Frame

Quick question regarding frames for my 71'. This weekend when I was at Pismo I hit a pretty big hole and bounced a few feet. Seems this cracked the frame on both sides just forward of the rear axle front leaf spring hangers. Couple of questions:
1. Better to try and repair or get replacement frame?
2. If I get a replacement should I get aftermarket or try to find a used original one?
3. If used what years will work?

Reason for #2 is I purchased an aftermarket windshield frame and the gauage steel used is much lighter than original.

Thanks!

 

JMHO, YMMV

 

Cracks around the spring hangers are pretty common. Been discussed many times before here. If you search, you can find old posts about how to repair.

AFAIK only new tube frames are available today - big money. Cracks in this area are so common, I think you'd be much better off to repair your frame rather than to find another used frame.

 

If the frame is good, fix it.

If not, Matkins has 'Extreme' frames for pre-72. May even call them to see if they have standard frames. http://www.matkinsextreme.com/Jeeps/jeep prices.htm

and TDK (Throttle Down Kustoms) also has pre-72 frames. http://throttledownkustoms.com/jeep-frames/

New frames are availible, matter of spending the $$ for one than the time to do the swap. These aftermarket frames are usually made from slightly thicker than stock steel. And with a new frame, you know you will have years of use before anything needs to be done to it. As soon as my house sells, my 84 is getting a new frame.

 

Thanks for the input. It looks like the passenger side crack runs right up through the spring hanger. I did a search last night and read about the CJ3B frame repairs that were done. It looks like the spring hanger needs to be cut off, frame repaired and then spring hanger replaced.
I really don't have the time or money to replace the frame.
I have a good friend with lots of experience welding so I am going to take it over for him to look at it.

 

I think you will most likely find that it is repairable and that is a LOT easier than R&R'ing the frame...........

 

Frame is fixed and I am back on the road. A friend took care of it for me. Hope to post some pics tomorrow.

 

Keep a close eye on it for awhile.

 

Txjake, what does YMMV mean? Just My Humble Opinion, but I think some of us go a little overboard on the acronyms. Thanks for your informative reply, Matt W.
PS. I am just an old logger trying to keep up with you-all.

 

Your mileage may vary
Don't worry, even my 16 year old self had to ask