Build 1987 LJ70 frame swap + mods build thread

[Gubbtratt1]

Last weekend I had to start the cruiser for a number of reasons. I have to tidy up in the tent to hopefully find some tools, my grandpas car needs some welding, and I wanted to further diagnose the starting issue.
Well, the starter just clicked. Four batteries later, the last one being a seemingly invincible tractor battery, I decided it must be a problem with the car. I tow started it to do my diagnosing, and after that I got the starter to work twice before it died again.
So, I removed it and found two possible culprits: the solenoid contacts didn't look very good, and the cable shoes were quite corroded. I cleaned the contacts and took the opportunity to replace the original cable with a 70 mm2 one I had laying around. Works great now, and it even feels like it's got a bit more starting power.

 

[Gubbtratt1]

Brake lines are fixed to the frame and bled. Somehow no major leaks.

Test driving just gets more and more fun as more features are restored. With working brakes I dared to go flex on some rocks.

About 50cm of articulation before one of the back wheels broke traction. 620 RTI isn't too bad. The Discovery still beats it at 58cm/690 RTI though.

 

[Gubbtratt1]

The right side rock slider is in progress.

And the chinese K&N copy with a plastic flower pot has been replaced by oiled foam in a dog water bowl. The first filter was way too tall which caused it to get mangled on the first test drive, and I don't really trust a 15€ high flow filter to be adequate in dusty conditions.

The accordion hose from the snorkel to the turbo will also get replaced by a rubber hose for a bit better reliability.

 

[DirtSniffer]

I did rocker chop sliders like that on my old 80 and they turned out great and held up to abuse very well. I would suggest tying them in well at the A and B pillars. Thinking about doing the same on my 70, rockers are a little rotted at the rear. And the clearance you gain on the sides vs tying into the frame makes a huge difference.

My A pillar reinforcement:

B Pillar:

 

[Gubbtratt1]

I haven't gotten much done in June thanks to work, events, dailying a 59 year old car and 20+ degrees on the few free days. Today I managed to fit in some welding though: the outer part of the rock slider, and some rust on the passenger door.