I have recently aquired a cj8 body for free. I have been wanting to add some wheel base to my cj7 for some time. I was thinking of stretching my cj7 frame behind the front seats to match the body. Does this seem pheasible or would it be more work than it is worth. Have a key to my father in law's welding & steel shop. Anyone ever stretched a frame in this mannor. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. What is a good way to reinforce the frame. I drive this jeep regularly on the street, so saefty is a big concern. Thanks!

I haven't done this particular mod before, but my instincts tell me that if you are going to stretch the frame you should have a pro do it. Not only are you going to have to add sections of steel to you frame rails, you are also going to have to add sections or replace all of your rear brake lines, fuel lines, wiring, etc... Sounds like a big big job to tackle in a weekend. Can you leave the jeep at the welding shop for a while? You would need to. Then get on the internet and locate a diagram for the distances of the body mounts. You will probably have to add 2-4 body mounts to match the longer body as well. How good are you at welding?

Craig

If you are a good fabber and welder this should be cake, otherwise don't bother. Pick up the phone call Advanced Frame Works and order up a nice new cj8 frame built to your specs.
Want TJ coils f&r, they set up the frame brackets.
Just about anything including boring old stock.

Just a thought

SD
Josh

PS remember, most CJ frames (much less coastal "rusty"ones)
are hashed to the point that major welding on them is a huge waste of time. The further you get into it the bigger the mess.

After much thought & talking hearing from a few folks (Thanks) I think I will be happier down the road with a new frame built to th hilt. I talked with advanced frame works yesterday & they can build me a "bobbed" CJ8 frame. To the door I'm looking at about $3100 w/ the extras (SH*T). Well, I figure over time it should be worth it. Thanks for the responses as always.