LJ Frame Swap

S

SC04Unlimited

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Charleston, SC
Alright so my mechanic who is helping me bring my recently acquired LJ up to speed, safer, and get it right has informed me that the next big project to undertake is a frame swap. My LJ started it's life and spend about 10-15 years in the northeast before making its way to SC. It's been patched before and is not "dangerous" right now but will only get worse over time + my number one priority is my family's safety as this is a fun, family weekend+beach car for us. That said I wanted to ask this group input, opinions, gotchas, etc.

I will be sourcing the frame and am looking for a straight, rust free, non-wrecked, and clean frame so if you know of one feel free to share the details. I will ship or drive within reason but need a frame only. I don't have time or the space needed to mess with a donor vehicle then parting it out after getting the frame.

We'll be cleaning the frame then spraying it with rust preventer but is there anything else I should do while going through the swap? It has a 4" short arm lift kit with 35s so not really trying to go much higher but would consider a 1" body lift. Unfortunately a long arm kit isn't in the budget.... I am thinking about one of the full poly bushing kits or replacing certain pieces of the undercarriage but would love y'alls thoughts on that. Should I replace all brake lines? I want to take this opportunity to do things the right way and make minor improvements that will make the Jeep even better than it is today while not spending more than I have to.

I've already replaced track bar, HD steering conversion, calipers, pads, rotors, bearings, steering box, and front shocks so we're on the right path but am fully aware that these are never ending money pits! It's not a DD but it is an investment into my family's enjoyment so I want to do it right.

Thanks to all for your input, thoughts, and ideas!
 
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Steel City 06 said:
If you have cash, you can get brand new aftermarket frames:
https://throttledownkustoms.com/product/2004-2006-lj-wrangler-frame/

From my understanding, they’re all built to suit, so you could get any suspension brackets, motor brackets, shock relocations, axle relocations, etc. built into the frame right from the factory.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I've seen those but that's a little bit more than I want to spend for just the frame. I'm seeing that most non-damaged factory frames are in the $2,500 range just for the frame so that's what I'm kind of budgeting for. Then because I'm not mechanically inclined enough to undertake this project myself I am going to have to pay for labor. I know this isn't going to be a cheap project by any stretch but I am certainly budget conscious here. Plus the fact that this is not a hardcore offroad rig I feel like I can get away with doing a factory swap but definitely let me know if that's not the case.
 
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Swapping out a frame isn't mechanically challenging...just time consuming.

I'd spend the money on a custom frame and do the labor yourself. I haven't seen any LJ frames for sale here in the PNW so I'm pretty sure they're rare.

I frame swapped my TJ in eight days in a gravel driveway.

-Mac
 
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The problem with us rust belt jeepers is getting rusty bolts/nuts removed.
I gave up on a frame and tub swap for my TJ as it was taking way too much time and effort removing all the rusty bolts
Sold off the TJ for parts as well as a beautiful rust free tub and frame.
And that’s how I wound up with a rust free LJR from TX.

Good luck!
 
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There is a local shop here in NE Ohio that regularly gets clean TJ frames from the Carolinas. I believe the majority of those are from flood damaged Jeeps. Not sure if they ever get an LJ frame.
 
Try Dan's Jeep Junk, Prince Frederick, MD, dansjeepjunk@gmail.com

I've gotten doors and fenders from him before. He goes to the southwest, buys up Jeeps and brings them back to part out.

If you can't find an LJ frame, buy s good TJ frame and stretch it. Kits are available
 
RocknLJ said:
The problem with us rust belt jeepers is getting rusty bolts/nuts removed.
I gave up on a frame and tub swap for my TJ as it was taking way too much time and effort removing all the rusty bolts
Sold off the TJ for parts as well as a beautiful rust free tub and frame.
And that’s how I wound up with a rust free LJR from TX.

Good luck!
Click to expand...
Yeah I am fine waiting to find the right frame. Looking for a southern frame that's rust free but would consider one from out West if it doesn't cost an arm and a leg to get it back to the East coast.

macleanflood said:
Swapping out a frame isn't mechanically challenging...just time consuming.

I'd spend the money on a custom frame and do the labor yourself. I haven't seen any LJ frames for sale here in the PNW so I'm pretty sure they're rare.

