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From Ghost to Post: An Update from the Shadows

NorCalChris

NAXJA Forum User
It’s been a minute since I’ve checked in. Life took me off the grid—ditched Facebook, barely touch IG (@TheChrisDivine), and honestly, it’s been a wild ride these past few years.

Some of you might remember when life hit me hard with some serious medical challenges and I fought death for a year. Chemo, radiation, a bone marrow transplant—you name it, I went through it. During that time, I had to part ways with all my Jeeps and gear, which felt like losing a piece of myself.

But here I am, five years later, still standing and beyond grateful for this second chance. It’s been a journey of rebuilding, reimagining, and now, reconnecting with something I’ve missed deeply: Jeep life.

Here’s the big news—my Grandfather gave me his 1986 Jeep CJ7. It’s the same rig I learned to drive in, and it’s been sitting for years, waiting for a little love.

Time to dust off the tools and bring this classic back to life. Slowly though, I have many other priorities, but I felt the urge to share this news today. Now I just need to figure out how to upload pictures here haha.
 
NorcalChris ! dude its been a long time, but I remember the days dude !

I remember you and me wheeling strawberry all night and driving to hermit in the middle of the night for Sierra fest and then leaving at like 6am to head to work in Sacramento.

nice rig dude ! looking forward to the build !
 
NorcalChris ! dude its been a long time, but I remember the days dude !

I remember you and me wheeling strawberry all night and driving to hermit in the middle of the night for Sierra fest and then leaving at like 6am to head to work in Sacramento.

nice rig dude ! looking forward to the build !
Jon, that had to be what, 2009, maybe 2010? It was definitely when I was in School in Sac back then. I remember that wild night!
 
I guess a currently spec list is a good idea. This thing is a classic.
1986 Cj7, 4.2l. Clifford valve cover, some Ford alternator and custom bracket to mount it.
Homebuilt front bumper bolted to frame with integrated front leaf mounts
Warn M8000 Winch, steel cable, warn snatch block and other rigging tools.
Used to have a tow hitch for the front, but it disappeared, I may fab a new one so I can flat tow it vs on the trailer.
AMC 20 rear end, 1 piece spicer axle conversion
Homebrew GHETTO lift up front, shackle reversal with non existent up travel
Dana 30 front, warn hubs.
Dana 300 tcase with skidplate
gas tank skid plate
Rear cargo rack that swings open that my Father built in our driveway.
The steps are off a wooden wagon (Think Oregon Trail) that my family traveled on in the late 1800s to the west coast.
Tires way too small for the Jeep, but it was my grandfathers way of lowering it as he aged. Tires are from the 70's and were just stacked up behind a shed my entire childhood. Then he took them to a tire shop, ordered these wheels and had them mounted. No idea how, but they still hold air somewhat.

This Jeep is what I grew up hunting in and like I mentioned before, I learned how to drive in. Might have to restore it and let my kids do the same.

Initial Plans:
Maintain everything. Rebuild or replace the carb, get to pass smog, different wheels and tires. Then, figure out rather to restore or build for offroad.
 
But does it have a front drive shaft? 🤣

Welcome back!
 
Glad to see you back!
I wasn't aware you went through all the medical stuff and sorry to hear that. From first hand experience, what doesn't kill us can make us stronger.
I hope to see you back on the trail in 2025.
 
But does it have a front drive shaft? 🤣

Welcome back!
Yes it does! Hahah, you saved my butt many years back with a drive shaft! Thank you so very much for that help! Hope all is well.
Glad you have gotten sorted out and doing better. Where are you located these days?
Going on 5 years post chemo in 4 weeks. Fingers crossed.
I'm a bit north of Santa Barbara and a bit south of San Luis Obispo.
Glad to see you back!
I wasn't aware you went through all the medical stuff and sorry to hear that. From first hand experience, what doesn't kill us can make us stronger.
I hope to see you back on the trail in 2025.
Thank you Eric. I can say that has been my experience as well. Although, that ever lingering thought of will it return sucks, It helps motivate me and keep me focused on what is important to me. With that being said, I cant say I'll be on any trails with this Jeep this upcoming year, but it is a possibility!
 
Thank you Eric. I can say that has been my experience as well. Although, that ever lingering thought of will it return sucks, It helps motivate me and keep me focused on what is important to me. With that being said, I cant say I'll be on any trails with this Jeep this upcoming year, but it is a possibility!
Sent you an email.
 
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