirrels, monkeys and clowns.

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SJohn
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Re: 1981 Cherokee Chief - Rustard - 2WD 2JZ

Post by SJohn »

Yeller wrote:You’re on the right track with your measurements. Are you prepared to cut the floor and rear frame to get it to sit level? Of course that depends how low you are lowering it. I built a lot of lowered stuff in the late 80’s/early 90’s. My first cut and section of a frame and floor was a 76 Chevy short wide. It was dumb low lol
My goal isn't super low, but I expect that the rear frame and floor will have to be cut. I anticipate the rear frame will have to be notched to tuck the rear axle up in there. The majority of the front floor pans are already coming out, and with the much smaller transmission, I don't need to worry as much about room in the trans tunnel.

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1986 J20 LS Swap
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1981 Cherokee Chief - Rustard - 2JZ swap
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Re: 1981 Cherokee Chief - Rustard - 2WD 2JZ

Post by SJohn »

Rustard is getting ready for media blasting! I got the body off the frame and ready to load on a trailer to head to the blaster in East Texas. The shell, front fenders, radiator support, hood, tailgate and hood hinges will be blasted and primed. The hardest par of this was finding a solid point to place the jack stands while pulling the frame out Image . The rockers and rear floor are so rusted they wouldn't support the weight of the body. It will be interesting to see how much is left after blasting.
While the body is off I can get started on the frame.

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Owner/Operator/Chief Engineer of Johnson Production FSJ Parts
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1986 J20 LS Swap
https://www.fsjnetwork.com/forum/viewto ... 12&t=17875

1981 Cherokee Chief - Rustard - 2JZ swap
https://www.fsjnetwork.com/forum/viewto ... 12&t=22981

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Re: 1981 Cherokee Chief - Rustard - 2WD 2JZ

Post by SJohn »

Rustard made it to the media blasting shop in East Texas and now awaits its turn in line. It will be back in gray epoxy primer (or at least what is left of it :-? ) hahaha. The truck pulled it great with no issues. With the body out of the way I got everything off the frame and will get it cleaned up this weekend. I still have a ton of parts for sale that are taking up space (Seats, Rear axle, inner fenders, brand new dual exhaust etc.) so send me a message if you are interested!

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Owner/Operator/Chief Engineer of Johnson Production FSJ Parts
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1986 J20 LS Swap
https://www.fsjnetwork.com/forum/viewto ... 12&t=17875

1981 Cherokee Chief - Rustard - 2JZ swap
https://www.fsjnetwork.com/forum/viewto ... 12&t=22981

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Re: 1981 Cherokee Chief - Rustard - 2WD 2JZ

Post by SJohn »

I forgot to mark this while the front axle was still under the Jeep so I hope someone can help me out here. Anyone have measurements of where the front axle lines up on the frame?Image

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1986 J20 LS Swap
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1981 Cherokee Chief - Rustard - 2JZ swap
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Re: 1981 Cherokee Chief - Rustard - 2WD 2JZ

Post by SJohn »

I got the Crown Vic crossmember and Jeep frame mocked up pretty close to what I think will be the final position. I went with 5.5" ground clearance from the crossmember to the garage floor which is pretty close to what I have read online the factory CV ground clearance is. There just so happened to be a grand marquis for sale at an estate sale in the neighborhood that I was able to crawl under and confirm the stock setup. Ground clearance on the Jeep frame looks like between 4 - 5" which is lower than I originally expected but not an issue. With everything mocked up I sketched up a C channel bracket to weld to the frame for mounting the CV crossmember. After I get the crossmember mounted up I will start on the rear mount for the lower control arm.

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Owner/Operator/Chief Engineer of Johnson Production FSJ Parts
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1986 J20 LS Swap
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1981 Cherokee Chief - Rustard - 2JZ swap
https://www.fsjnetwork.com/forum/viewto ... 12&t=22981

sierrablue
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Re: 1981 Cherokee Chief - Rustard - 2WD 2JZ

Post by sierrablue »

Cool!

Just out of curiosity, not saying you're doing it wrong, why didn't you just take a Crown Vic frame and put a Jeep body and a 2JZ in it? Be easier and have less weight and fully independent suspension...well in the front for sure; Idr on the back. But you're not gonna be towing with the 2JZ anyway...
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There are 2 major differences between new Wranglers and FSJs. FSJs are meant to be both utilitarian and capable, not just capable. FSJs are also rarely initially recognized as Jeeps by the average American.

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Re: 1981 Cherokee Chief - Rustard - 2WD 2JZ

Post by SJohn »

sierrablue wrote:Cool!