I frame swapped my TJ in eight days in a gravel driveway.

-Mac
Click to expand...
I love that idea but with 2 younger kids and working a full time job + kids sports/activities time isn't on my side. Good frames aren't easy to find but as with anything in life, for the right price you can buy anything....

GATORB8 said:
Holy cow. What’s his labor quote?
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Essential parts (frame, body mounts, bolts, etc.) and labor we are in the $5,000 ballpark but that doesn't include anything extra I may choose to replace like bushings or brake lines.

Ashim said:
There is a local shop here in NE Ohio that regularly gets clean TJ frames from the Carolinas. I believe the majority of those are from flood damaged Jeeps. Not sure if they ever get an LJ frame.
Click to expand...
Do you know the shop name by chance? I will reach out to them and see if I can work with them on a source. Hell I'll pay a small finders fee if need be!

Rut Row said:
Try Dan's Jeep Junk, Prince Frederick, MD, dansjeepjunk@gmail.com

I've gotten doors and fenders from him before. He goes to the southwest, buys up Jeeps and brings them back to part out.

If you can't find an LJ frame, buy s good TJ frame and stretch it. Kits are available
Click to expand...
Awesome, thank you. I'll reach out to them this week!
Yeah I've thought about going that route and have found the mid-frame stretch kit but haven't found a rear frame stretch kit. There are full rear frame kits but I don't need all of that. Plus by the time you get a clean TJ frame and stretch kits, you're nearing the price of a stock LJ frame. I mentioned that route to my mechanic and he said if you're going to do that you might as well buy a pre-built custom frame.
 
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Duck Doctor said:
Have you considered just selling this rig and buying a rust free LJ? Given your location there is no reason to deal with rust.
Click to expand...

I certainly have yes. And that is certainly in the cards because for the right price everything is for sale however we were able to purchase this Jeep below market value and even with $5K in a frame swap we'll still be below or right around market value. The chances of finding an undmodified LJ then building it to the specs of what I have currently/want or finding one with the modifications and upgrades this Jeep has would not be cost advantageous. Also, having a longer wheelbase is a hard requirement for our family so our options are limited to an LJ, Scrambler, or Commando (nothing newer) if we want to stay in the Jeep world and right now, an LJ makes the most financial sense.

The engine, transmission, and t-case are strong plus I've done the necessary work to get the frontend "right". The jeep cruises with 1 finger up and down the interstate at 70mph, is great for taking the kids to school when we don't want to take the golf cart, and is perfect for throwing a surfboard or fishing rods in then heading to the beach. It's exactly what we want so we are fine doing this one extra step then sitting on it for a few years.

I definitely appreciate the suggestion but to be honest I think that ship has sailed with the family, especially since I sold our 1968 Commando a few years back and have been getting it from everyone ever since.
 
SC04Unlimited said:
I certainly have yes. And that is certainly in the cards because for the right price everything is for sale however we were able to purchase this Jeep below market value and even with $5K in a frame swap we'll still be below or right around market value. The chances of finding an undmodified LJ then building it to the specs of what I have currently/want or finding one with the modifications and upgrades this Jeep has would not be cost advantageous. Also, having a longer wheelbase is a hard requirement for our family so our options are limited to an LJ, Scrambler, or Commando (nothing newer) if we want to stay in the Jeep world and right now, an LJ makes the most financial sense.

The engine, transmission, and t-case are strong plus I've done the necessary work to get the frontend "right". The jeep cruises with 1 finger up and down the interstate at 70mph, is great for taking the kids to school when we don't want to take the golf cart, and is perfect for throwing a surfboard or fishing rods in then heading to the beach. It's exactly what we want so we are fine doing this one extra step then sitting on it for a few years.

I definitely appreciate the suggestion but to be honest I think that ship has sailed with the family, especially since I sold our 1968 Commando a few years back and have been getting it from everyone ever since.
Click to expand...

Paying for hourly work doing a frame swap on a vehicle with corrosion issues sounds like an actual money pit. Are you sure you wont' find any surprises when you lift the tub off? And what do you have in the end vs buying an unmolested LJ for 12-15k?
 
