Could I use a 55 frame to repair a 45 frame

[FJ40 MATT]

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

 

[3_puppies]

pics of the bad spots? is from the rear hangers back? or more forward near the front rear hangers?

 

[RAYJON]

wheelbase is close but the 55 frame is welded and the 45 frame is rivited.. now you could put the 45 on the 55 frame and redo the body mounts.... and the front frame horn for the vin#...

 

[FJ40 MATT]

Thanks Ray, the front end of my 45 frame isn't to bad, but from the tranny back and especially where it arches up over the wheels is where its the worst. Maybe I will just take a 55 frame and try to splice it into a 45 frame if I can make it work with my buddy.

Also forgot to ask is 45LV frame the same a 45LWB frame is. I have a guy on the east coast who has 45LV frame and was wondering if I could just slap that under my 45. Are the body mounts in different places? Thanks for the help guys

 

[whitey45]

Matt, the lv frame is 104 inch wheelbase, the lpb is 116, however, the rear section is the same on all the 45 frames, i would get the lv frame and add 12 inches. The body mounts are different, so you could transfer your existing mounts onto the lv frame.....or cut the rear of the lv frame and graft it onto your existing frame!

 

[FJ40 MATT]

Thanks Whitey I think thats the route I'm going to take. I appreciate the help, I think thats going to be the right way to get it done and make the frame look some what original.

Thanks again