Just out of curiosity, not saying you're doing it wrong, why didn't you just take a Crown Vic frame and put a Jeep body and a 2JZ in it? Be easier and have less weight and fully independent suspension...well in the front for sure; Idr on the back. But you're not gonna be towing with the 2JZ anyway...
I thought about a complete chassis swap but I don't have the space for multiple non functioning cars to sit around. The other problem is the rear of the CV frame is notched so high for the rear axle it would eliminate any space in the cargo area. I expect I will have to notch the Jeep frame and lose a small amount of space but not as much as I would with a CV frame. A good chassis swap other members have proven works well is a C10 frame but as mentioned I don't have the space for a spare frame to lie around.

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1986 J20 LS Swap
https://www.fsjnetwork.com/forum/viewto ... 12&t=17875

1981 Cherokee Chief - Rustard - 2JZ swap
https://www.fsjnetwork.com/forum/viewto ... 12&t=22981
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Yeller
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Re: 1981 Cherokee Chief - Rustard - 2WD 2JZ

Post by Yeller »

And a c10 frame is floppier than a FSJ frame so I don’t see the advantage. If we were closer I’d volunteer to build you a custom frame that would be rigid and whatever ride height you desired that would be a major handling improvement. It’s not as much work as making everything else fit and something I enjoy.
The bus I ride is so short it is a yellow Smart Car full of squirrels, monkeys and clowns.

1970 J2500 Resto Mod
https://www.fsjnetwork.com/forum/viewt ... 12&t=21395

1974 Bronco “Broncno”
https://classicbroncos.com/forums/threa ... st-3411909
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Stuka
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Re: 1981 Cherokee Chief - Rustard - 2WD 2JZ

Post by Stuka »

SJohn wrote: Mon Apr 03, 2023 5:12 pm
sierrablue wrote:Cool!

Just out of curiosity, not saying you're doing it wrong, why didn't you just take a Crown Vic frame and put a Jeep body and a 2JZ in it? Be easier and have less weight and fully independent suspension...well in the front for sure; Idr on the back. But you're not gonna be towing with the 2JZ anyway...
I thought about a complete chassis swap but I don't have the space for multiple non functioning cars to sit around. The other problem is the rear of the CV frame is notched so high for the rear axle it would eliminate any space in the cargo area. I expect I will have to notch the Jeep frame and lose a small amount of space but not as much as I would with a CV frame. A good chassis swap other members have proven works well is a C10 frame but as mentioned I don't have the space for a spare frame to lie around.

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I don't see the frame getting into the cargo area. Crown Vic swaps are super common. HotRod Garage did one to their F100 and that thing sits super low, and the bed it totally usable as I recall. Though I would have to rewatch the episode to know for sure.

The C10 frames are junk. GM did not box their truck frames until they moved to IFS. Everything before that has more twist than a twizzler.
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Pevious Jeeps: 1981 J10, 1975 Cherokee, 2008 JK, 2005 KJ, 1989 XJ
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Yeller
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Re: 1981 Cherokee Chief - Rustard - 2WD 2JZ

Post by Yeller »

the C/K10,20,30 frames are so bad that I won't build a 4x4 model that does more than go to the mall without a replacement, been asked a lot of times, I just refuse, fixing those broken pieces of crap is where I cut my teeth building complete frames. Before that was installing sub frames in 50's cars back in the very early 90's . The C10-2wd is ok as a driver but if you want it to handle, has to go to the scrap bin. The waggy frame is way better and with the size of the body reinforcing it, not horribly floppy. add a few bars inside for rollover protection and it gets rigid quickly.
The bus I ride is so short it is a yellow Smart Car full of squirrels, monkeys and clowns.

1970 J2500 Resto Mod
https://www.fsjnetwork.com/forum/viewt ... 12&t=21395

1974 Bronco “Broncno”
https://classicbroncos.com/forums/threa ... st-3411909

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Re: 1981 Cherokee Chief - Rustard - 2WD 2JZ

Post by SJohn »

Yeller wrote:And a c10 frame is floppier than a FSJ frame so I don’t see the advantage. If we were closer I’d volunteer to build you a custom frame that would be rigid and whatever ride height you desired that would be a major handling improvement. It’s not as much work as making everything else fit and something I enjoy.
I would be all over that but honestly I'm enjoying the challenge so far. The rear suspension we'll see about hahaha.

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1986 J20 LS Swap
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1981 Cherokee Chief - Rustard - 2JZ swap
https://www.fsjnetwork.com/forum/viewto ... 12&t=22981

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Re: 1981 Cherokee Chief - Rustard - 2WD 2JZ

Post by SJohn »

The front suspension brackets have arrived and look great! I slid them on to the frame and as expected I will have to notch the frame to get the bracket to sit level and line up with the CV sub-frame. The bracket will be welded on and sleeves will be welded in for the sub-frame mounting bolts.

