Restored Jeep CJ / YJ Project with New LS 5.3 V8. 100 miles since restoration!

My 5.3 Swap and Jeep Restoration is COMPLETE!! Project rundown, exhaust, quick drive....

Video will open in a new window

My name is Bob, I am the builder, owner, and seller for this Jeep. I am not a retailer, or a used car lot, or a collector car warehouse. Rest assured; this will be a very honest description coming straight from the horse's mouth! I built this Jeep using a frame and tub from a rust-free 1994 Wrangler. The front clip, HVAC, and dash is from a CJ5, it looks more like the CJ5 so it is titled as such. A Jeep purist might consider it to resemble a CJ7 because of the squared doors. Regardless of this fact, the VIN assigned to this Jeep is a 1982 CJ5 because that was one of the donor vehicles I used. I have the title in my name and there’s no funny business. I spent about 1 ½ years on the project and documented everything along the way. I have a 5” binder full of invoices and instruction manuals. I also have 850 photos from start to finish (way more than eBay will allow!).I posted various YouTube videos of my project and they can be found by searching for my channel: “BobWilson84”. Because this project was so complicated, and the details are so vast, I think it’s best to highlight the main points of interest. Before I go on to list the specifications for this vehicle, I think I should explain why I'm selling it. My hobby is restoring vehicles in my barn, one at a time, in my spare time. I sell each project to pave the way for the next, and so on and so on. I am not a collector; I don’t have the space or $$ to keep everything I restore. I am not someone who buys cheap and sells high, I take great pride in the quality of my work and attention to detail. We are only on this planet for a short time. To do anything other than my best work would not be a testament to my values. Enough of my soapbox, let’s get on with the details. Oh, before the details just one more thing. Since I am the owner / builder / seller I cannot offer any form of help for financing or shipping etc. I will do everything within my power to make the sale go smoothly as possible. Please understand my position, do not make offers without having the funds ready to go! I can store the Jeep for a reasonable amount of time after it sells to help arrange for shipping. Speaking of shipping, if shipping is required please request your quotes before making an offer so there are no surprises. Ideally this should be transported in an enclosed hauler. Yes, that costs more money, but it’s money well spent. The only top is a simple “Bikini” top. There are no windows etc. I think it’s reasonable for me to expect full payment within 2-3 days. Bank checks, personal checks (once cleared), electronic funds transfer, and cash are all accepted. Ok, so I’m going to list the highlights for this project and attempt to keep it reasonably brief. Mechanical: Ford 8.1 LSD rear end. Dana 30 at front. 3.55 gear ratios both axles completely build from scratch using Ford and Spicer OEM internals. NEW AX15 transmission, LUK clutch, and JB Conversions NP231 T-case make up the rest of the driveline. The Engine: It’s a fully blueprinted, balanced, and hand-built GM 5.3 LS V8. All engine components are made in USA and it was assembled by a local engine builder who specializes in LS engines. The EFI and ignition is Edelbrock Pro Flo 4 EFI (very cool Bluetooth controls, gauges and setup). The rest of the engine bay is full of HQ American-Made parts like a Superior Radiator, and TuffStuff Brake system. The suspension is the best available: Old Man Emu components throughout. The body work was completed by me and is very nice, but not perfect. The bodywork materials (like everything else on the Jeep) are documented, and it is painted with OMNI Urethane single-stage paint. As I mentioned, the paint is great but not flawless. I would wager to say most people would say it is excellent, however I would call it very nice. The Almond Beige Paint scheme and decals really make cleaning and maintenance a cinch. I “frenched” the CJ5 grille to fit between the YJ frame rails and fabricated a custom radiator mount.The frame was stripped to bare metal and finished in KBS moisture-cured urethane; I chose this for ease of touch-up down the road. Lastly, the electronics and wireharness arebyPainless Performanceand is 100% custom made especially for this jeep by yours truly. Every connector and termination throughout the Jeep is Delphi Weatherpak and Burndy crimps with solder and heat shrink. The gauges are Autometer, and the interior is all Besttop seats and a Tuffy Console. Oh, and there’s a period-correct Cobra CB radio for good measure.I could continue to go on and on, but I’ll wrap it up there. I’ve put about 125 miles on the Jeep thus far to let the engine “self-tune” and to sort out any rattles, leaks, noises, vibrations, etc. It is 100% ready to go. You may have noticed the Jeep pictures lack seatbelts, sun visors, and a knob for the headlight switch. Rest assured, that’s all completed or will be completed. The recent pandemic has created long lead-times for some manufactures, and I took the photos on a recent beautiful day (I did not want to count on another cloudless day in Northeast Ohio for additional photos). Ok, thanks again for checking out my latest project. If you have any questions you can reach me via the eBay messages or by phone / text. 330-770-4394 is my cell, if I do not answer please leave a message and I’ll call you back. Don’t be disturbed by my voicemail greeting, I use it to thwart would-be telemarketers.