I have an '86 CJ-7 and I recently put a new motor (258) and Howell fuel injection in it. I also have a 4-inch lift, longer shackles, and a lot of frame rot. I'm from New England so that will always be a problem and I also cracked it in a couple places. I was wondering if I got an early 90s Wrangler, would I be able to use my drivetrain, suspension, and front body parts? I'd like to keep the Dana 44 in the rear and use my Dana 30 in front to avoid 4x4 problems. Should I just weld in pieces to repair the frame I have, or would it be worth it to replace the frame?
Name withheld
Via e-mail
It sounds like there are two ways you could go. First, you could consider a replacement frame from Matkins (406/248-3797, www.matkinsextreme.com), AFW, or an M-C.O.R (423/420-9680, www.mcorpro.com). Most of these options will run you anywhere from around $1,500 to $2,500, depending on model and options. If your tub is in decent shape, you may want to consider this as your best bet.
Second, the '90s Wrangler will pose some problems in keeping most of your CJ components. To begin with, your CJ's stock front springs are 2-inches wide versus the Wrangler's 2 1/2-inch wide springs. Also, your CJ's front axle is only 58-inches wide WMS-WMS, while the YJ's is 60 1/2 inches WMS-WMS. The CJ's front axle spring pads are 27 1/2 inches apart, and the YJ's are 30 3/4 inches apart, so you can't just bolt your axle in without changing the spring perches. Likewise on the rear axle, where your Dana 44 is 56 inches WMS-WMS and has 36 inches between the spring perches, whereas the YJ's rear is 60 1/2 inches WMS-WMS and has 40 1/2 inches between the spring perches. As for the drivetrain, your 4.2L will bolt to the 4.0L's engine mounts and you can probably modify the YJ crossmember to accept your CJ's tranny and Dana 300 T-case. Finally, the front sheetmetal can be made to fit, although the lines on the cowl won't match perfectly.
For all the work it would entail, my advice would be to go for the replacement frame. It may seem like a larger initial purchase, but in the end you'll have your classic CJ looks with an extremely strong foundation for years of hard use.
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