Here are some pictures of my 4x4 XJ.

I bought it for $2,800 and now i have found major body damage and have decided to rebuild it completely.

 

Here are some pics of the damage.

 

I Dont really know what i have and i am trying to build a parts list so any help is greatly appreciated!

 

So I have Abandoned all hope of saving the frame, ive talked to several authorities on the subject and they have all concluded the the uni-body is so badly damaged if it is repaired it will just break on the rough adventure we have in store for us.

New Idea!
I am going to build a completely new unibody using 1 5/8" chromoly tubing, i originally thought this would be the best size because it is $6 a foot and im going to need about 300ft, Do you agree, is the tubing strong enough to withstand the harsh driving conditions of central america?

Im going to expand the dimensions, another reason i am so inclined to rebuild the body, i would like it to be longer and taller. I will have exact dimensions soon I have a friend working on a 3-D model.

Since im pulling the motor along with all the suspension components i am going to make some changes
1. 4-link suspension
2. *budget stroke and rebuild the motor
3. any other ideas?

also, i wanted to use plexiglass for doors, roof panels and windshields, any problems? the panels will all be 5' by 2' because i am building a tube framing im looking to use a more innovative material to connect the body...could i also use plexiglass? any reason not to?...

Anybody with krawler building experience your comments are greatly appreciated!

 

in that case, i would just build a tube buggy using your cherokee parts. You have everything you need. Just build a new body to house it in.!


and depends where in central america you are. I have seen many different various vehicles all over honduras (personal connection with the government there...they are family hahaha well actually the last government was, the ones that took over now have no relation to me.... just to clarify). I have seen it be more strict in guatemala and the northern part of Nicaragua. But if you build a tube buggy, make use some 22 or 16 gauge on the inside of the tube then plexy glass for windows and stuff i think it would work great! just make sure you get 0.25" tubing or thicker

 

tube buggy is exactly what im thinking!

 

oh ya!

where in central america are you tho??

and just make sure you gusset and use 0.25" or thicker tubing and you'd be fine!

over at pirate there is plenty of tube and hardcore buggy advise as that is what they normally do over there.

 

Im traveling form tallahassee Fl, to the republic of panama in january. Pirate? sorry im new to jeep forums..

 

pirate4x4.com

 

and best of luck! that is a great drive!

 

Can Anyone Tell Me what axles i have? i thought the rear looked like a ford 8.8 and the front i have no clue, ideas?

 

So after talking to a couple of shops, i have decided i would rather put the extra cash into more supplies for the vehicle and the trip than into the frame of this vehicle, the buggy dream will have to wait for another day.

I've seen a couple of threads on fixing these vehicles is it possible to replace the floors without the frame collapsing?

Because my only other option would be to get a new body..