I have a 97 Jeep Wrangler, SE 2.5 L coming home from work yesterday the rear end wood fishtail when shifting gears it scared the crap out of me got home got out and discovered my frame had broke where my control arm sits from rust. My stepfather has a CJ7 frame that is an amazing condition. I know the suspension was different but if I modify and weld, could I make my TJ body fit on that CJ frame. I am not rich at all. I live job a job not even paycheck to paycheck so I cannot afford a major issue and that vehicle is the only way I have to work. Any advice or recommendations would be amazing, but I have to fix this jeep I have no other option. I can’t afford a new vehicle. Please be nice. This is my dream vehicle and now I have to figure out what to do. I am actually a decent mechanic, but don’t know all the technical term so please dump it down for me. I included two pics so you could see the other side is rusted and going to happen soon as well.
Frame broke from rust (can I swap a CJ7 frame into my TJ?)
- Thread starter Bwiggins
- Start date
The unfortunate reality of it is that Jeeps are notorious for rusting frames. If the rust is that bad that it managed to snap your control arm mount, unfortunately it's probably going to be just as bad (and just as dangerous) in other sections as well.
You're going to need a new frame. You're looking at spending thousands of dollars unless you can do it yourself (even if you do it yourself this is going to be a fairly large and time consuming project).
I know this isn't good news, but unfortunately there is no good news to be had here. That frame is dangerous to drive on and if I had to guess you really need an entirely new frame.
To give you an idea, several people on here have spent upwards of $5000 for a clean, used frame and the labor to install it.
You're going to need a new frame. You're looking at spending thousands of dollars unless you can do it yourself (even if you do it yourself this is going to be a fairly large and time consuming project).
I know this isn't good news, but unfortunately there is no good news to be had here. That frame is dangerous to drive on and if I had to guess you really need an entirely new frame.
To give you an idea, several people on here have spent upwards of $5000 for a clean, used frame and the labor to install it.
That’s my question I have a CJ seven frame available that I can use can I modify it to fit my body? Yes I know this suspension is different but if I’m changing the frame that shouldn’t matter that’s what I need to know because if I could afford thousands of dollars to fix my frame, I would be able to buy a car to get back-and-forth to work that’s reality. I don’t have that kind of money but if I have a frame that’s free can I make my TJ body fitted.
The more I look the worse it looks.
I'm sorry to say this but I'm 100% confident your entire frame is toast and possibly even large sections of the body. I think your TJ has reached end-of-life.
Also, that CJ7 frame isn't going to fit your TJ. You'd be a fool to even attempt that.
Please don't take this the wrong way, I'm just telling you the truth and sometimes the truth isn't what people want to hear.
I'm sorry that this happened to you.
I would say there is not enough material left to do safety caps either. New frame or new vehicle are the only options.
A CJ frame will not work either, wouldn't even consider that an option.
I think as soon as you separate that frame from the body the body is so rusted that it's going to make things even worse than it already is.
Looking at those photos I think the entire underside of that TJ is waiting to just collapse.
I would have to agree with as well.
I wouldn't even think of driving that jeep anywhere. That's asking for a accident and a lawsuit.
No, you can’t reasonably modify the CJ-7 frame for a TJ tub. However, TJ frames go for around $1000 around here.
That frame swap is a pipe dream. Body mounts, radiator support, upper and lower control arm mounts, track bar mounts, steering box mount, center crossmember/skidplate mounting, engine mounts, spring perches, shock mounts, steering shaft pillow block, gas tank mounting, and probably more I’m forgetting, need to be either modified, moved, or in most of these cases added from scratch. It may be possible but it’s neither practical nor wise. That will be a lot of downtime and require quite a bit of fabrication and figuring to accomplish.
Better idea: part out your TJ. You cannot sell it and you won’t get much for scrapping it. However, in good condition, a hardtop can get you about $1000, full doors $800, half doors $500, and drivetrain a few hundred $ as well. That should be almost enough to get you something to go from A to B.
Better idea: part out your TJ. You cannot sell it and you won’t get much for scrapping it. However, in good condition, a hardtop can get you about $1000, full doors $800, half doors $500, and drivetrain a few hundred $ as well. That should be almost enough to get you something to go from A to B.
That frame is done, and the CJ frame thing is not a viable option. Even if you had the skill and equipment, it would take less time to get a second job and save up for a new TJ than it would be to do all that fabricating and trial & error fitment.
Truly sorry about your luck, but you'll figure something out. Jeepers are that way.
Truly sorry about your luck, but you'll figure something out. Jeepers are that way.
I have a friend that welds he said I had enough that could cut those sections out and weld a new section….is that possible??? a whole new frame and another vehicle are not options. I wish they were but I can’t. It’s not possible. I literally live paycheck paycheck and I’m still paying for this Jeep. Either that or somebody with a very generous heart to give me the frame I need Or an vehicleand that’s not my luck…. I live in Western, North Carolina where all the flooding just hit. I just lost everything I own in the Jeep is all I got left. I cannot stress enough that I cannot afford a new frame or a new vehicle. I need every option that anyone can think of possible. I’m so sorry and I know I sound like an idiot, but I don’t have any other Choice cause I have kids to take care of through this and fema isn’t helping really right now but that’s another topic and another story…
No, that frame is toast. There’s nothing to weld to there, trust me. I would strongly encourage parting it out. You could be facing a potential lawsuit driving something so dangerous.
Part it out and use the money to buy a cheap daily driver. The advice you’re receiving here—while probably not what you want to hear—is solid advice.
Again, I am sorry for your misfortune.
The government is not going to help anyone. The sooner people understand that the sooner we can get back to the way that things used to be. I know there are a lot of churches running ministries down there trying to help out with the aid and disaster relief. If possible, I would see if you can get in touch with one of those ministries. In the meantime, I’m praying for you guys daily.
If you have a rust free CJ-7 frame why not sell it and use the money to purchase a TJ frame? The CJ frame would be pretty desirable if it is in the shape you say it is.