I heard that the frames on "older CJ-5 & CJ-7 are "crap." That they aren't as strong as a YJ and that I would have to re-build the frame soon. I wasn't sure if this was true or if they don't want me to get this Jeep. I wanted to know what you folks thought.

~Stephanie~

this is true, the YJ frames are much stronger. You can buy kits to strenthen your frame with braces. Or, you can just do it yourself. www.mountainoffroad.com sells kits for the CJ's frame.

well there is old cj frames and older cj frames. the older frames are not boxed, and inorder to strenghten them, then need to add steel. the old cj frame when compard to the YJ frames, are not galvinized and can eventually rust through if not taken care of.

This all started because of a M38 I saw and fell in love with. The entire frame has been re done. Anyway, I'm getting away from the subject. There's a 69 CJ-5 I'm looking at. It has a rod knock, good excuse to change the motor. :evil: The body looks fine, I have to take a closer look at everything. Most of the people I talk to would rather me build up a YJ. I heard my boyfriend muttering that he didn't feel like building me a new frame. Is that something that's hard to do. See, if I ask him, he'll say yes, just because he doesn't wanna deal with it. I really appreciate you guys talking the time to answer my question. :confused:

It's not so much the frame; that part's straightforward and do-able. It's the fact that you have to change to overswing pedals for hydro clutch and replace the steering column to get PS (at least that's what I did). The underseat tanks are usually a source for rust-central. So that may entail firewall mods and floor sheetmetal work. And if you decide to go aft with your fuel tank, then another floor penetration.

On the other hand: perhaps you got lucky and there is no rust and the frame has no cracks (mine from Utah was rusty and the frame was cracked in eight places). If so, and you plan on keeping things stock, rock on. But if you want bigger tires and a lift, consider a new frame and some serious mods.

JMO, good luck -

How do you plan on re-building a frame?

Its alot easier and money ahead to build a YJ than rebuild a M38 or even a older CJ5

I do plan on lifting it, spring over, dana 60/dana 44, Arb's 40" boggers, tera low, atlas ect... the whole deal, and YES I will wheel it. I wasn't planning on re-building the frame just building a sturdier one. I'm not the best wheeler and I get kinda crazy, I wouldn't be surprised if I kill it on it's 1st weekend. I really appreciate ya'll helping me out without making me feel like "a dumb girl." I watched every one else build up their rigs, now it's my turn, mine has to be better than their's! :D Thank you all again, if you have any other ideas for me PLEASE let me know. I appreciate all your help and in put. I'll let you know how she turns out!