My uncle is wanting a CJ5 that gets awesome mileage for driving around town and light wheeling. I have a freind with rolled 91 geo tracker 2-door. My thought process is this...

1. Strip the body off of the Tracker
2. Swap in a turbo VW Diesel w/ACME kit
3. Trim all extraneous mounts and crap off of the Tracker frame
4. Install new Aluminum CJ tub w/fabbed body mounts
5. Figure out the pedals, steering column, shifter, etc.
6. Find someone to wire this baby up for me.

The tracker has a 3" longer wheelbase so the thought there is to center the rear wheels, and flat-fender the front.

The desired end result would be a CJ5-ish w/35 mpg and 31" tires

Now what I am asking is this...
I want everyone to shoot holes in this plan for me!!! What am I forgetting? I know it would be an expensive build, and I am thinking $15k budget.

Wouldn't it be easier to just keep the CJ frame?

We don't have a CJ5 at all yet. The idea is to use the Tracker frame, suspension, brakes, and majority of the running gear.

I have been thinking the same way except I have a M-422A1 Mity Mite all aluminum body I would need to cut 12 inches out of a two door frame. But I like the Idea overall I loved my sidekick until a deer took it out! Wish I had kept it from the insurance company.

Seems like it wouldn't be worth the effort or practical. Just find a kick with a bad engine but a good body. They are a dime a dozen. I've picked up one for free and paid $120 for another.

I can relate to what you are doing. Not that I am a guru by any means, but I have build a fair amount of mutant rigs such as the Toyota Jeep that I built years ago.

This is just my opinion, but I would recommend using the Jeep frame. Tubs and frames are around pretty commonly with just a bit of looking. Clear title and all for probably $500ish with some looking.

I have wanted to use pick-up axles and a zuk engine with an automatic in one of my Jeeps.

I don't know that the effort would be worth it for what you are after.

BTW-Frame swaps are a hassle in my opinion for what it is worth.

ROB