So the jeepers are swapping in 60's and V8's , and the toy boys are swapping in 60's and V8's and full length springs. Anyone taken a full size that's already built heavy duty ( Cherokee's - Ford's etc. ) and shortened the frame and added a Jeep or Toyota body to it? Seems that fabbing body mounts would be quicker than swapping axle , motor mounts , tranny mounts etc. Any pics out there??? gimme some ideas!!!! <IMG SRC="smilies/rolleyes.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/confused.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/usa.gif" border="0">

It sounds like a good idea but I hate electrical work and therefore would rather swap an axle with no electrical connections then a body with hundreds. IMHO

But if the body has all the electrical already , all you may need is the wiring to the motor, I think if you stay away from fuel injection & smog crap and go with early years the swap may be easy. <IMG SRC="smilies/idea.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/usa.gif" border="0">

There's another thread called "Why didn't I think of this?" where they're talking about hybrids and there's a bunch of pics. If you're into it I believe Brector has one and could give you the 411.

Milan

Full size trucks are just too heavy as far as I am concerned.

Thanks FATTYCBR for the thread. Those truck in the pics need alotof finishing touches!!! <IMG SRC="smilies/eek.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/eek.gif" border="0"> There's got to be someone out there that actually completed the project <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/usa.gif" border="0">

Originally posted by Keith:
<STRONG>Full size trucks are just too heavy as far as I am concerned.</STRONG>

Actually I was talking with a guy who took a 3/4 ton Burban. Kept all the running gear and completely took off all the body. When he took it to the scrap yard it was something ridiculous like 600-800 pounds just for the body. So then all he added back on was a Mazda B2200 cab, which might weigh 400? pounds. So you figure you're full size under 5000 pounds. That's not too bad, and probably the same weight as a Jeep, with the obvious strength, width, and length benefits all at the same weight. I guess my problem with full sizes is their width, those extra few inches can make a big negative difference.

Milan

[ 09-28-2001: Message edited by: FattyCBR ]

I would like to swap my girl friends body, with Pamala Anderson's <IMG SRC="smilies/bounce.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/bounce2.gif" border="0">

how about a honda civic on a k5 no shortening and 1 ton running gear! <IMG SRC="smilies/idea.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/idea.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/idea.gif" border="0">

why would you want some ill engineered C framed piece of sh#t! build your frame with running gear, motor, trans, t-case, axles etc. in mind and loose the x-cess stuff for function? thats all were after anyways , isnt it ? <IMG SRC="smilies/jeep2.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/usa.gif" border="0">

WhAT ABOUT A HOTROD BODY NOW THAT WOULD BE COOL

RHINO

why not just lose the body alltogether and stick a few seats and some tube on it.

if you think about it, this is why a toyota axle is suck a great swap on a samurai, or a 60 is such a great swap on a jeep- weight. Why not just make the vehicle lighter instead?

How about an s-10 body ( stripped) on a one tone crew cab frame, one ton drive train, a bb 468, and 44's?

http://a1028.g.akamai.net/6/1028/427/d5c6e6e1e0ee6b/whiteknight.scriptmania.com/images/dcp_0127.jpg

Originally posted by Keith:
<STRONG>Full size trucks are just too heavy as far as I am concerned.</STRONG>

Well if you get down to it if you got a full size down to the frame and running gear you would only be couple hundred lb more than say a Jeep Frame or a Toyota Frame with V8 and the same axles on the full size. Cut the frame down to fit the body that's going on it and it's even closer. Saves a lot of fabrication for getting the running gear in. Keeps the rig junk yard parts friendly if you break something. Pull a couple leafs out of the spring packs. Drop on a light body and there you go.
Now hate to break this to you FJ40 guys that have more or less stock body but a 40 doesn't weigh much less that a K5. The trucks are way lighter but the 40 is pretty heavy. My 75 K5 roadster with the hardtop off empty with no carpet and interrior and no trail gear is probably around 5,000lb ( maybe more now that I have full cage). Now loaded down with all 4 seat, trail gear and camping gear and my fat a$$ I'm pushing 6k. They say the Bummer fiberglass kit you can drop on the full size frames shave over 1,500 lb off the truck. There is a lot of weight in the body.
Now I have read several posts where people are relocating axles on trucks. One FJ is now at 107 inches. Funny my K5 is 105 factory. Whats a CJ7 97inches? XJ I know is about 105. The killer on most of use full size guys is the tail. We got some big A$$ behind us. Unfortunatly that is also why many of us run them...the room inside to carry 4 and gear.

i've got a 47 willys pickemup truck that may end up on either a built 77 dodge power wagon (v-8, 3/4t running gear) or a hd ford w/efi v8, 1t running gear. the dodge is an easier go...

Actually, that's what I'm contemplating right now! I've got a 74 chevy 3/4 Ton with a 14 bolt rear and 44 front and a strong crate 350. I figure throw away the crappy body, shorten the frame a bit, and find something cheap and narrow to throw on it. Maybe a yota pick-up or even a honda. Comfy seats and stuff, just wire in the electricals and away I go. Of course, it'll get a full cage over the body so I don't get squished when I lay that big chevy frame on top of the body. <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/jeep1.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

I'm workin on the dual t-cases right now. I have a 203 in the truck and I'm going to pick up a 205 for the doubler. should work sweet!

<IMG SRC="smilies/usa.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/usa.gif" border="0">

QUick note without full stats I ran with two stock suv's (brothers) an older scoutII? and a 85ish K'5. Looked at the tag on the doorsa from factory and the Scout outwieghed the K-5 by like 1200 lbs. Brdpraey wants to go with the old brat body on dodge running gear but tube frame it instead. Witch is easier and or lighter? Stock frame with hella fishplate or a tube frame?

Well, like they say ... Opinions are like azholes ... everyone's got one! What started me thinking of swapping is a truck I've got sitting on my property. It's a 70's Ford with coil spring Dana front . dana 60 rear , big block etc...Next year I'll shorten it up and add another body ( but it aint gonna be a car body ), My 5 keeps me busy enough now !! <IMG SRC="smilies/jeep2.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/usa.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/usa.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/nuke.gif" border="0">