"Halfback" body mod structural integrity/rigidity?
 

So, I picked up a project 91 cherokee last fall that the previous owner had done a bit of body modding to... he cut off the roof behind the C pillar and moved the hatch to the C pillar area, leaving me a 2' bed or so. assuming all was done well, how much do you guys think this will comprimise the strength of the body?

said cherokee has a 4.5" RE lift already on it, with the full springpack. the guy never lengthened the brake lines either, so they are real shoddy right now... anyone have a cheap fix for this?

also, an SYE was never installed... as this is only a part time trail vehicle, what issues could I be looking at if I don't correct this?

thanks,

Animal

as for the body unless there is a full cage in it tied into the frame its probably not dun right so i would say questionable at best these trucks are unibody so they arent that strong to begin with taking out that much of the frame basicaly will definitelyt hurt the strength and for the braklines you can get YJ lines theyre like 3-4 longer and cost about 15-20 at the parts store and as for the driveshaft you might have some binding while flexing and possibly failure beacuse the slip yoke will be only on the splines a couple inches and could even pull out if it droops enough

cool. thanks for the input man. any specific year I need for the YJ lines or will they all do for me?

as long as he reinforced the back quarters and the same to the side on top of the C piller, next to the hatch, its fine for light wheelin, I used 1/8 plate in my chop, and its held up for the last 3 years. checkout my build threads- lots pics, - yes my unibody hates me

hmmm. I wish I had the confidence to say he did... I doubt it though. most of his work looks pretty half assed. I guess I'll just plan on boxing in the back from the top of the C pillars to what's left of the D pillars.

yea the yjs stayed the same as far as now i got them for a 94 because that was what my friend had so i know they work but im pretty sure they stayed the same

i would get a cage in there to get the strengths back in there if you are unsure of his work. and you can pick up a longer line at almost any 4x4 shop for around 40 bucks or less for the front or about 80 for a complete set of braided lines. i like stainless braided lines for the longer lines as they don't swell like the rubber lines do and they can take a better beating then rubber can.