Combining a CJ-7 and CJ-8

[tlhaas0000]

I have a 86 CJ7 (Automatic), that's been sitting for a number of years, after an engine fire. The body is in decent shape, some rust that will need repair and/or plates welded, but overall OK. I just acquired a CJ8 rolling frame, basically the whole frame with tires, and everything from the Dash forward. Literally no body from the dash to the rear frame end, but the engine and tranny (manual) are in good running shape.

I am trying to decide if I want to just do an engine swap to the CJ-7, or try to mod the CJ-8 frame to move the body from the CJ-7. The frame on the CJ-8 is in great share, but the 7's frame is very rusty.

So, I'm looking for some advice. Should I pull the body and try to clean up the 7's frame, and then move the engine, or should I try to fit the body onto the 8? I don't have the funds to buy a new scrambler body, I'm trying to use what I have, and save my money for the things I absolutely need to do (like brake lines, brake shoes, mounting hardware, etc.)

 

[Les]

Others on here might disagree with me, but unless you are prepared to do some real precise surgery and modification to the CJ8 frame, you might be better off salvaging the CJ7 and just swapping parts over to it. If I remember correctly, the differences in frames between the CJ8 and 7 are that the 8 has about 10" more wheelbase, about 13-14" more overhang in the back. Seems like the wheelhouses might be smaller on the 8 too? The components on the 8 though are pretty much identical to the 7, with obvious exceptions like the body, driveshaft, etc., and a few other things that are different because of the longer wheelbase. And fyi, both vehicles are almost identical from the grill back to the door posts except for a few items because one is an auto and other other is a manual....things mostly just start changing further back with respect to the design differences......sounds like a fun project!

 

[Jimbos76cj]

I got a buddy putting a CJ7 body on a CJ8 frame. His plan is to leave the frame the same length, and what ever sticks out past the back of the tub he will make into a storage area for a cooler and gascans. I think he wants to build a frame and use expanded metal to cover it. And cuttign a CJ-8 frame down to the length of a CJ 7 is actually 2 cuts. one goes in front of the rear tires and one behind it to move the rear cross member back. I wouldnt do it. Ive cut down a CJ-7 frame to make a CJ5 frame but I think the 8 would ben alot of cutting.

 

[fishinfool98]

I have put a comp cut 7 on an 8 frame for the extra wheel base and I four linked the rear and bobbed what frame that wasn't needed

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