Body Too Far Forward?

1971 CJ5 dauntless.. trying to work through several items, but in reworking the wiring, I noticed that my reverse switch was smashed. No biggie, replacing it is easy enough, however it appears to be smashed due to the tub resting on it at some point in the past. The cover that holds the shift boot shows wear indicating that the shift column has been rearwards of center for some time. PO actually cut and bent part of the metal in what i imagine was their solution to this issue.

If the body is in the right location (and it seems odd that it wouldn't be), perhaps it is due to body mounts being old/missing/too big or small and causing the body to sit funny? Replacing them is on my list, but just not high enough yet to allocate funding...

If needed for clarity, I can certainly post pictures to better explain later on. Currently wrapping up the day at work and thinking about all the "fun" issues to work on over the weekend!

Many thanks to all for the knowledge I've already been able to glean. Here's hoping I can continue to learn.

 

Hey Terd
I would lost photos of the rear body where it attached to the frame. Also pics of the offending areas would be great.

 

Very common for the tub to not only break the backup light switch but to also wear a hole through the top of the bellhousing. Not the highest level of engineering on these old Jeeps.

 

Are the spacers that go between the frame and transmission cross member in place.I have seen these missing causing the trans to be to close to floor pan.That exact thing happened on my '71.Some idiot put a clutch in and decided to toss the spacers.Also caused a terrible noise in driveshaft. Put the spacers back in and Backup switch clears and no more driveline noise. Small things can cause big problems on these jeeps. In a 46 year old vehicle you also have worn body mount,crushed hat channel, body shift,and more. mike