to swap or not to swap? (1 Viewer)

[drtyfun]

So I was gifted an 80 series and I own a 62 series (89)
The question is do I do like others and go for the chassis/suspension/axle/brake swap? Or If I want much of what all that offers, do I consider fabrication of coil buckets, brake conversion, links, boxing 62 frame ect. ect.

It seams with the little research I've done there are a good number of pros and cons to support both ideas.

Either way I will be doing something but still in the planning phase.

Looking forward to all inputs.

 

[drtyfun]

Any input from any one would be nice.
Help a brother out.

 

[warpdriv]

Looks like you have a lot of options. What is your budget? What are your going for or what do want out of the build? Something cool, unique, rock crawler, expedition ect. What shape is the 80 in and what year is it?

More info would help us help you.

Also, look at the project x threads and you will get an idea of what you are in for if you start frankenstein'n things.

 

[LC_Hamma]

Flip the 80 & use that $$$ for coil conversion parts for the 62.
Take out a wanted ad on Pirate for used coils & buckets F & R from a coiled Jxxp wagon since that will be easier to find than one's from an 80 series.
Build or buy your own bracketry - Ruff Stuff, etc.
Buy your own DOM link bars & heavy duty joints.
Build the front as a 3 link w/ panhard & triangulated 4 link rear.
I've coiled out a 40 & a going this route & I'd do the same if I were to build another wagon.

 

[mookie]

Sell the 80 and skip the coils and radius arms too.....coilovers and 4-link ftw

 

[MutleyFJ62]

Sell the 80, use the cash to SOA the 62 and use the left over money for fuel for wheeling.

 

[Brunt Force Trauma]

If you have more time than money. Part out the 80 body and put the 60 body on the 80 frame. You can 3-link the 80 front axle very easily if desired. Then you have a boxed frame, bulletproof drivetrain, 3 link/4link with coils on all corners for cheap. Plus the 60 body is much lighter than the 80 body so you will net power increase and a bit of lift.

 

[drtyfun]

Looks like you have a lot of options. What is your budget? What are your going for or what do want out of the build? Something cool, unique, rock crawler, expedition ect. What shape is the 80 in and what year is it?

More info would help us help you.

Also, look at the project x threads and you will get an idea of what you are in for if you start frankenstein'n things.

I will learn the year of the 80 today, I think over all I imagine an overlander type rig with some crawler abilities but not extreme. Ultimately tire size around 33-35 at most. I am looking to do coil over rather than SOA. I think this will keep it a little lower and smother ride, but not certain.
I will definitely be fabricating sliders, bumpers, roof rack and such.

I will be doing all the work solo, or at least mostly solo since most of my friends drive jeeps and I have something to prove! Oh and I have no $ to even make it all happen. But I got "mud" and lots of drive.

 

[MANUCHAO]

I think this will keep it a little lower and smother ride, but not certain. But I got "mud" and lots of drive.

The thing with the type of swap.. is that you can make it as low or as high as you want in a pinch... and it will drive butta smooth on and off road...

IH8MUD rocks...

 

[drtyfun]

The thing with the type of swap.. is that you can make it as low or as high as you want in a pinch... and it will drive butta smooth on and off road...

IH8MUD rocks...

If I'm not mistaken you have already done this I think. I was looking at a few of your treads through "search" on the subject. In the moment I don't have any thing specific to ask, but I will be going back to start some review of it all, but would like to hit you up for whatever info, tips technique etc. you wanna bestow.

Mucho Thanks,

 

[MANUCHAO]

Yes.
Sure thing.
I'll help out on whatever I can, given my newby experience with this project.
You'll have fun doing this swap...!!

 

[drtyfun]

Yes.
Sure thing.
I'll help out on whatever I can, given my newby experience with this project.
You'll have fun doing this swap...!!

BTW the Manu Chao link was cool. I have not heard of them but loved it.
Well if your a newb I'm not even sure how to qualify myself.
I agree as far as I can see this should be fun however it goes.