'91 Tracker with a CJ5 body? (a what if post) - Pirate4x4.Com : 4x4 and Off-Road Forum

kingmick217 · 01-21-2009, 08:04 AM

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.

joe_and_jeep · 01-21-2009, 08:29 AM

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

kingmick217 · 01-21-2009, 11:18 AM

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.

6gun · 01-25-2009, 08:25 AM

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.

gi_zuk · 01-25-2009, 10:57 AM

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.

ToyotaJeep · 01-25-2009, 11:56 AM

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

01-21-2009, 08:04 AM	#1 (permalink)
kingmick217 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Member # 44327 Location: Great Falls, Montana Posts: 219	'91 Tracker with a CJ5 body? (a what if post) 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. __________________ Oh you sir. You are definitely fired.

01-21-2009, 08:29 AM	#2 (permalink)
joe_and_jeep Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Member # 40665 Location: Pittsburgh PA Posts: 724	Wouldn't it be easier to just keep the CJ frame? __________________ I Like Boobs

01-21-2009, 11:18 AM	#3 (permalink)
kingmick217 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Member # 44327 Location: Great Falls, Montana Posts: 219	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. __________________ Oh you sir. You are definitely fired.

01-25-2009, 08:25 AM	#4 (permalink)
6gun Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Member # 95448 Location: Toccoa,Ga Posts: 131	Kewl 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.

01-25-2009, 10:57 AM	#5 (permalink)
gi_zuk Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Member # 43395 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 184	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. Last edited by gi_zuk; 01-25-2009 at 11:02 AM.

01-25-2009, 11:56 AM	#6 (permalink)
ToyotaJeep Registered User Join Date: Jun 2000 Member # 1056 Posts: 3,828	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

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