CJ-7 to 5 Conversion

[laipappy]

I am in the process of cutting up, removing and trashing my rusted out CJ7 tub. I recently purchased a new, uncut, fiberglass M38 tub and frame because I like the looks of the short wheelbased CJs.
I want to convert the 7 to a 5 by shortening the frame of the 7 by 12" and installing the tub. I want to keep the AMC 360/727/231 combo and the rest of the driveline. I dont plan to use the M38 frame because the CJ7 frame is in much better condition and can handle the power of the V8.
Im not sure where on the frame to cut and remove a 1 foot section, nor do I know if there are any other issues with body mounts, etc.
Can anyone direct me to a post that dealt with this? Or does anyone have input they want to help me with? Thanks!

 

[davey25]

Will that combo even fit into a CJ5 length

 

[Gclyne]

My honest suggestion is to go buy a used 5 frame, I've seen a couple on Craigslist for $200 in good condition, this would save a ton of time and would limit the cussing involved in shortening a 7 frame.

But if you go with shortening the 7 frame you are going to need consider a due things...


Body mount holes(wherever you cut you will still need to cut new mount holes.

Drivetrain(you will obviously need shorter driveshafts front and rear)

WHere to cut? Probably in middle where doors are

Engine mount brackets

Suspension mounts, shackle mounts, shock mounts, and more.

These are not all the mods you will have to do but are some majors.


Glad you chose to go with the 5 tho

 

[harleydragon]

727 is pretty long compared to the normal manual trannys in the CJ5 ..look at your rear driveshaft now and then imagine how much shorter it will be in the 5 to determine if it is feasible

 

[HackFabrication]

In all honesty, if you plan on putting a good amount of money into the build, I would opt for a custom frame from Throttle Down Kustoms. Jeremy is a good guy to deal with, will custom make your frame to whatever powertrain you desire.

 

[Jimbos76cj]

I second the idea of verify the drive shaft wont be to short. The 727 is long and well as the 231 is longer. then a Dana 300 .