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Theoretical Cj6 Build Ideas

Discussion in 'Builds and Fabricators Forum' started by FinoCJ, Oct 26, 2023.

Page 3 of 4
  1. Oct 27, 2023
    Norcal69

    Norcal69 Out of the box thinker 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Northern California
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    That's $USD.
    The doubler hooked to an AX15/D300 combo would make a really interesting combination.
    You could run it with 4.10 or 4.27 gears and have a choice of crawl ratios from the 30's clear up to the 90's.
     
    Norcal69, Oct 27, 2023
    #41
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  2. Oct 27, 2023
    kmj153

    kmj153 Member

    Stewartstown, PA
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    Apr 14, 2009
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    For me, I can find an AX-15 easier than a NV4500, plus there are lots of NV4500 variants that I don't want to keep track of. I feel the transferase options with the NV4500 are also limited or you'll need adapters (just my opinion, I may be wrong there). AX-15 and D300 or the underdrive will pretty much bolt up. Not to mention the weight and size difference. I don't see a need for an NV4500 with a V6, too overbuilt IMO.

    I have a YJ with AX-15 and 5.0 atlas. I think it's just about perfect for trail and street driving.
     
    kmj153, Oct 27, 2023
    #42
  3. Oct 27, 2023
    Jw60

    Jw60 Cool school 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Sedalia MO.
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    How about... 225, sm465, doubler, D18 or 20 w/3.15 gears.

    What I want is a 4.3, sm420, 203 doubler, D18 with j-pet 5.06ish gears. Then a klug-v style underdrive and 5.38 gears.

    I'll drop it in granny and hold up the drive through for an hour.
     
    Jw60, Oct 27, 2023
    #43
  4. Oct 27, 2023
    FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    Bozeman, MT
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    Jul 18, 2013
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    5,651
    No D18s allowed for this assignment.....
    my initial thoughts for my usage....too much focus on crawl and off-road use, and not enough for enjoyable all around driving experience. I actually don't mind driving the sm465 in the 58 - it shifts fine and smooth and easy, but yea - its drives like a 3speed and I don't like the 2nd gear ratio, or the 2-3 spacing (higher axle gears and/or bigger tires would help). No to mention, after fitting it under the 58, I said I would never use one again as its such a huge beast. Right now, even with my biggest jack stands, the beast can't drop out the bottom and slide out from under the frame rails - it can only come out the way it went in - from the front on the back of the engine - and honestly, that might be easier. I've never seen either the AX15 or NV4500 up close, so maybe they are similar, but at least they are 5 speeds - that would justify the effort a lot more.
     
    FinoCJ, Oct 27, 2023
    #44
  5. Oct 27, 2023
    Rich M.

    Rich M. Shoe salesman 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Maryland
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    Personally I would exclude any Dauntless or 231 odd-even engine. I would also exclude manual transmissions. I think a decent crawl ratio is a goal but " ranging" as oft discussed sounds good on paper but just isn't that utilized off road. Auto trans makes that discussion fairly moot.
    A fuel injected engine ( 4.3 v6- 5.3 v8) a 4spd auto ( 700r4 etc) and a D300. 4.27-4.56 gears. Selectable lockers. Narrow or widetrack your preference, modest lift 33-35" tires.
     
    Rich M., Oct 27, 2023
    #45
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  6. Oct 27, 2023
    neohic

    neohic Gentleman Jeepist

    Woodland Park, CO
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    Mar 29, 2018
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    What about starting with a YJ frame to stretch?
     
    neohic, Oct 27, 2023
    #46
  7. Oct 27, 2023
    Warloch

    Warloch Did you say Flattie??? Staff Member

    Falcon, CO
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    Mar 4, 2003
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    IF you get serious - I am pretty sure I can scrounge up a 6 (in my signature line) as I'm not sure Sheldon is actually going to get to building it. Figured one day it would end up being mine, but I've already got too many irons in the fire according to my wife...
     
    Warloch, Oct 27, 2023
    #47
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  8. Oct 27, 2023
    Bob-The-CJ

    Bob-The-CJ Member

    Italy, Texas
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    Nov 6, 2012
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    I paid $400 for mine with 37K miles. They sell all the time for around $250. What will cost you $1000 is converting it to carb if you go that way

    FYI - you can buy a full rebuilt 4.3 from Summit $2,800
     
    Bob-The-CJ, Oct 27, 2023
    #48
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  9. Oct 27, 2023
    Bob-The-CJ

    Bob-The-CJ Member

    Italy, Texas
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    Nov 6, 2012
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    Any Vortex 4.3 is definitely long life engine. Regarding the 5.3 - it is almost the same physical size as the 4.3 if you use the serpentine belt setup on the 4.3. Both engines require the same amount of effort to use - it just comes down to preference.

    If I would going to make a CJ6 conversion it would be for an automatic transmission before all else.
     
    Bob-The-CJ, Oct 27, 2023
    #49
    txtoller likes this.
  10. Oct 27, 2023
    Bob-The-CJ

    Bob-The-CJ Member

    Italy, Texas
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    I actually think the AX15 is junk. There is no comparison between an AX15 and a NV4500. But, I would just buy a complete transmission and transferase unit already mated to each other. If you are dead set on a manual transmission then you will probably be looking at 80's or early 90's stuff, after that all the combos get pretty large.
     
