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Cj7 Frame, Cut Down To Fit A Cj5

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by army grunt, May 30, 2016.

  1. May 30, 2016
    army grunt

    army grunt Member

    Georga USA
    Joined:
    Feb 21, 2012
    Messages:
    269
    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<<<<<<
     
  2. May 30, 2016
    colojeepguy

    colojeepguy Colorado Springs

    At the foot of...
    Joined:
    Apr 4, 2010
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    7,111
    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...
     
  3. May 30, 2016
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2003
    Messages:
    23,596
    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.
     
  4. May 30, 2016
    1960willyscj5

    1960willyscj5 Well-Known Member

    Mesa, Arizona
    Joined:
    Nov 27, 2006
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    2,793
    You can build a frame. All straight lines on the CJ5 frames.
     
  5. May 30, 2016
    army grunt

    army grunt Member

    Georga USA
    Joined:
    Feb 21, 2012
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    269
    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..
     
  6. May 31, 2016
    aallison

    aallison 74 cj6, 76 cj5. Has anyone seen my screwdriver?

    Green Cove...
    Joined:
    Nov 24, 2006
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    1,929
    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.
     
  7. May 31, 2016
    1960willyscj5

    1960willyscj5 Well-Known Member

    Mesa, Arizona
    Joined:
    Nov 27, 2006
    Messages:
    2,793
    Instead of cutting the frame down, be different and build a ratrot out of the CJ7 frame and your CJ5 body works.
     
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