Boxing the frame??

The guy who bought my windshield/frame & soft top suggested that after I got the 65 tub off, I should "box" the frame. I think I know what he is talking about. Does anybody have a good write-up on doing that and more importantly, is there a company that sells a kit (pre-cut steel) to do that? I assume that boxing adds strength, but would it be neccessary for my project? Since I am putting a 2A tub on a 5 frame and don't plan on any hardcore stuff, do you guys still reccommend this? TIA!

 

Some of the flex comes from the frame flexing, so you'll change the flexibility if you add a lot of steel. The CJ-3B page has a page about this: http://www.film.queensu.ca/CJ3B/Tech/Frame.html

I have a pretty good idea where the intermediate frames break, but not so much about the earlier frames. Mike Boyink posted some pictures of his frame cracks recently.

You can also strap the frame, which will make it stronger and keep the open web of the frame intact. The CJ-6s come with some strapping from the factory, presumably to add more strength to compensate for the longer wheelbase.

 

My frame has been gussetted rather than boxed.

 

Joel, you mean plates applied to the outside of the frame rail?

Yzergod, no kit that I know of. Make cardboard templates and have a local welding shop plasma-cut them for you.

 

No D-shaped plates (gussets) were cut to fit the inside of the frame channel and then welded in every 18 inches or so. I've also had the frame boxed just at the rear spring hangers due to cracks.

 

I think I had some pics of my 'factory' boxed frame somewhere. Lemme look around.

 

The frame on my 67 CJ6 is strapped. It looks like it came that way from the factory.

The front end looks like it was partially boxed at the factory. Hard to tell for sure as a PO did a bunch of creative welding on the front end.

Scott Bruns

 

If you don't plan on using the Jeep for hardcore trails, don't bother boxing it. But, who knows what you may feel like doing trail wise in the future. If you think you may get into some heavy duty trails in the future, now is the time to box the frame. Colorado has some pretty awesome trails.

 

There was a discussion a while back (I started it) most felt that boxing the frame was not a good way to go. With the added rigidity the jeep will tend to lift when encountering heavily rutted terrain (teeter totter) The frame does have a lot of flexibility built into it. While doing my frame off I only boxed where I welded the new spring and shackle hangers on, and also boxed the front frame horn section (forward of the engine mounts)

 

John: That's exactlly where the PO "boxed" or "straped" my frame. Seems to work fine. Only "box" where needed.

 

Well really Jim how much frame damage you gonna do driving to and from the bar R) R) R) R) R) R) R) R) R) R) j/k

 

i've boxed my frame on my 75 cj 6,
it went pretty easy ...
but he thing to watch out it's to tight strongly the frame before welding to prevent from any deformations...

if you want i can send you pic's , give me your email if you need

 

Mine is sort of partially boxed. I think it begins just behind the front spring hangars and goes about to the crossmemember. I imagine it was a factory install cause it's just too neat.

The front however where the front spring hangars are riveted to the bottom of the frame is a mess and is my next project to fix.

I'll either box this or add the gussets described above. Actually I think I like the gussets better. If I box it I'll loose access to the top side of the rivets on the spring hangar.

 

If you can find one, take a look at an M38A1 frame and see where and how it is 'boxed'.

I wouldn't spend my time or money to box one, but if I did I would mimic the M38A1 pattern.

 

I tried to box a frame before, but it kept hittin me below the belt.. R) R) R)

(poor attempt at thread hyjacking...)

 

That one got you a red card.

 

M.O.R.E had a frame boxing kit can't remember if it was for early cj's and I can't find my flyer from them to check

 

Thanks for all the replies!!

Since my frame has no cracks and is solid, I think I'll leave well enough alone. The whole project is to build a cheap Jeep (if there is such a thing) with my son to have done in 3 years when he gets his learners permit. Even though building it to be able to tackle any trail would be fun, I think it will remain more cost effective to stick to the basics. Simple and cheap axles & drive train are the ticket for now. Once he's able to drive, the warden thinks he'll end up with my TJ. If that is the case, I plan on putting the title/serial number plate from my '65 Tux on a new frame/tub CJ6 that I'll build super tough! Hopefully the 2A tub will go on as easily as the CJ5 tub came off!!