[Bard]

I looked around, but haven't found my answers anywhere else, so I will post it here.
So much for the project quick build. I knew better than to ever think it would happen, I almost have the CJ frame completed and I was looking for a YJ tub and stumbled across a complete YJ that is good for the money. The YJ tub that needs very little work in different places than the usual. It is rust free which is rare in New England.
I am going to keep the CJ front clip, tailgate, dash and debating on the other little stuff like gas tank, etc.
1) YJ frame is clean and in mint condition, already has a brand new 4" on it and is already set up for a 350.
2) YJ tub has 3 minor issues, tailgate is dented hard, looks PO rolled into a tree with the spare tire, but mild buckle on drivers side. Minor bend by bottom of the drivers door rocker (should fix with sliders covering it up) - Major issue is the cowl has a nasty dent from the side to the center vent, caved in with a tree.
3) Windshield frame is junked by tree as well, but will probably find a used one.

My questions are -
1) Can I use the YJ frame with my springs and running gear? Reason is I am staying SOA, have my front and rear built and geared the way I want to and having a 4" on top of the SOA is too high for me. If I can find some factory YJ springs, I might do that. I am pretty sure I will have to weld new perches on the front axle.

2) Can I cut my old cowl off my CJ tub and use it? I know it would be alot of work, but is feasible.

3) The YJ gas tank is a brand new poly tank, so are the brake lines, fuel lines, etc. So I might try to live with it if I can do the swap.

Doors are open to suggestions, criticism and ideas, etc. Thanks.

[only in a jeep cj]

although about 80% of a CJ and YJ are interchangable, there are things that are not AND things that are, but I wouldn't interchange. I use YJ things in one of my CJs...a 4.0 motor, brake master/booster/bracket/pedal assembly, towhooks, TJ air box, entire AC system, etc. Your questions:

1) Can I use the YJ frame with my springs and running gear? Reason is I am staying SOA, have my front and rear built and geared the way I want to and having a 4" on top of the SOA is too high for me. If I can find some factory YJ springs, I might do that. I am pretty sure I will have to weld new perches on the front axle.

The YJ frame is 4 inches wider and its springs are longer...so no, your stuff is not a straight swap in. Why, the spring perches will be off on both axles. Your front springs are shorter and more narrow.. The YJ frame is also higher at the front frame rails, so there is grill fittment issues and steering box interference.

2) Can I cut my old cowl off my CJ tub and use it? I know it would be alot of work, but is feasible.

Well, yes, but why. drill out all those spot welds no no no no ...the way you explain this tub.....its rust free, but all dented and tweaked up....that much work cancels out the reason of a YJ tub swap in the first place.

3) The YJ gas tank is a brand new poly tank, so are the brake lines, fuel lines, etc. So I might try to live with it if I can do the swap.

Once again, I think you are over complicating all of this. Find another YJ tub, slap it on your CJ frame with all your CJ stuff and get a factory CJ 20 gallon tank (polly/plastic tank).

All of this is just my opinion.....

[Bard]

Thanks Ed. Very valid points. much appreciated.
I had my revisions on it doing that much work. I hate when you come across a good deal locally and it isn't going to work in my favor for what I need. Maybe I will do it and part it for those who need stuff.

I knew the YJ frames are wider in the front, but forgot about the spring length. Correct on the cowl, lot of work to get what I want, where I could just fix my old tub in less time.

Reason I was interested is it has a hardtop, hard doors, full interior, tilt, auto column, brand new 3.5 lift, shackles, zero mile 35" BFG MT's, blown 88' 350 FI, good SM 465, good NP 208 and the frame is mint, not sure of the gear ratio, but assuming it was a 373 being an auto. For $750, it is a good deal for parts, but not what I need.

Guess I will keep looking, ideally want a 92 to 95 complete YJ, slim picking up here. Thanks

[Rollbar]

Rebuild the engine, put a new cheap windshield & bondo. Trade it in on a TJ or something & keep the CJ.

P.S. Excellent price for all that it has on it, doors, HT, tires etc. I'm sure w/a little time U can make the tub work & if U R worried about the CJ frame, just beef it up a little.

[Bard]

Originally Posted by Rollbar

Rebuild the engine, put a new cheap windshield & bondo. Trade it in on a TJ or something & keep the CJ.

P.S. Excellent price for all that it has on it, doors, HT, tires etc. I'm sure w/a little time U can make the tub work & if U R worried about the CJ frame, just beef it up a little.

Thanks, No sense in rebuilding the 350 when I have a brand new 350 built (383 stroker sitting on the stand)
That YJ tub is beyond bondo for the cowl, hence the question on replacing it. Windshields are dime a dozen. I am not worried about the CJ frame, just need to put the plates on it and it is good, my idea was to just swap YJ tub and frame to to my running gear and springs, but as stated, it won't fit with the front springs and then having to reweld the spring perches, more of a pain, well time, so I will have to go back to plan B and search for a tub.
And I will never get rid of my CJ, not this one anyways. Thanks.