Cj7 Frame, Cut Down To Fit A Cj5

I have a friend give me a "7" that appears to have the same hood an fenders that are on my" 5", My 5 needs moter rebuild, trans. needs work, the body is spotless!my thoughts were to cut down the 7 frame. Is this possible?
>>>>>>>>YOUR thoughts are needed here<<<<<<

 

The CJ frames changed considerably in 1976....not saying it can't be done, but it'll be a lot more involved than just lopping 10" out of the frame...

 

Doug is spot on. (Almost) EVERYTHING changes in 1976. The frame design changes a lot, no longer parallel open channels. The rear splays out wider over the new rear axle, the problematic AMC 20 Corporate axle. Spring location and spring width changes. The floors are completely different, with different mount locations. Too much work to make it fit.

If the '7 has the short hood and fenders, those are scarcer than the later fenders. And there will be a lot of front overhang, unless the frame is already modified. The '7 fenders are 5" longer than the early CJ-5 fenders.

If you have a Jeep with a good body, that's 85% of the battle. If you need a better frame, there are a lot more frames out there than bodies.

 

You can build a frame. All straight lines on the CJ5 frames.

 

I guess it boils down to rebuilding the 225 v6 an have the trans. rebuilt at the same time...my frame is great!!!the springs are flat also...
thank everyone for a quick response..

 

pre 76, I'd build a frame. Google it for dimensions. There are also several current build threads that started with them making a frame out of 2x4 metal. Post 76, I'd buy a frame. With good fab skills, you could make them but it would be hard.

Cutting down a post 76 7 frame to fit a 5 would be, I'd say, most difficult.

 

Instead of cutting the frame down, be different and build a ratrot out of the CJ7 frame and your CJ5 body works.