Not xj related..

[monkey boy]

The wife and I have been kicking around the Idea of building her a rig. She loves the ole CJ-5, but doesnt have the room she wants, she doesnt want an xj, Has one already, doesnt want to build it (dd). I've thought about a CJ-7. I can get a frame from a friend of mine, but also thought about building one from the ground up, with a new frame, Kevlar tub, and all the other goodies, any suggestions here. Keep in mind that this will be a trail only rig. BTW she doesnt want a scrambler either!

[XJ Fanatic]

go mb!!!!

[derf]

I looked into it. Even considering a 100% drivetrain swap (engine to tires), it was cheaper to find a used CJ7 as a base to start from than to start from scratch. Of course, I will be able to drive my CJ to the trail legally, so that affected a lot. If you don't plan on driving it on the street at all, you can get away with not putting a lot of things on it to make it street legal. And that will save you a lot of money.

[monkey boy]

That's the problem, I have looked for a used cj-7, no luck, like I said I can get the frame and tub for almost nothing, I looked into the Matkins frame, I really like it, buit I think I can also build alot of it myself, starting with a stock frame and just box it in. I have a set of mog axles that will be used on this project, they were for my xj, but I think that they will be alot more usefull under this project.

[balloo93]

I would kill to have a trail rig to play with. Drop in a BIG v8 and not have to worry about emissions!!!

If you can get a CJ7 frame on the cheap, I'd just go that route. There appear to be tons of resources for parts. Hell even JC Whitney has parts for them!

[Ryan, aka: CheapXJ.com]

find a cj6

room and wheelbase of a cherokee without the goofy rear overhang of a cj8

[derf]

Originally posted by xjluvr:
That's the problem, I have looked for a used cj-7, no luck, like I said I can get the frame and tub for almost nothing, I looked into the Matkins frame, I really like it, buit I think I can also build alot of it myself, starting with a stock frame and just box it in. I have a set of mog axles that will be used on this project, they were for my xj, but I think that they will be alot more usefull under this project.In that case, an alternative might be to find one in a salvage yard and pick it clean for things like lights, gauges, etc. Painless makes a good replacement wiring harness. Trouble is, they're really proud of it (i.e. it's expensive).

Considering you're down here in Texas, I would suggest a steel body. Just make sure you have a good paint job with good primer and it will last for years. Since there's little salt that will get on it, you won't have as many rusting issues with it. And, you won't have to replace the body panels that break and tear like you find with plastic, fiberglass and kevlar. You'll be able to just pound out the dents with a hammer and hit it with a few coats of rustoleum.