XJ frame idea?...

[One_Big_Midgett]

A few friends and I were sitting around working on the suspension of a friends ride. After about 2 12 packs we started talking about an XJ with a frame. We came up with cutting the unibody frame rails off, welding steel plates in and bolting the new body to a frame.

My question for your guys, is there a frame that will go under an XJ with relative ease?
I know that the explorers have a frame and they are close in size, but not sure of the specifics.

Your thoughts, comments and advice would be greatly appreciated.

[cantab27]

been there done that.....


think im doing it wrong....
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http://i469.photobucket.com/albums/rr52/cantab27/555061_419199094762034_100000158416761_1863013_105 6623897_n.jpg

[XJ Wheeler]

Saw a guy on another forum that cut out the stock thin rails and welded in some 2x6 tubing. It was very cleanly done.

I get what you're saying just never seen it done quite like that. I've seen frames put under xjs but with no recollection of the distance between the floor and frame. I suggest doing a ton of measuring then head to a well supplied junkyard and start measuring different models.

[One_Big_Midgett]

http://i469.photobucket.com/albums/rr52/cantab27/555061_419199094762034_100000158416761_1863013_105 6623897_n.jpg[/QUOTE]

Where did you find this? It is exactly what we were thinking... J/K. Beer aside all who are involved are either ase mechanics, certified welders, fabricators, or have been around cars n trucks all our lives. We are looking forward to the project. It is going to take us a while cause we are all doing our own things, but we think it will be a nice rig when its done.

[4.3LXJ]

You have to make a frame for it. There is nothing with the proper wheel base. I think the closest thing would be a modified TJ frame

[JENSSEN]

Look here,..

http://forum.calgaryjeep.com/index.php?topic=19171.0

[One_Big_Midgett]

Look here,..

http://forum.calgaryjeep.com/index.php?topic=19171.0

Very informative!! Thanks!

[Mudderoy]

You have to make a frame for it. There is nothing with the proper wheel base. I think the closest thing would be a modified TJ frame

Would a LJ be the right size?

[4.3LXJ]

I am not sure, but I know the wheel base for the long ones is too long. The best thing to do is add frame stiffeners. Then you can have something substantial to weld to. The thing is you have to have a frame that matches wheel wells and engine placement exactly or you get a morphodite.

[Jdub76]

You almost need 2 XJ's... 1 with the normal Frame attached to the body... And another with the Body cut off... ??? Maybe???

[bigjim350]

I am not sure, but I know the wheel base for the long ones is too long. The best thing to do is add frame stiffeners. Then you can have something substantial to weld to. The thing is you have to have a frame that matches wheel wells and engine placement exactly or you get a morphodite.

Well yeah if you want it to look stockish. But I think using one with a longer wheelbase would be fine. XJ's look good with a stretched wheelbase and a rear comp cut.

[DETOURS]

My 'opinion' would be.....theres very little, very little reason to do this unless you're building a show truck. Time and expence would be greater than the vehical's value if done correctly...........only to gain????

There are multible unibody stiffener systems available now a days, some better than others.....theres little reason to replace the unibody anymore.