How to build a Jeep CJ7 bug out vehicle.

**daddyusmaximus** · 05-07-18, 01:12

OK first thing... "Bug out vehicle" is a generic term that gets thrown around a lot. Yes, I could always use this to bug out in if I had to, but that is not really it's designed role. I'm thinking more of a "recon vehicle", as I don't plan to bug out. Obviously, I will if I have to, but that is my back up plan to my back up plan, not my main survival strategy.

The vehicle I am building is a 1980 Jeep CJ7. Way too small to carry enough supplies for my whole family. In fact prior to any SHTF I'll be using this as an adventure rig to go exploring and camping in. Being a Jeep, it is small enough to travel in tight places where a large truck couldn't go. Being a CJ7 it is the larger (10" longer) and will have a bit more room than a CJ5. I also have a hard top to secure it in winter weather.

My starting point was a 1979 CJ5, but only to get the drivetrain out of it. This was built as a sand toy by some youngster, but it was very strong. The guts are all Dodge truck. Mopar 360, TF 727, and full size axles, Dana 44 front, Chrysler 9.25 rear with 4 wheel disc brakes.

I started this project in Jan, but it will probably take me at least a year and a half to finish. I'm half-crippled, and living off my VA disability, so I work slow, and new parts come only a couple each month...

**daddyusmaximus** · 05-07-18, 01:14

Cage, doghouse, interior, and windshield came off...

**daddyusmaximus** · 05-07-18, 01:16

Mopar 360 came out...

**daddyusmaximus** · 05-07-18, 01:17

Torqueflite 727, and Dana 20 came out...

**daddyusmaximus** · 05-07-18, 01:22

Front axle came out first, then rear, and fuel tank.

I sold the tub and frame, and started teardown of the vehicle to be built.

**daddyusmaximus** · 05-07-18, 01:26

Here is the project vehicle as I got it. It's a 1980 CJ7 with a hole in the engine block at the #2 cylinder. Been sitting for years in storage. Guy wanted to quit paying storage so I picked it up for the last two months rent.

It looks decent, but the tub is pretty much gone. It does, however have a solid frame, and good doors, hood, grill, tailgate, and hard top, and tilt wheel. Ladies, and gentlemen, I give you the $120 CJ7...

**daddyusmaximus** · 05-07-18, 01:30

Like the CJ5, this started off easy enough. Hard top, doors, windshield, tailgate, and hood gave me no hassles.

The windshield frame was also toast. You could push your fingers through it in several spots. Gonna have to use the one from the CJ5. The cowl is full of holes too, and both sides are coming apart from the rear fenders. I start my search online for a tub. Oddly the floor of the tub is in great shape.