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I also finally took a look at the J20 frame to confirm axle center relative to the frame (at ride height). It looks like I need to move the CV sub-frame forward about an inch to match the factory axle center. I hope to start cutting this weekend and have the frame mounts done before the Cherokee gets back from blasting later this month.

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Owner/Operator/Chief Engineer of Johnson Production FSJ Parts
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1986 J20 LS Swap
https://www.fsjnetwork.com/forum/viewto ... 12&t=17875

1981 Cherokee Chief - Rustard - 2JZ swap
https://www.fsjnetwork.com/forum/viewto ... 12&t=22981

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Re: 1981 Cherokee Chief - Rustard - 2WD 2JZ

Post by SJohn »

Notches have been cut and the channels are sitting level with the cross member, now just waiting on the tube for the bolt sleeves to arrive.

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Owner/Operator/Chief Engineer of Johnson Production FSJ Parts
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1986 J20 LS Swap
https://www.fsjnetwork.com/forum/viewto ... 12&t=17875

1981 Cherokee Chief - Rustard - 2JZ swap
https://www.fsjnetwork.com/forum/viewto ... 12&t=22981

Topic author
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Re: 1981 Cherokee Chief - Rustard - 2WD 2JZ

Post by SJohn »

The front suspension is just about done! The bolt sleeves are welded in and driver side C channel is welded, next is finishing up the passenger side and starting on the rear control arm brackets. Aligning the front suspension was pretty straight forward, once I got the bolt sleeve holes drilled/cut (RIP Milwaukee drill), I mocked everything up again and checked all the measurements, verified the front was square, level and centered. Then I tacked the tubes in place, removed the sub frame and reinforced the tubes. With the tubes in I lined the C channel back up and welded the driver side on. I am still trying to decide if I want to add a plate to the inside of the frame to fill in the C channel or leave it open but I have no doubt this will hold up to any abuse. Happy with this progress!


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Owner/Operator/Chief Engineer of Johnson Production FSJ Parts
https://www.johnsonproductionjp.com/

1986 J20 LS Swap
https://www.fsjnetwork.com/forum/viewto ... 12&t=17875

1981 Cherokee Chief - Rustard - 2JZ swap
https://www.fsjnetwork.com/forum/viewto ... 12&t=22981

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Re: 1981 Cherokee Chief - Rustard - 2WD 2JZ

Post by SJohn »

The Cherokee finally made it into the blasting booth and I received a few progress photos.

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Owner/Operator/Chief Engineer of Johnson Production FSJ Parts
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1986 J20 LS Swap
https://www.fsjnetwork.com/forum/viewto ... 12&t=17875

1981 Cherokee Chief - Rustard - 2JZ swap
https://www.fsjnetwork.com/forum/viewto ... 12&t=22981
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Yeller
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Re: 1981 Cherokee Chief - Rustard - 2WD 2JZ

Post by Yeller »

Has rust but doesn’t look like anything unexpected.
The bus I ride is so short it is a yellow Smart Car full of squirrels, monkeys and clowns.

1970 J2500 Resto Mod
https://www.fsjnetwork.com/forum/viewt ... 12&t=21395

1974 Bronco “Broncno”
https://classicbroncos.com/forums/threa ... st-3411909

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Re: 1981 Cherokee Chief - Rustard - 2WD 2JZ

Post by SJohn »

Yeller wrote:Has rust but doesn’t look like anything unexpected.
Yeah, no real surprises fortunately!

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Owner/Operator/Chief Engineer of Johnson Production FSJ Parts
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1986 J20 LS Swap
https://www.fsjnetwork.com/forum/viewto ... 12&t=17875

1981 Cherokee Chief - Rustard - 2JZ swap
https://www.fsjnetwork.com/forum/viewto ... 12&t=22981

Topic author
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Re: 1981 Cherokee Chief - Rustard - 2WD 2JZ

Post by SJohn »

The 2JZ head is just about back together, new valve stem seals and lapped valves. Water leak test looked good initially for the first few minutes until I walked away for 20 minutes and came back to a wet table. Then I realized I should probably test them with the springs installed :-? . I just got the springs in and called it quits for the day so I hope the valves hold on the second go around. Installing 24 valve springs is a workout but at least its just one head hahaha!

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Owner/Operator/Chief Engineer of Johnson Production FSJ Parts
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1986 J20 LS Swap
https://www.fsjnetwork.com/forum/viewto ... 12&t=17875

1981 Cherokee Chief - Rustard - 2JZ swap
https://www.fsjnetwork.com/forum/viewto ... 12&t=22981
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Stuka
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Re: 1981 Cherokee Chief - Rustard - 2WD 2JZ

Post by Stuka »

Yeah, at least its not a DOHC V8 with 32 of them!
2017 JKU Rubicon
Pevious Jeeps: 1981 J10, 1975 Cherokee, 2008 JK, 2005 KJ, 1989 XJ
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