CJ tub and body mount rust tips/opinions

[Ct Cj]

those with CJ's or who have worked on CJ's you assistance is appreciated...

the rear body mounts are giving in to the cancer on my 85 CJ. I've lost the rear two , and the mid mounts (roll bar area) are getting pretty bad at this point as well...  the body will lift and smack the frame as I go over bumps.
the best thing to do would be to replace the tub, or do a whole lot of cutting and welding, but this is a semi-beater ride, and I'm trying not to get too into it $$ wise... (friend and I restored his 84 couple of years ago, and the costs were incredible.. once you start you can't stop).

tips and tricks others have used to keep the body on the frame?    thx

 

[cjshloman]

Get a long ratchet strap and put it over the rear part of the tub and around the frame....then tighten up.....

 

[CJKarl]

If the body mounts are that bad I would carefully check the tail section of the frame where the shackles mount. If thats shot, that should be your first project. If it's clean I would cut out and weld in new mounts. Belive it or not it's probably the cheapest way if you figure in your time.

 

[Ct Cj]

Get a long ratchet strap and put it over the rear part of the tub and around the frame....then tighten up.....

thought about that one..  #1 a little too ghetto, #2 doesn't work too well when the tops are on...

If the body mounts are that bad I would carefully check the tail section of the frame where the shackles mount. If thats shot, that should be your first project. If it's clean I would cut out and weld in new mounts. Belive it or not it's probably the cheapest way if you figure in your time.

actually the frame for the entire jeep is solid... it's onlly the tub that has given up on me...  looks like cutting fabbing and welding will be the best bet....

hmmm, wonder if I can weld to bondo....  :biggrin:

 

[jeepinrandy]

The mounts on the frame are probably rotted to, mucho work

My brother was working on a plow rig and simply welded the new body patches right to the frame Not the cleanest of things, but it was solid :mrgreen:

 

[iamayeti]

As you can tell from my picture, I recently had a little trouble with my CJ tub rotting out. Just a few months ago I completed the project of a tub swap. I use mine as a daily driver and an off-road rig though so I spent some extra money that you probably don't want to spend. I would recommend finding a good used tub from a YJ that is 93 or newer. They are galvenized. If you go this road like I did, you will need to get a set of mounts from the YJ frame or have a machine shop that can bend 1/8" plate to the correct size for the mounts before the rear wheels. I have been told that the front ones from a CJ are the correct size. I had some made at a fab shop. I think you should be able to get a decent tub for around $500. I would suggest taking your time and finding a good one though. They are around. I actually saw a fiberglass tub in the bargain news a little while ago for $600 with CJ front clip. The task is time consuming but could be done in a weekend with the proper preparation. I reused my CJ tailgate and dash to maintain the CJ style along with the nose. I think there is a salvage yard in New Britain that gets alot of tubs any sell them for around that price. If you need anymore info I would be happy to help.

Doug