Build ‘68 M715, AKA "Smokey" (Can I post this Jeep on MUD?)

[Broski]

Nice work!!

 

[Rock40]

Set up a temporary outdoor media blast area. We then blasted ALL of the remaining sheet metal. Windshield frame, inner/outer fenders and inner/outer front bib. 125 CFM compressor made fairly quick work of it. Did I mention it was hot too? Gosh damn

 

[Rock40]

Since this is MUD, the 40 came over to visit the blasting area. Nearly got this ready for Rubithon this year

 

[Rock40]

Nice work!!

Thanks!!

 

[Crinkler]

Love watching your build, are you keeping the closed knuckle Dana 60 under it? Would you happen to know anyone with a disk brake conversion for a M715? I know uglyduckling made them for years but he retired several years ago. I'm looking for a used kit?

Paul.....

 

[Rock40]

Love watching your build, are you keeping the closed knuckle Dana 60 under it? Would you happen to know anyone with a disk brake conversion for a M715? I know uglyduckling made them for years but he retired several years ago. I'm looking for a used kit?

Paul.....

Hey Paul, no the closed knuckle D60 is long gone, unfortunately too many drawbacks on a build like this to retain it. Some of that is parts availability and aftermarket support since that closed knuckle D60 was/is rather unusual. I haven’t heard of any disc brake conversion parts for them recently either, sorry

if I’m remembering correctly (and it’s been awhile) a more modern kingpin D60 from the 1980’s can be swapped under an M715 using the stock leaf springs. By running the front hubs that came on a truck with a dually rear, the axle width is very close to what the original closed knuckle D60 was. Not a small undertaking in the least but you are getting disc brakes, and a much stronger axle with vast aftermarket and factory parts support. I’m using an 80’s kingpin 60 on this build but obviously a ton of screwing around given the suspension

 

[05CTD]

Looking really good and your right its to dang hot......

 

[Broski]

Since this is MUD, the 40 came over to visit the blasting area. Nearly got this ready for Rubithon this year

View attachment 3070887

View attachment 3070888

Your place looks beautiful !! and the 80 looks right at home on the lawn.

 

[Box Rocket]

The solution for the bumpstop pad is sick! Nicely done.

 

[Rock40]

Your place looks beautiful !! and the 80 looks right at home on the lawn.

Thx, it’s best this time of year, not so great when it’s been raining for 10 straight months

 

[Rock40]

Finally tackled the hood and got it cut out for the shock hoops and coil overs.

Used the original hood as “practice” since it looks like it was run over by a truck. Repeatedly. At least the underside was clearly stenciled that the coolant had been checked for the winter of ‘78-‘79

Yeah, “This thing is bent to hell” it was moving and popping as the plasma went through it

I do my best hot work in shorts and sandals

 

[Rock40]

After making a few cardboard templates, we pulled out the clean hood that’s been in storage for the last 5 years. Originally from a mid 70’s Cherokee, same design as the M715

 

[Rock40]

After cutting and installing the clean hood, we pushed it out in the driveway to get some sun. 90 something degrees out. Getting the hood back on it REALLY makes it seem more complete

It’s big but height wise actually a bit shorter than the ‘69 FJ40. Confirmed today that the M715 currently has a 125” wheelbase.

 

[Firemedic831]

Looking good . What run are you doing for Rubithon ?

 

[aztoyman]

Looks BADDASS. Great work.

 

[Rock40]

Looking good . What run are you doing for Rubithon ?

Double Rocker, should be awesome

 

[Rock40]

Looks BADDASS. Great work.

Thx! It’s great to see it finally getting close to back together

 

[Firemedic831]

Double Rocker, should be awesome

See you up there.

 

[Rock40]

See you up there.

Nice! Same run?

 

[Firemedic831]

Nice! Same run?

No i am leading the Wagon run. but will be up there all week. a few days with the 40 to play then i will get my FJ for the wagon run