    Bob-The-CJ, Oct 27, 2023
    #50
  11. Oct 27, 2023
    Jw60

    Jw60 Cool school 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Sedalia MO.
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    Just for reference Novak has The NV4500 as a 200lb transmission used in one ton trucks...
    The ax15, NV3500 and nv3550 are 100lb Transmissions used in half tons and mid size vehicles...

    So the NV4500 would be like the sm465 plus extra length, one guy can lift it onto the bench once and call a chiropractor.
    The others would be more like a t18 where one fella can pick it up and walk across the parking lot.
     
    Jw60, Oct 27, 2023
    #51
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  12. Oct 28, 2023
    givemethewillys

    givemethewillys Been here since sparky ran it. 2022 Sponsor

    New Kent, VA
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    Was this project at the fab shop you were working at, or is there a build thread somewhere for it? One of my bucket list vehicles is a birth year (1981) scrambler.
     
    givemethewillys, Oct 28, 2023
    #52
  13. Oct 28, 2023
    Boyink

    Boyink Super Moderator Staff Member

    Tulsa, OK
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    4.3L / 700R4 was the plan for SSDutch. It had the 4.3 but mated to a T18. I would have gladly traded that low first gear for the drivability of an automatic. At the time we did mostly dune-running where the low crawl was useless.
     
    Boyink, Oct 28, 2023
    #53
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  14. Oct 29, 2023
    Inferno!

    Inferno! New Member

    NorCal
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    IMG_2469.jpeg
    TR-4050. Gear ratios: 6.16, 3.11, 1.71, 1, .76 od. rev 6.03. Would make your CJ6 awesome!
     
    Inferno!, Oct 29, 2023
    #54
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  15. Oct 29, 2023
    FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    Bozeman, MT
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    That is an interesting concept if trying to keep it leaf sprung....It seems a lot of people like starting with TJ frames to modify for what they want, and I assume that is because the coil spring aspect and you get decent axles for moderate builds, and aftermarket selection for big builds. But i kind of like the YJ idea....not that its in my skill level. Where does one learn to cut and weld frames anyway.... I think the big issue with the YJ option is the standard axle choices were not the best - the rear D35 can be replaced with an 8.8....not sure what was even used on the fronts. Not sure how much aftermarket selection there is.....In dream world, I could see a stretch YJ frame with CJ6 body and 4.0/AX15/D300 combo.....its really just the axles that I am not sure about....allright back to reality...
     
    FinoCJ, Oct 29, 2023
    #55
  16. Oct 29, 2023
    FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    Bozeman, MT
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    My heart wants to get something like this:
    https://www.facebook.com/marketplac...ghtspeed_banner&referralCode=messenger_banner
    But my brain is telling me to 'build' a more capable jeep with some bigger trail goals in mind, something less complete and original would be better choice. This CJ6 would probably make a great 'standard' build - very similar to what my cj5 is adding a 4 speed and some better steering etc. If one really wants to do the type of builds discussed above, whats the point of this one if the engine, trans, TC, axles, brakes, steering, seats etc all get replaced, and the frame will need full attention?

    The brain says the 'carcass' project like what was posted way back on page 1 is probably the better way to go as (seems as though its gone).....but then the emotional connection to jeep just isn't there even if the trail capability is....

    Anyway, still in contact with the seller of the first cj6....heck, maybe I just swap some of the good stuff from my cj5 to the cj6 (my lift springs, locked 4.88 axles, the low gear D18/OD) throw in the T18, do a steering and brake upgrade, run 33s and call it good. I could sell the cj5 as a runner with the swapped out pieces and basically end up with a equivalent cj6 replacement for not a ton of money.....
     
    FinoCJ, Oct 29, 2023
    #56
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  17. Oct 29, 2023
    blalp!

    blalp! Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Concord, NH
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    I could be mistaken, but I believe Ford had driver side drop high pinion front D44s. Those may be an option for a YJ if you were up to narrowing, or having someone do it for you.
     
    blalp!, Oct 29, 2023
    #57
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  18. Oct 29, 2023
    colojeepguy

    colojeepguy Colorado Springs

    At the foot of...
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    70s half tons had that,before they came out with the TTB in 80. They're going for big $ nowadays.
     
    colojeepguy, Oct 29, 2023
    #58
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  19. Oct 29, 2023
    jeep peep69

    jeep peep69 Member

    redding ca.
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    Tuned port fuel injected 305,nv3500, np241 or dana300. Dana30 front 44 rear with selectable lockers 4.10 ratio would be very capable off road and on . Plus can be built at a reasonable cost.
     
    jeep peep69, Oct 29, 2023
    #59
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  20. Oct 29, 2023
    3b a runnin

    3b a runnin Active Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    virginia
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    This
    A FI 4.3 and the 700R4 with the D20 or 300 would be a great choice. Would love to do that to mine. OS/flanged 44 and a D30 with selectable lockers would be a great combo.
     
    3b a runnin, Oct 29, 2023
    #60
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