[CaptainFleXJ151]

How diffrent, besides the spring mounts, is a CJ frame from a YJ frame? I want to build a YJ, but have a good deal on a CJ frame. Do the tub mounts line up? Thanks

 

[Eric Ruhl]

Tub mounts line up except for the two in front of the rear axle and the two behind the rear axle.

CJ frame is two C channels welded together to make a box, YJ frame is rectangular tube. YJ frame is about 3" wider up front and about 5" wider in back.

IMO the YJ frame is superior thanks to the rectangular tube vs. welded C channels, but you do need to take the width into account. Wide-track CJ axles are too narrow for the YJ frame (thanks to the wide rear). However, the added width is actually quite nice up front. Long ago I had swapped a YJ tub in place of my rotted out CJ tub and just got finished swapping a YJ frame in place of my rotted CJ frame. Note that the YJ frames are identical except for engine mount location (4cyl vs. 6cyl) and if you use custom mounts, like I did, then get whichever is cheaper (4 cyl version). YJ frames have a lot of brackets that you'll want to cut off (trac bar, cheesey shockmounts, etc.) but that just takes some time with the blue-tipped wrench and a grinder <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> Nab some Ford shock towers and you're in business. <IMG SRC="smilies/beer.gif" border="0"> Up to you, but FWIW if I had it to do over I'd still go with the YJ frame.

[ 09-11-2001: Message edited by: Eric Ruhl ]

 

[The Rockslut]

GO YJ The frame is far better. The steering gear box wont fall off and the spring hangers wont either. I have heard of a few front YJ spring hangers coming off but I did a shakle reversal on mine.

 

[Keith Strong]

Originally posted by Rockslut.:
<STRONG>I have heard of a few front YJ spring hangers coming off but I did a shakle reversal on mine.</STRONG>

<IMG SRC="smilies/rolleyes.gif" border="0"> I know someone that happened to <IMG SRC="smilies/rolleyes.gif" border="0"> My shackle reversal is in process as we type <IMG SRC="smilies/wink.gif" border="0">

 

[cj8scrambld]

Keith Strong,
<IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0"> How can your reversal be happening while you type...are you turning wrenches or is somebody else doing it? Just trying to be funny...it really has not been a good day.

 

[Eric Ruhl]

Actually I've seen the rear spring hanger break loose on a bone-stock YJ so definitely check out those welds. I wasn't impressed with the factory welds on my rear mounts (the only mounts I kept) so I layed a nice bead inside the mount as well.

 

[SweetCJ7]

CJ5 Frame

CJ7 Frame

YJ Frame

 

[Keith Strong]

Originally posted by cj8scrambld:
<STRONG>Keith Strong,
<IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0"> How can your reversal be happening while you type...are you turning wrenches or is somebody else doing it? Just trying to be funny...it really has not been a good day.</STRONG>

I am not much of a welder...Britney is at the "Lop-Shop" <IMG SRC="smilies/wink.gif" border="0">