Project: Trail-worthy, a build thread

[Sonoran_Tj]

I will be getting a 94 Navajo 2-door from my uncle in a few weeks, and thought I would start a build thread for it. Currently it is most of the way through a motor swap, an 86 mustang 302 being the donor. The ex will need some work to get to running condition, so I will be using this thread to post my progress and ask questions regarding the build. My plans for it are as follows:

1. Finish Engine swap

2. Repaint it
I plan on painting it over the summer with krylon camo paint, in a desert tan color. My first question being, what all will I need to do in order to prep the vehicle for painting? I know I will need to tape off/cover anything that should not have paint on it, but will I need to sand or roughen up the current paint?

3.SAS/regear
It has TTB, and through a major SNAFU, The front is geared 3.27 and the rear is 3.08. So it will need a regear also. I at some point in the future plan on putting a dana 44 front on it and possibly regearing the 8.8 at the same time.

My end goal for this ex is to have a weekend toy to beat up on trails, and use as a camping/hunting vehicle. This ex is gonna be a project to keep working on and modifying.

edit: before pictures will be coming soon, I need to get them off my camera.

 

[rngmStr]

good luck with that

 

[Tbars4]

...Welcome here...

...Yea, I myself got my X just for fishing and camping ...

...You don't need to add a solid axle to go just about anywhere with it though...Keep us posted and it's good to see another project build on here...

 

[Dannyboy]

welcome aboard, get that thing built and lets wheel!

 

[Sonoran_Tj]

Its been a while since I started this thread, but I have been busy with school. I picked up the Navajo tonight. It looks nice in my driveway, finally. Tomorrow Im going to begin an inventory of all the parts in the backseat ( its full of assorted bolts and engine parts) and starting a record of what needs to be fixed. This project is finally getting underway :biggthump

 

[Tbars4]

...Did the 302 get finished being put in???...It's time to share some pictures with us...

 

[Navajo_powah]

i too have a navajo. now i dont feel so alone!! im looking forward to seeing a v8 navajo rippin up the trails!!you need some build pics!

 

[Sonoran_Tj]

Here are some quick shots of it in the driveway.

The gas tank, radiator, and DS are all in the back seat right now.

 

[nitro71]

Wonder if you could just swap the carrier and pinion with a 3.27 one? Can't remember it that requires doing lash and whatnot.

 

[CmdrPopNFresh]

holycrap! you could knock down a building with that front bumper! thats nuts!