45 body on a 55 frame?

[greenbeast]

Probably not common swap as I can’t recall seeing one done. Just trying to figure if i can use the 69 55 frame, running engine and 3 speed chassis, all in great shape, to put a 45 body on. Wife likes the 45 and hate to see the nice 69 chassis go to waste. Would prefer mid 60’s 45 if and when one comes up for sale.

Is it worth the hassle if doable without tons of modifications? I’m in no hurry and have the time to wait until something would come up.

 

[swamp-thing]

45 will be a verrrry tight squeeze for tall folks knees up near steering wheel. Kim would love it, Hammy not so much.

 

[greenbeast]

45 will be a verrrry tight squeeze for tall folks knees up near steering wheel. Kim would love it, Hammy not so much.

Hey Ash!!! Oh i know, this would have Kim and Dad written all over it. Kim has always expressed interest on room, it’s my full figured frame why I haven’t pursued one.

Good to hear from my Steamboat Homie! Need to come down sometime!

 

[Unimogguy]

@greenbeast With enough fabrication it’s definitely possible.

The question has been asked before…I almost always opt to using the Google search function on MUD as it returns better results. These results were just from the first page using the Google search terms “45 on 55 frame”.

Thread '45 body onto a 55 frame'

Jun 30, 2005

Has anyone done this? I've be'en taking measurements and I'm pretty sure it'll fit nice .The reason for the 55 frame is they are much stronger and most of the 45 frames are rusted out up here in canada.The wheel base is very close. 45 springs in the rear.Not thinking of ruining a perfectly good pig.Found one with a shot body near me.

• too tall
• Replies: 7
• Forum: HardCore Corner

E

Thread '45 on a 55'

Sep 17, 2009

Hi,
Did some reseach on FJ55 frame with Fj45 body. Not much info. Has anyone done this? Links and Sites really appreciated.Thanks-Allen

• eassycool
• Replies: 3
• Forum: FJ45 Owners Club

Thread 'Could I use a 55 frame to repair a 45 frame'

Apr 22, 2012

Was just wondering how different a 45 frame and 55 frame were. The back of my 45 frame is in bad shape and was wondering if a 55 frame dimensions are the same or close to a 45 frame in the back. If anyone has any suggestions or tips on how they repaired their frame I really appreciate it. The boats coming out this week and I'm getting ready to put the 45 in its space and start tearing it down. Any suggestions or help would be great thanks guys

Matt

• FJ40 MATT
• Replies: 5
• Forum: FJ45 Owners Club

L

Thread 'fj45 frames'

Sep 11, 2008

are the troopie frames the same as the long wheel base frames?
are the fj55 frames the same as the short wheel base frames except for body mounts?

• LX40
• Replies: 7
• Forum: FJ45 Owners Club

Thread 'Frame stretch... fj45 conversion.'

Jul 26, 2005

Howdy-

I have a line on a good low mile fj40, tub is totally crapped out. I was thinking of making it into a 45 long bed, with removable bed for a flatbed rear too.

I was wondering if stretching the frame is feasable for the average garage mechanic with good welding skills? Anyone know of this kind of conversion being done before? I thought I saw something like this in an old edition of TT, but cant seem to find the article, it may have been a readers rides issue.

I was also wondering if it would be easier to mount an fj40 body to a FJ60 or Fj55 frame instead of lengthening a 40...

• REZARF
• Replies: 12
• Forum: 40- / 55-Series Tech

Thread 'Converting a 40 to a 45... who has done it?'

Dec 29, 2011

I am really tempted to pick up a used beater 40 and chop it up into a 45. I can't imagine I am in uncharted water but searches don't turn up much. Any leads? I know Jack Rice did one a while back but that was more a crawler... same with Zornff, and Nolen with Kate.

Anyone got any ideas and or leads on a write up or two?

Drew

• REZARF
• Replies: 41
• Forum: FJ45 Owners Club

J

Thread 'Fj55 ---> Fj45?'

Dec 7, 2005

Hello,

I have a fj55 in need of a total new body. The pig body has already had a date with the grinder so there is no chance of salvaging the body back and restoring it. So anyways i was wondering what is the possablity of getting fj45 cab, firewall, hood and so on and putting that body on a fj55 frame?

I've searched only to find extended fj40's but no fj45 bodies on a fj-55 frame. Does anyone have any experence?

• James w
• Replies: 13
• Forum: 40- / 55-Series Tech

 

[greenbeast]

Apparently as always not a simple swap. May be best to find buyer for the 55 rolling chassis and move on.

 

[sneaky]

If you are going to do a project that involves a lot of fab work to mount a body, why not go an 80 series frame. And if you don't have a 45 body, Aqualu do one thats stretched 6 inches with mounts for an 80 series frame.

 

[cruisermatt]

what kind of 45 ? before I got my hands on a 45 frame for my LPB project I was looking into combining the front of a 40 frame and the rear of a 60 frame, since the front is all exactly the same, and then having the nice soft 60 rear suspenion and good 60 rear axle

 

[greenbeast]

If you are going to do a project that involves a lot of fab work to mount a body, why not go an 80 series frame. And if you don't have a 45 body, Aqualu do one thats stretched 6 inches with mounts for an 80 series frame.

I have a very nice 55 frame that I’m removing and transplanting the body to a 76 chassis with running f engine with 3 speed. Was hoping if something didn’t require lots of fab work I could find 45 body to put on it. Doesn’t look like it’s anything I need to mess with for the time being. Already have a couple others I need to finish.

 

[sneaky]

I have a very nice 55 frame that I’m removing and transplanting the body to a 76 chassis with running f engine with 3 speed. Was hoping if something didn’t require lots of fab work I could find 45 body to put on it. Doesn’t look like it’s anything I need to mess with for the time being. Already have a couple others I need to finish.

Fair enough