4bangerjp.com

General Forums => The Mess Hall => Topic started by: hippiejesse on May 17, 2009, 08:24:45 AM

Title: YJ - CJ Conversion
Post by: hippiejesse on May 17, 2009, 08:24:45 AM
Hey all,

I have been wondering what all from the CJ fits on to the YJ with little to no modifaction. Like, does the Interior dash fit, the grill with round headlights for a custom look, the tailgate, etc..?

Just Wondering,
Thanks.
Title: Re: YJ - CJ Conversion
Post by: Jeffy on May 17, 2009, 10:25:42 AM
By mixing and matching you can make a YJ look like a CJ.  Some fabrication is required though.  You could even use a 80" CJ-5 front clip since the 2.5L sits so far back.  A Commando hood would also fit as well.

The only problem with the dash is that you'll lose the windshield defrosters unless you reuse the dash pad or make something from scratch.
Title: Re: YJ - CJ Conversion
Post by: chrisfranklin on May 18, 2009, 03:39:06 AM
I've had my YJ for a decade.  If you have one, the different look may grow on you over time probably because you start to respect what the vehicle -- regardless of what it looks like -- can do.  But if I had a TJ, JK, CJ instead, I'd probably favor that more traditional look over the YJs.   I've have, however, heard that there is some interest in the JK community in a JK-version of a "YJ"-grill.   :eek:   :lol:
 
Title: Re: YJ - CJ Conversion
Post by: drunkencityworker on May 18, 2009, 09:25:48 AM
There is a guy that makes blanks for the YJ and you can cut the gauges where you want. I will look for link
Title: Re: YJ - CJ Conversion
Post by: Alacran on May 19, 2009, 06:14:16 AM
Check these out: http://sites.google.com/site/doubledfab/
Title: Re: YJ - CJ Conversion
Post by: drunkencityworker on May 19, 2009, 08:37:55 AM
yup thats the one
Title: Re: YJ - CJ Conversion
Post by: hippiejesse on May 19, 2009, 03:04:50 PM
Hey,
Okay,
If I wanted to put a cj grill on my YJ, what else would I need to change?
Title: Re: YJ - CJ Conversion
Post by: Jesse-James on May 19, 2009, 04:24:19 PM
Stay tuned over the next few weeks, I'm starting the swap next week.
Title: Re: YJ - CJ Conversion
Post by: Jeffy on May 19, 2009, 04:25:37 PM
Hey,
Okay,
If I wanted to put a cj grill on my YJ, what else would I need to change?
The hood.
Title: Re: YJ - CJ Conversion
Post by: chrisfranklin on May 20, 2009, 01:01:24 AM
How about you sell the YJ and buy a CJ in decent shape?  It'd probably run you a bit more than what you'd get for the YJ, but you'd be getting the real deal. 
Title: Re: YJ - CJ Conversion
Post by: Jesse-James on May 20, 2009, 07:07:02 AM
Nothing wrong with wanting the old school look on a newer rig.  :finger:
Title: Re: YJ - CJ Conversion
Post by: chrisfranklin on May 20, 2009, 08:43:52 AM
Nothing wrong with wanting the old school look on a newer rig.  :finger:

Sorry Jesse-James but like I said:  "you'd be getting the real deal"   :twofingers:   But you are right:  There is nothing wrong with wanting the old school look on a newer rig.
Title: Re: YJ - CJ Conversion
Post by: hippiejesse on May 20, 2009, 12:48:32 PM
Hey,
Thanks for the replies.
Make sure to let me know how that swap goes Jesse-James; and any work involved.
Title: Re: YJ - CJ Conversion
Post by: hippiejesse on May 20, 2009, 01:27:37 PM
Hey all,
I realize that I already have a thread out about this, but has anyone done a conversion from the YJ hood to a CJ hood? If so let me see some pics, and what was invovled? I would love to do this, but I have no fabrication experience so I am curious if it is something I can do with what I have and/or what a friend has, with a little help.

Thanks.
Title: Re: YJ - CJ Conversion
Post by: Jeffy on May 20, 2009, 01:53:42 PM
It's going to look like a CJ.  YJ and CJ tubs are 98% the same.  The major differences are the body mount locations and the rear tailgate backing plate and holes.

You unbolt the YJ hood and bolt on the CJ hood.  That's it.  Now there are other things you will need to do, like mount the grill but you can either use the YJ fenders and drill 3 holes 1" in or use CJ fenders.  YJ fenders will give you more room in the engine compartment.  You will need to mount the Radiator to the CJ grill as well.  This requires some fabrication.

