My 1977 CJ7 Restoration-Modification Project

Here's a side by side comparison:

 

I'm not an experienced mechanic by any means, if I had some experience, it would not be so difficult. The only help I had, was lifting off the windshield and the radiator/grill. I plan on using my engine hoist to remove the tub. The NP 205 was a heavy rascal. I used the engine hoist for that as well.

 

I will probably have to cut this cross brace off the frame. Right now there's (2) bolts that support the tail shaft of the TH350.

 

Still subbed. Nice work. And good luck with the knees. Good thing your a Jeeper and not a Football player huh. Lolll. Looks like it coming along pretty nicely. .

 

Thanks JKBob! It's going to be a long adventure. I still can't believe I decided to do this project. The time and money invested is plain stupid, compared to any investment I've ever made.Oh well, hind sight is 20/20.

 

Thought I'd post a quick update with photos to follow later. I've removed the front clip and tub from the old chassis/frame. Additionally, I have removed the NP 205 transfer case from the "Franken Jeep". I have received the master overhaul kit, high performance sprag, and transmission case savers for the TH350. Also, I received the master overhaul kit, and twin stick modification for the Dana 300 transfer case. And lastly, I received the adapter kit from Novak, which included the new rear output shaft to modify the 2wd TH350 to a 4wd version. Yesterday, I spoke to the owner of the transmission shop that I'm going to hire to address the transmission and transfer case overhaul. He's given me an estimate of 16 hours total for the labor (@ $75.00/hr). He also advised me to purchase a new torque converter, otherwise he would not warranty the transmission rebuild. So.....I'm busy shopping for a proper fitting torque converter. I've looked at TCI/Jegs and Monster. I know that I do not need a high rpm stall converter, but I'm a bit confused with making a good choice. There's a science to accurately choose the correct torque converter. Without being too overwhelmed, and this will not be used as a drag racer, I think I'm going to choose either a 1350 rpm stall or 1750 stall converter.

 

No no no no no! Get a stock rebuilt torque converter from a local shop or if the one you have is stock have it rebuilt. I installed a TCI 1400 in mine and I hated it. Couldn't wheel for crap. Always reving the engine just to go forward an inch. Stock stall is around 750rpm. If you are supplying the parts the tranny rebuild should cost you any more than $350 if you are pulling and taking it to them and reinstalling it yourself. To pull a tranny cost $500 at the shop. Dont know about the hours on a Tcase. good luck.

 

Wow!!!! Thanks Pete for the info!!!! Sound's like this guy is taking me to the cleaners. I will call some other shops in get their price quotes. I might have to drive a few hours.....Yeah, you're right, I'm removing the tranny and performing all the installation. There shouldn't be any labor charges at all for removing it, or installing it. That's what sucks about living in a small town, you're very limited on where you can go, and there's no competition for business. I'll do a search at a big city, such as Wilmington, NC and see what the prices are there. Thanks again, and Merry Christmas to you and your family.

 

From what I can see you are very handy around the shop. I have never rebuilt a TH350, and i was going to do the one I just put in my CJ-7, but I called my tranny guy to ask a couple questions, and he said he would do it for $300 labor since i had the rebuild kit and had it pulled, but the point I'm making is that the 350 is the most straight forward trannys of all of them and they look very simple to rebuild. I bet you could do it yourself. Here are some videos that I watched that gave me the confidence to know I could do it if I wanted to. The really cool thing about these videos is that he goes into what makes a stock to high performance build and everything in between. Little tricks I never knew about etc. Check them out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1aEon7AB_g

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shU08g76BCs&t=7s

 

I thank you for the videos, I've been enlightened. Unfortunately, I do not have the skills, time or competence let alone the applicable tools necessary to to accomplish this kind of project. Wish I did, but I know my limitations. I have located a couple tranny shops about 45 mins from my residence. I'll give them a call after Christmas. Hope you and your family have a nice Christmas.