CJ5 Frame
jwits2981
Jeeper
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- Sturgeon Bay, WI
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- 1974 CJ 5
AMC 304ci (5L) V8 engine 3 speed manual transmission
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CJ5 Frame
- Thread starter jwits2981
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CJ
Admin
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'82 CJ8, 258, D300, AMC20, D30
:ww:
Only 72 - 75 frames are interchangeable.
Where is your frame broken? Is it just cracked? Take some very detailed pics so we can look at the problem.
Only 72 - 75 frames are interchangeable.
Where is your frame broken? Is it just cracked? Take some very detailed pics so we can look at the problem.
73CJ
Crazy Sr. Respected Jeeper
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- 73 CJ5 4.0 head on a 258, HEI, Holley Projection w/ 4.56, Detroit lockers Narrowed D44 front and full float D44 rear T14 w/ D20 4 wheel discs, 38.5 Boggers
Good used frames are getting harder to find.
Might be cheaper to find a donor with bad tub or motor?
Depends on what you want to do with it and your budget.
Tube frames are nice, but spendy. Around $2000
Throttle Down Kustoms Skid Plates and Accessories
Might be cheaper to find a donor with bad tub or motor?
Depends on what you want to do with it and your budget.
Tube frames are nice, but spendy. Around $2000
Throttle Down Kustoms Skid Plates and Accessories
Saddle Tramp
Full Time Jeeper
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What CJ is saying is that the 1972 through 1975 model years all use the same C channel frame. In 1976 the frames were changed to a studier boxed frame (2 C channels welded into an in closed box) and the body was modified a little as well. It would be good to know what damage you have to your frame as it may be an easy fix, unless you have a major rust issue. Boxing a C channel frame to add strength is a good idea and repairs to the frame need to be done right too; just scabbing a chunk of scrap metal over a crack doesn’t necessarily equal a good repair. So, what do you got?
jwits2981
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- 1974 CJ 5
AMC 304ci (5L) V8 engine 3 speed manual transmission
Thank you for your input. Unfortunately I'll be out of town for 2 weeks and will post pictures of the frame then.
johnbilt
Jeeper
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- 1973 CJ5 - AMC360 /EB Performer intake / Isky Cam / Holley Carb - T18 - D20 w/2.41 Low - 4.56 Locker Rear and Front Pwr-Lok.
I repaired by 73 CJ frame. Mine tended to crack behind the rear mount of the front spring hanger. This seems to be a common problem due to concentrated stress here and the frame is only boxed to this point by the factory.
I welded a 1/4" angle along the bottom and up the outside to reinforce this area. I used a piece of steel about 12" - 16" long to do this on each side. I did not weld vertically up the frame as this tends to harden the metal and induce more cracks. I did this over 20 years ago and have been happy with the upgrade. It has not cracked again here despite some fairly heavy off-road twisting.
I would guess you could repair your frame and make it work, unless you have severe rusting or other significant damage. I eventually pulled my CJ completely apart and sandblasted the frame, relieved some twisting, and painted it nice. Works good.
I welded a 1/4" angle along the bottom and up the outside to reinforce this area. I used a piece of steel about 12" - 16" long to do this on each side. I did not weld vertically up the frame as this tends to harden the metal and induce more cracks. I did this over 20 years ago and have been happy with the upgrade. It has not cracked again here despite some fairly heavy off-road twisting.
I would guess you could repair your frame and make it work, unless you have severe rusting or other significant damage. I eventually pulled my CJ completely apart and sandblasted the frame, relieved some twisting, and painted it nice. Works good.
johnlaw484
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- Missour-ah
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- 75 CJ 5 stock< and it's gonna stay that way.
I have used this design to repair 30 ton dump trucks with broken frames. It works very well. It's called a "fish plate" On a piece of plate 1/4 or 3/8 the width of the frame, extending past the break ten inches or more, cut a notch that looks like a fish tail, like this >. On the other end cut another notch like this <. This gives you ample weld area. Do this on both sides of the frame.
If you "box" the frame Channel or angle iron all you are doing is creating a place for rust to grow, giving you the same problem down the road.
If you "box" the frame Channel or angle iron all you are doing is creating a place for rust to grow, giving you the same problem down the road.
Rejeep
Jeeper
can you please explain the "Fish Plate" again.. I’m having a hard time visualizing...
this is the 3rd time this week somebody has referenced this type of repair to me and I think it’s the right way to go with a 72-75 frame
I just dont think its as simple as im thinking..
this is the 3rd time this week somebody has referenced this type of repair to me and I think it’s the right way to go with a 72-75 frame
I just dont think its as simple as im thinking..
johnlaw484
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- 75 CJ 5 stock< and it's gonna stay that way.
Ok I will try. Take a piece of metal the width of the frame 10 to 12 inches long. Cut a deep V in each end of the plate. The gives you more weld surface. Duplicate this plate so you can sandwich the area to be repaired. weld the plates to each side of the frame. The end result will be stronger than the original frame.can you please explain the "Fish Plate" again.. I’m having a hard time visualizing...
this is the 3rd time this week somebody has referenced this type of repair to me and I think it’s the right way to go with a 72-75 frame
I just dont think its as simple as im thinking..
Rejeep
Jeeper
ok and this would sandwich the existing vertical section of the C Channel, not create another.. (boxing effect)
now it makes sense… increase strength without creating stress points
now it makes sense… increase strength without creating stress points
johnlaw484
Jeeper
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- 75 CJ 5 stock< and it's gonna stay that way.
Yeah, just weld up the frame then grind it down only to hold the pieces in position then apply the fish plate over the top of the break.
Rejeep
Jeeper
just to follow up..
did some work on my CJ6 frame...
Re sleeved the shackle hangers
plate welded in above the rear hangers...
dropped off last week for a hot bath...
Picked up today...
gained quite a bit of weight from the dip...
came out better than expected.
ready to hurry up and wait with the rest of the build....
did some work on my CJ6 frame...
Re sleeved the shackle hangers
plate welded in above the rear hangers...
dropped off last week for a hot bath...
Picked up today...
gained quite a bit of weight from the dip...
came out better than expected.
ready to hurry up and wait with the rest of the build....
Rejeep
Jeeper
nothing... they pickle it in acid before....