Easiest way is probably to weld new tabs.
(http://pics.tr33ph0rt.com/pics/albums/userpics/cj_swap13.JPG)

You will also need a 1-2" body lift to clear the PS pump/Frame with the CJ grill or modify the grill.  ie. the CJ grill stands 1" taller then the YJ's.  You'll also need to figure out the wiring for the turn signals, 2 wires vs. 3.  It's not a big deal though.
Title: Re: YJ - CJ Conversion
Post by: Jeffy on May 20, 2009, 05:00:07 PM
Oh, I forgot to mention, about the radiator.  On a 2.5L you can mount the radiator to the stock mounts.  I forget if the flanges on the radiator are long enough to span the gap.  I think they are.
Title: Re: YJ - CJ Conversion
Post by: drunkencityworker on May 20, 2009, 05:37:32 PM
didnt jp just do this on there 500 dollar yj
Title: Re: YJ - CJ Conversion
Post by: Jesse-James on May 21, 2009, 11:51:28 AM
I'll be using a CJ radiator and fenders.
Title: Re: YJ - CJ Conversion
Post by: DodgeMudder on May 21, 2009, 08:04:32 PM
iirc there was a company advertising a custom grill that fit the YJ but looked like a CJ, it was supposed to be a direct fit to give the YJ a CJ look.
Title: Re: YJ - CJ Conversion
Post by: Jeffy on May 21, 2009, 08:41:00 PM
iirc there was a company advertising a custom grill that fit the YJ but looked like a CJ, it was supposed to be a direct fit to give the YJ a CJ look.
It never went to market.  Omix-Ada
Title: Re: YJ - CJ Conversion
Post by: Jeffy on May 21, 2009, 09:36:11 PM
I've been checking OMIX-ADA lately and I've seen some nice custom jeep parts from them...
I don't know why they did not let this grill out in the market, could have been a nice MOD for a YJ...
Cost of production was too high.
Title: Re: YJ - CJ Conversion
Post by: Jesse-James on June 04, 2009, 03:13:22 PM
The swap is under way, writeup coming soon.

(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i33/jlafaive/CJ%20front/DSC03505.jpg)
Title: Re: YJ - CJ Conversion
Post by: drunkencityworker on June 04, 2009, 11:05:52 PM
Damn JJ that just gave me an idea for a cold air intake....lmao. lookin forward to finished product. But i am in the minority(and yes i like to drinky) i prefer the square look. Like a fist punching you in the face...Dunno did my army time and round is over done...just my opinion but you get er done you could put triangle lights on and drive circles round me
Title: Re: YJ - CJ Conversion
Post by: Jesse-James on June 05, 2009, 04:31:34 PM
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i33/jlafaive/CJ%20front/DSC03525.jpg)
Title: Re: YJ - CJ Conversion
Post by: aw12345 on June 05, 2009, 04:51:16 PM
With a nice bumper added to it, that will be a sweet looking Jeep
Title: Re: YJ - CJ Conversion
Post by: Jesse-James on June 07, 2009, 06:07:11 PM
Fenders, grill, and hood are done and mounted. Threw the bumper on for the pics just for you.  :weee:

(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i33/jlafaive/CJ%20front/DSC03552.jpg)
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i33/jlafaive/CJ%20front/DSC03553.jpg)
Title: Re: YJ - CJ Conversion
Post by: TrailsLessTaken on June 07, 2009, 07:17:03 PM
Looks good so far Jesse  :hump:
Title: Re: YJ - CJ Conversion
Post by: lanulos89 on June 08, 2009, 07:20:52 AM
 :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb:
Title: Re: YJ - CJ Conversion
Post by: Jesse-James on June 10, 2009, 01:13:21 PM
It's alive!!! Few small things to tie up and it will be back to DD duty.

(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i33/jlafaive/CJ%20front/DSC03579.jpg)
Title: Re: YJ - CJ Conversion
Post by: aw12345 on June 10, 2009, 05:53:08 PM
I like it. looks sweet
Title: Re: YJ - CJ Conversion
Post by: jcsanders79 on June 10, 2009, 07:06:44 PM
I think I could own a YJ now!  What are you going to do about color?  Primer everything, go red or change the whole Jeep color?
Title: Re: YJ - CJ Conversion
Post by: Jesse-James on June 10, 2009, 07:44:58 PM
Rattle canning it red in a week or two and doing a roll-on paint job in battleship grey once I replace my tow rig and can spend some time on it.
Title: Re: YJ - CJ Conversion
Post by: sbspence on June 10, 2009, 09:03:28 PM
 Make sure you keep posting pics as you proceed. I love the look! CJs are just SO ... right!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: YJ - CJ Conversion
Post by: Jesse-James on June 10, 2009, 09:06:30 PM
Make sure you keep posting pics as you proceed. I love the look! CJs are just SO ... right!  :thumbsup:

http://4bangerjp.com/forums/index.php/topic,6986.0.html