Creating a CJ8 from a CJ7. suggestions.

[buck55]

I have been thinking of turning my CJ7 into an 8. Has anyone ever heard of this and if you have how hard is it? I can approach this from two different angles. 1. Buy a new 8 frame and body tub and put extensions in gas and brake lines, and order a new driveshaft. 2. Cut and extend the frame, and body then do the lines and shaft.

Has anyone done this? And what issues have you had?

Thanks

 

[Rusted]

Are you doing this because you want to drive a scrambler because they are cool, and you want a scrambler? Or because you want a longer wheelbase on your CJ7?

If you do option 2 you will have a body that is the right length, but the rear axle is in the wrong location for a CJ8. Unless you stretch a little out of the middle and a little on the tail. That sounds like lots of work if you are trying to just make a scrambler.

I have considered option 1 before. New frame, new tub sounds pretty cool to me, especially if you do the alluminum tub.

Another option is to make a longer wheel base CJ7 / bobbed scrambler. Just add some distance between the axle, and add nothing to the rear. You get the better wheelbase, and not the scrambler overhang.

Whatever you do take lots of photos!

 

[Shawn]

Funny, some go from 8's to 6's to remove the over hang.

 

[BCGPER]

See these threads. If you really want a scrambler, it's still possible to find clean used ones and save yourself some work.

http://www.rockymountainextreme.com/showthread.php?t=40732

http://www.rockymountainextreme.com/showthread.php?t=41281

 

[richs88rocker]

find one

So I stretched my yj 23" in front of the rear spring hanger. I have a wheel base of 110" It is awesome for the room and the wheel base.... Alot of work if i had it to do again I think i would find a cj8 and go from there. I can send you some pics of how I did it.

 

[Bart]

Again, what do you want to end up with? A true Scrambler with the overhang in the back, or a wheelbase stretched to a Scrambler length?

Other factors include (but are not limited to) how much money do want to spend, what kind of time do you have for the project, how mechanically inclinded you are, how mechanically inclinded are your friends, and do you really want to run exactly the same drive train after all that work?

Seriously think about every one of these issues and decide what you really want to end up with. It can be done, it has been done, but it's not for the faint of heart. With any project like this you'll need a porportional mix of $$/time/wrenching. Whatever catagory you have less of will equate to more of one or both of the others.

 

[buck55]

Thanks for adding comments.
To answer some questions.
I like the added room of the 8. Currently I do not run a backseat. That space is for gear and stuff. We recently added our son to our fam and would like to bring him along and keep the gear. I love the wheelbase and look of an 8.
The over hang does not bother me. I have a stout gas skid plate that would take the rock sliding.
To keep cost down I would keep all the current driveline and axles, which are beefed up anyway and the EFI AMC 401 can move the weight.
Another option would be to buy an 8 take the best of the two, and sell the 7 after the fact.
Yet another option would be to buy a used 8 frame from Collins bros, and see what they have for 8 bodies.

I am not made of money so the new frame, body option might be a bit out of reach. I est. it at $3,000 body, and $2,000 for the frame.

Keep the comments and pics on past projects coming….

 

[Bart]

I think you're realistic on the cost of the frame and tub. Wanting room for kids and cargo is a great incentive to make the move. Since you're keeping your drivetrain, it shouldn't be too bad of a swap. Just lots and lots and lots and lots of wrenching and more unexpted odds and ends that will add up. Keep us upt to date on the project.