Jeep CJ7 Frame Help

[LHC30]

Just inherited a CJ7 project. As all who know Jeep’s, these frames were never protected from rust and probably not designed for what we put them through - so frame repair is always needed at some point.

This project is no different. Left front frame by engine mount/ shock tower had an ugly repair and still has three frame cracks. I have since removed this “repair” and it looks like the top factory weld seam has pulled away. Not too much rust though. I’m looking for a good frame shop/ guy in town to help me assess best way to repair.
Any ideas? Thanks.

 

[t&y]

That doesn't look factory to me. Let me go out back and see what a stock one looks like.

These are off of a 79 CJ. This jeep is stock with exception to a small lift. I know these were put togther slightly different at times so what you see might be factory. There are all kinds of replacement shock mounts out there that would work. Pirate4x4 has some pretty good fabrication vendors on there to look at.

An option for the frame would be to plate it with 1/8th or 5/15th flat stock on the top of the frame right there after welding that crack back up.

I've found many of the body shops don't do too much restoration stuff anymore, so you would be looking for a smaller custom shop if you don't have a welder available local.

 

[Kachina26]

Just inherited a CJ7 project. As all who know Jeep’s, these frames were never protected from rust and probably not designed for what we put them through - so frame repair is always needed at some point.

This project is no different. Left front frame by engine mount/ shock tower had an ugly repair and still has three frame cracks. I have since removed this “repair” and it looks like the top factory weld seam has pulled away. Not too much rust though. I’m looking for a good frame shop/ guy in town to help me assess best way to repair.
Any ideas? Thanks.
View attachment 1040778 View attachment 1040777

That looks like the time I tried my hand at welding...

 

[LHC30]

Lol.

 

[LHC30]

That shock mount (at least the upper part) is factory. They welded a piece of 1/4” plate on the side after it bent over when the frame weld failed.

this is what it looks like cleaned up.

 

[LHC30]

these frame stiffeners are from Mountain Offroad. I think they will help. 5’ long from front of frame to just past the rear hanger

 

[DLC]

Looks like a new boxed frame is $1800 - $2,000 plus

if your going to have a shop do the welding work …. It might be better to just get a new frame.

or buy the parts and pick up a welder to fix at home.

the stock shock mounts are to low and it’s best to get into the after market mount to be able to set up a longer shock if you want to lift the Jeep… if the plan is to restore than just fix the problem areas and move on

 

[mash on it]

Looks like a new boxed frame is $1800 - $2,000 plus

if your going to have a shop do the welding work …. It might be better to just get a new frame.

or buy the parts and pick up a welder to fix at home.

the stock shock mounts are to low and it’s best to get into the after market mount to be able to set up a longer shock if you want to lift the Jeep… if the plan is to restore than just fix the problem areas and move on

^^^this. And there is going to be more cracks. Front hangers of the rear springs.
Body mounts at about your feet.
Rear body mounts at tailgate from twisting.
Around the steering gear box.

Dan'l

 

[YeahYeah01]

Having a similar issue with my dad's jeep. He found the frame caps online but you still have to be handy with a grinder and a welder to do it.

Debating a frame swap but it's not something he can handle and I'm in Cali and he's on Havasu.

Following so if you find a solution he can piggy back lol.

His frame is pretty bad but someone did some shade tree BS on it so I'm not sure how bad it is untill it starts getting torn into.

 

[LHC30]

Agree and thanks all. Still deciding. This is going to be a rat rod type of resto ( leaving the rusted tub patina etc- no rock crawler! But, it has to be safe and mechanically sound.
I have a welding machine and am fairly handy with it. I’m thinking of calling the Jeep scrap place in San Diego and get a good used frame. Not sure the cost.

 

[28skater]

I have one of those under mine https://throttledownkustoms.com/p-36771-about-us.html very nice work.