Wagoneer frame under early CJ-6?

So I've been looking around online and someone said that I could swap a wagoneer frame underneath a CJ-6. This would be great because you can find a running, driving waggy with a 360 for around $1500. Anybody ever hear of someone doing this?

 

You could hack it together, but the frame rails under a Wagoneer are a lot wider than under a CJ. With enough work, you can make any body fit any frame. But the Wagoneer frame will not fit easily under the CJ. Maybe you are thinking of axles? The axles can be used pretty easily, to make a "wide track" CJ-5... good swap for a trail Jeep. Even then, you have to outboard the mounts for the front axle, and do quite a lot of frame welding and fabrication.

Why not just build the Wagoneer?

 

Thanks for the help. I've got a really good early CJ-6 tub and front clip and I have been wanting to build it. I was just thinking of something I could use as a good donor vehicle and a guy on pirate 4x4 brought up wagoneers and how cheap they are. A member on here has a good '6 frame for a great price but I still need just about every other piece to make it a running and driving rig as well as boxing/reinforcing the frame. I plan on dana 60s, amc 360, nv4500, dana 300 all on 37-40s. Another guy referenced a YJ as a donor vehicle which sounds great because I've seen some lifted YJ's for around $3000. I've also heard that those frames are stronger too? Would this make for a better frame since all the added weight? Stretching the frame wouldn't be too much of a problem for me. I don't plan on wheeling it too hard, just something with good flex, road manners and capable of any situation I get into.

 

Forget the wagoneer, find a Commando. Pre 71 if you want to run short fenders, 72 and up if you want long fenders. Thesre are almost entirely boxed frames, and 72 & Up could have V8 motor mounts already. Its a pretty easy swap on a 6

 

Replying to the OP - Heaviest axle under a Wagoneer was a Dana 44. Plus they are geared for highway comfort. Almost all were automatics, either the TH400 before 1980 or the TF727 after. According to your plans, the Wagoneer would only end up donating the engine and frame, and the frame is a poor fit to the CJ-6 body - both too long and too wide.

It sounds like you want to build a rock buggy (60s (expensive), huge tires (expensive), kilobucks transmission), but are rationalizing it as a 'modest' buildup. If you can spend money like that on components, you may as well buy a custom frame and put the body on it.

 

A Wagoneer can be a good donor for the frame, engine, etc. but it is a LOT of work to put one under a CJ. I put a Scout Terra frame under my CJ-6 and I don't think I'd do it again. The good thing though is they typically already have power steering, engine mounts, etc. etc. but sounds like you will be changing a lot too.
The Jeepster or Commando setup Imadoughball mentioned is a relatively easy swap if you can find one of those.

Honestly, 40" tires and good road manners really don't go together....

 

if you are any good at welding, or have someone around that is, then built the frame.

Doesn't have to have the ups and downs the original frame does. It can be flat the whole distance, with a small sub-frame under the rear floor.

 

Thanks for the help guys. I'm just trying to get a feel for what people think Is the right way to go about it. I have always planned on at least 37s just because I feel like they fit the longer wheelbase jeeps better. And I don't want to be tearing up axles every other trip which leads to the Dana 60s. It's gonna be more of a toy/weekend warrior than a DD hence the 360. I just like to do it right the first time and spend a bit more for better components. A quick Craigslist search brought up a rolling '71 jeepster frame that needs a bit of work for $250. I myself am not a great welder but my buddy is a welder by trade and just spent a whole bunch of money on a new tig welder I think. We shall see. This project is still about a month out from starting but I am definitely excited.

 

Wierac21. It would help if you put in your location. I (and I'm sure others as well) know of several Commandos and Wagoneers available for parts but I have no idea how far away you are.

AND i guess I should do the same

 

Greta score on the 71 commando frame. If your lucky, it'll still have the saginaw bracket on there.

 

PM sent to you...

 

Just joined the site and this may have been discussed in another post, but does anyone know about the NOS CJ6 frames a gentleman on EBay was selling? Would they work for this gentleman?