1975 Cj5 Frame Question

Hello All, I'm a forum newbie, my complements this is a great resource.

Now to the question...
I have a '75 CJ5 with a bent frame. Looking at purchasing a new frame. Only new frames available are for '76 and up. I'm aware that '76 was a transition year. How well will the '75 tub fit the '76 frame? I know the tub mounts will be different. I'm not afraid of fabrication and welding. Just wonder how much effort this will take?

 

Won't fit. Almost everything changes for the 1976 model year. The only thing that's the same is the wheelbase. Aside from the tub, the drivetrain components are different.

There are way more old frames out there in good condition than old bodies. Just look around and buy a frame or rolling chassis for a '72-75 and you'll be golden. Or ask the help of a frame shop to straighten what you have. California is the land of rust-free Jeep parts. Don't punish yourself by making the later frame fit when a replacement is so easily gotten.

Welcome from Boston!

 

Just buy another Jeep with a good frame, sell off all the parts you don't need and you will have your frame for free.

 

True, It could be straightened. It would be a good opportunity to box the frame and make it stronger

 

I like your profile pic, freak-in cool.
Buying a used one might be a good choice I don't want to get stuck with an out of spec turd. It's going to take a while but it's the journey, not the destination, that is important

 

Welcome to the forum. Straightening the frame is more doable if you have a welder and torch. I like the idea of frame boxing too.

 

if you really want a boxed frame, probably easier to buy a '76 and later cj5. fwiw, i like my non-boxed '75, as it doesn't collect mud and other crap inside, trapping moisture (RUST). the supposed drawback to the open frame is that it isn't as stout as the boxed frame, and will flex more. however, unless you truly are going to pound it in rocks all the time, for years and years, the unboxed frame will serve you well for a long time.

i wheeled mine pretty hard for 19 years after purchasing the jeep in 1994. it has been off the road since mid-2013, awaiting finishing a frame swap (another intermediate in excellent condition) and rocky road spring conversion. the old frame didn't rust out, but it did start to crack in a few places - well, it did rust out - in the boxed front section!!

 

One reason the '76-up frames are available aftermarket is because the boxed sections rust badly.

If you want to go the custom route, most areas have Jeepers that fabricate parts for Jeeps as a side business. Check your local Jeep and 4x4 forums / bulletin boards for recommendations of who could build you a frame. Members here have built their own frames from rectangular steel - search old posts and you will find threads.

Note that boxing or rectangular steel will make a more rigid frame, which may or may not be what you want. Much of the articulation of these Jeeps comes from the rubbery frame, and when you stiffen it you have to compensate with softer springs and longer suspension travel. Body roll on the street then becomes excessive, without some other compensation. All these factors are connected.

 

CJ5 Jeep Frame 1972-1975