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lumberjacklloyd said:
Paying for hourly work doing a frame swap on a vehicle with corrosion issues sounds like an actual money pit. Are you sure you wont' find any surprises when you lift the tub off? And what do you have in the end vs buying an unmolested LJ for 12-15k?
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Totally get that and that's why my mechanic and I are in the $5,000 ballpark instead of an fixed number. As the project nears, we're going to define expectations and set some guardrails for sure.
To get an unmolested LJ to the state we are currently at, done correctly will cost another $3,000-$5,000+ to do it right and that's just not in the cards to be honest.

GATORB8 said:
Baseline4x4 is a Jeep specific parts breaker up in Michigan, but maybe they could note a request from you for something in good shape. I've had good experience with them:
https://baseline4x4.com/parts/JEEP/WRANGLER/FRAME/2006/?k=1&fitmentSelected=500-04319
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Awesome, I'll give them a shout. I have seen their stuff in my search so far but haven't called yet. I'll do that soon. Thanks!
 
SC04Unlimited said:
I love that idea but with 2 younger kids and working a full time job + kids sports/activities time isn't on my side. Good frames aren't easy to find but as with anything in life, for the right price you can buy anything....
Click to expand...

Duck Doctor said:
Have you considered just selling this rig and buying a rust free LJ? Given your location there is no reason to deal with rust.
Click to expand...

The frame swap idea is a poor one for you. I could be wrong. D
 
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So correct me if I'm wrong but in the long run, this will have to be done at some point unless someone uses my LJ as a donor or parts Jeep, right?

I am of the opinion that if I can be the owner to do it, why not? Also by doing it, I understand I will never "make money" on a Jeep but with a clean frame swap that was done right is worth more than one with a frame that will need to be replaced at some point, correct?

I mean, what's the going rate for a 131K mile LJ with a 4" lift, 35s, all new steering components, hubs, and brakes that needs a frame swap at some point?

And to clarify, the frame is not falling apart right now. There are a couple of smaller holes and it has been patched in one place before but it's not "tweaking" with on-road driving and it's not creaking/folding/falling apart on the two post lift. The timeframe we set for this project is just before next Spring/Summer when we will really be using the Jeep, provided we can find a good frame.
 
SC04Unlimited said:
So correct me if I'm wrong but in the long run, this will have to be done at some point unless someone uses my LJ as a donor or parts Jeep, right?

I am of the opinion that if I can be the owner to do it, why not? Also by doing it, I understand I will never "make money" on a Jeep but with a clean frame swap that was done right is worth more than one with a frame that will need to be replaced at some point, correct?

I mean, what's the going rate for a 131K mile LJ with a 4" lift, 35s, all new steering components, hubs, and brakes that needs a frame swap at some point?

And to clarify, the frame is not falling apart right now. There are a couple of smaller holes and it has been patched in one place before but it's not "tweaking" with on-road driving and it's not creaking/folding/falling apart on the two post lift. The timeframe we set for this project is just before next Spring/Summer when we will really be using the Jeep, provided we can find a good frame.
Click to expand...

I don't see a frame as a wear item. If maintained and not marinated in salt; it should last a really really long time. My 99 literally has zero corrosion/rust on frame.

Mute point because of answer above. I would much rather have the unmolested clean frame than one that has had a full frame swap. Every bolt, hole and cavity is going to have corrosion; sometimes opening a can of worms.

$12-15k all day in the Carolinas. Find one and hop on it.
 
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SC04Unlimited said:
So correct me if I'm wrong but in the long run, this will have to be done at some point unless someone uses my LJ as a donor or parts Jeep, right?

I am of the opinion that if I can be the owner to do it, why not? Also by doing it, I understand I will never "make money" on a Jeep but with a clean frame swap that was done right is worth more than one with a frame that will need to be replaced at some point, correct?

I mean, what's the going rate for a 131K mile LJ with a 4" lift, 35s, all new steering components, hubs, and brakes that needs a frame swap at some point?

And to clarify, the frame is not falling apart right now. There are a couple of smaller holes and it has been patched in one place before but it's not "tweaking" with on-road driving and it's not creaking/folding/falling apart on the two post lift. The timeframe we set for this project is just before next Spring/Summer when we will really be using the Jeep, provided we can find a good frame.
Click to expand...

FWIW, I sold my LJ on 35"s, e-lockers, southwest clean frame, and more for $17,500. Seems like you'll be spending nearly half that on a frame + labor.
 
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