Boxing the frame

I was just curious if anyone has boxed the frame on their cj. I have little experience with the old jeeps and since my jeep will be taken down to the frame would there be any advantage to boxing it. If no then great and if so now would be the time to do it.

Thanks,

Henry

 

nope. the frame is a part of the suspention and it is ment to flex. Some people will disagree with me. But this is what I have learned from this place.

 

Thanks Sparky, I tried to search two times but got different information than what you supplied. Looks like a big no on boxing the frame.

Henry

 

Maybe boxing the frame is not such a good idea, but I think a little judicious reinforcing is in order. There's a nice article on the CJ-3B page about frame welding and reinforcement ... ok, seems to be back. http://www.film.queensu.ca/CJ3B/Tech/Frame.html
Check the orange 3B on the front page.

Huh, the link above seems to point to this thread.

If it were mine, I'd check for cracks, reweld all the dodgey OEM welds, maybe put a real crossmember behind the front bumper - seems like the spring mounting locations are the most prevalent place for breaks. I might put a strap along the bottom of the frame rail between the spring mounts.

 

rather than boxing, you might look into strapping the topside of the frame
this will cut down on the flex of the frame, but will strengthen it
and it's easier to do

 

I say box or strap it. Make the suspension flex, not the frame.

I am running into problems because the frame flexes, mainly with my fenders. I bought them brand new and they have no rust but they are falling apart because the frame flex is breaking the spot welds that hold them together. I am also noticing cracks forming on the body because of the frame flex.

 

Or you could use a postal jeep frame, which is *already* boxed.

I'm going to be parting out a DJ5 in the near future, and the frame is one of the many items I will not be using (hint! hint! )

 

I am with Joe here, I have a glass body and it used to flex so much that it would twist the body, kinda scary and eventually I did crack the frame, that's where it started, with a crack repair, then I decided to box that area then I boxed the rails then I said what the hell, I boxed it all, even the cross members.. and I made new bumpers and transfer case skid/support and fuel tank skids that act to stiffen the frame, oh and then the cage which further stiffened it, and then (annnd deeen.. no and den!) the exo cage, so by the time I actually get to drive it again the frame will never flex at all! HAhahahaHAHAHAAAAHAHA (evil genius laugh)

BUBBA

 

I just added the full roll cage with the frame tie in kit from 4 wheel hardware. My fiberglass body is safe now.

 

I'm sorry but unless you are going full resto or hardly wheel this is just silly.

I agree old Jeep frames are not suposed ot be 100% rigid. In fact I disagree with the idea of boxing the entire frame. However I think that if you have the whole thing striped down you are hurting yourself in the long run not to box certain sections of it, especially near the spring and shcakle hangers. I recomend this because at least 70% of all the old Jeep frames I look at are cracking right around the spring hangers.. even on newer ones that COME boxed. Plus the constant flexing of the frame is what leads to dracks and work hardening over time.

 

And will weigh twice as much?

 

yeah the jeep is going to be much heavier, no question there.. I lost some weight with the glass body and a little with the seats but the addition of power steering, SM-420, frame boxing, cages etc.. etc.. will definately make it heavier but that is the price we pay I guess.

BUBBA

 

am not trying to argue, just state my view. Boxing is a plus in my book. I read alot here about frame cracks. I dont have any cracks, but I boxed my frame and now it doesnt flex like it used to. I say box it, or standby to repair frame cracks if you wheel it at all.

 

I agree, to a point. 20 years ago there was alot more metal that wasnt stressed as much as it is today, thats why frame cracking wasnt as big as an issue in times past, but the older the frame gets, the more it has flexed, the more fatigued it is allowing more cracks over time. Thats just basic metalurgy there. I say it is your Jeep, and again not trying to argue, just stating my opinion. No disrespect intended.

 

What he said....

to a point....

Boxing prevents some of the flexing and hardening so you get less cracking...

IMO

 

Sparky...I tried the link and got nothing. I'm assuming you were directing someone to a search feature. I haven't tried that either, but probably will if I get time.

On boxing the frame...my CJ7 is boxed front to rear. I'm a complete idiot on flexing and frame cracks and what not, but I have thought about it a little bit while reading this. I'm not all together sure I understand how boxing the frame would have anything to do with flex. It's hard for me to understand how an engineer would design a frame in a "C" section with intentions of it flexing. Since there's no hinged parts here we're basically saying "bending" in lieu of "flexing".

If it were me, I'd allow the parts that were intended to "flex" such as shackles, shocks, and springs...to "flex" and I'd keep the frame rails as stiff as possible.

What am I missing here?