TJ Frame Differences Help

nickrad8 · 09-29-2011, 04:35 PM

I am looking to do a frame swap on my 99 sahara with the frame from a 2.5 L 2005 TJ. I was wondering if anyone knew where i could find the bolt patterns for the transmission skid plate and any other differences that there might be between the frames. Basically i just need to know where to drill the holes and i'll be good to go. If anyone has done this and is willing to share some pics, please do so and let me know how it went for you.

thanks!

**2ACR** · 09-29-2011, 04:38 PM

I am pretty sure you will have to rebuild the motor mounts. I don't think the 2.5 and 4.0 bolt in the same way.

WV_Boltman · 09-29-2011, 04:38 PM

pretty sure the motor mounts would be different.

Do a search for bolt patterns, I'm sure the answer is somewhere.

**freeskier93** · 09-29-2011, 04:42 PM

Motor mounts are in a different place. Other than that there are no differences in the years. Gas tank and transmission skid all bolt on the same way.

**2jhanna** · 09-29-2011, 04:50 PM

If just the motor mount holes are different, can't you use your old frame as a pattern ?

nickrad8 · 09-29-2011, 04:56 PM

oh yeah i forgot to put that in there. i already have that part of the project lined up.

Quote:

If just the motor mount holes are different, can't you use your old frame as a pattern ?

that is a great idea actually. haha i didnt even consider that. thanks

**freeskier93** · 09-29-2011, 04:56 PM

It's not the holes that are different, it's the physical placement of the mounting brackets on the frame. Think about it, the 4 cylinder is 2 cylinders shorter, therefore it has to be placed further back, therefore the motor mounts have to be further back. You would have to cut the old brackets off and weld new brackets on further up.

nickrad8 · 09-29-2011, 05:01 PM

yeah that was all planned for. the only thing i am looking for right now are the differences in the skid plate for the transmission. i will be using the skid plate that is currently on my 99 wrangler. i need to know if the holes will match up, where to drill if they dont, etc. i'm going to do a search for the patterns now to see what i can find

**freeskier93** · 09-29-2011, 05:02 PM

They are the same, as I already said.

nickrad8 · 09-29-2011, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by freeskier93

They are the same, as I already said.

oh yeah i didnt see that before. thanks. have you done this kind of a swap before?

**freeskier93** · 09-29-2011, 05:16 PM

Sorry, I was confused, the bolt pattern is different for the transmission skid, I was thinking gas tank skid.

**2jhanna** · 09-29-2011, 05:19 PM

Still, if you have both frames sitting side by side, you can make the needed modifications.

nickrad8 · 09-29-2011, 05:53 PM

do you have the bolt patterns or know where i could find them? ive looked online a bit but havent found much

Hillbilly88 · 09-29-2011, 05:58 PM

I have a 99 tj with a 4 cycl. And i have a 2004 tj frame that had a 6 cyl in it tmrw when i get home from work i will lay the 99 tranny/ tcase skid on the 04 frome and see if the holes line up will be easy since frame is already upside down and skid plate it off If thats what ur wanting are wanting to know ? If it will help let me know

Davf24 · 09-29-2011, 07:31 PM

don't quote me but when I looked through my service manuel, the frame bolt holes look like they are in the same location (different bracket) for both the 4 and 6 cylinder. As for the tranny and skid plate, I would guess that the main skid plate may be the same and given that the motor mounts shift the 4 banger back toward the fire wall (more room betweent he radiator) , just my 2cents.