2wd drag Cherokee build thread

[Ghinmi]

Rather than posting random updates every now and again I figured I'd just start a build thread for the new Cherokee project. Basically it's a 1983 Cherokee WT body on a shortened 1971 C10 frame with a real healthy AMC 401.

Here's how I picture it as a finished project, although I change my mind on the paint scheme almost daily.




The roller as purchased, look at how clean it is.


http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_...4019_large.jpg


http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_...4020_large.jpg


http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_...4022_large.jpg


The 1971 C10 frame from Arkansas. Shortened 17" to 110" wheelbase. Trailing arm rear suspension, IFS, front discs, etc.


http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_...4025_large.jpg


http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_...4026_large.jpg


http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_...4028_large.jpg


Here's the body off the frame, how many Cherokees still exist that can hold their own weight on the rear quarters? I stuck the blocks under the back then lifted the front with the chain falls. Then I removed the rear tires and drug the frame out from underneath. Please note that I kept the heck away from it when it was hanging there like that.


http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_...4049_large.jpg


Check out how clean this frame is. Original paint even!


http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_...4051_large.jpg


http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_...4052_large.jpg


Now here's the body on the 2wd frame. I forgot to take pictures before I pushed it back into it's spot so the pictures are only of the front half. I still need to clearance a couple places in the back, then it will drop down 1.5" more. The suspension is hardly even compressed but it's still sitting lower than my stock height waggy! The plan is to finish the build with the stock springs, then order springs to get the height right. So it's probably going to look a little funky until the very end of the build.


http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_...4054_large.jpg


http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_...4055_large.jpg

[Wagn Man]

Excellent looking project. I will be following this one. And i'd have to say that it'd be a blast to

[addicted]

Very cool.

[jaber]

Subscribed....

[hotrodjeep]

Is the '71 still 6x5.5 bolt pattern? Or did they already change to 5x5 by then on 2wd?

Cool Build, I have the same Ideas but with a stock chassis and a front axle from a 50's Chevy Truck. I'm still in the parts gathering and Photoshop stage. Maybe I'll get busy this winter... But Probly not, I'm pretty lazy

Jeff

[Ghinmi]

Cool photoshop! I think 1971 was the first year for 5x5 but also the first year of front discs. Not really that big of deal since I've got to order wheels anyways. I'm going to use the rear axle from my Wagoneer though so that'll be 6-lug. It actually works out great because the n/t axle is going to be the perfect width for tucking a 315 drag radial on a 10" rim.

[manimal]

subscribing....this is awesome!

[83LaredoWT]

I will be watching this as well. It will be exciting to see my old girl turned into a street terror.

Good luck.

[Dr. Marneaus]

This looks sweet, I love stuff like this! I'll be staying tuned.

[Wayne]

Cool build.

[lost1]

subscribed... any plans to convert to 4-link in the rear? Why/why not?

[Ghinmi]

subscribed... any plans to convert to 4-link in the rear? Why/why not?

No plans for a 4-link at the present time. They're just like a set of long ladder bars and a bunch of the truck guys still run 'em. I mostly like them because of how they resist instant center migration as the suspension cycles. With the tires, wheelbase, and CG height I'm going to run traction shouldn't be the issue.

[Eugene 1]

cool subscribing

[bigun]

subscribed... any plans to convert to 4-link in the rear? Why/why not?

NASCAR cars still use the same seup

[lost1]

Well sure, but NASCAR is amazing in part because of all the tech restrictions they have on the cars.

Sounds like pretty good reasoning to me though! I'll definitely be watching with interest.