Topic: YJ - CJ Conversion

[hippiejesse]

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.

[Jeffy]

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.

[chrisfranklin]

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.      
 

[drunkencityworker]

There is a guy that makes blanks for the YJ and you can cut the gauges where you want. I will look for link

[Alacran]

Check these out: http://sites.google.com/site/doubledfab/

[drunkencityworker]

yup thats the one

[hippiejesse]

Hey,
Okay,
If I wanted to put a cj grill on my YJ, what else would I need to change?

[Jesse-James]

Stay tuned over the next few weeks, I'm starting the swap next week.

[Jeffy]

Hey,
Okay,
If I wanted to put a cj grill on my YJ, what else would I need to change?

The hood.

[chrisfranklin]

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. 

[Jesse-James]

Nothing wrong with wanting the old school look on a newer rig. 

[chrisfranklin]

Nothing wrong with wanting the old school look on a newer rig. 

Sorry Jesse-James but like I said:  "you'd be getting the real deal"      But you are right:  There is nothing wrong with wanting the old school look on a newer rig.

[hippiejesse]

Hey,
Thanks for the replies.
Make sure to let me know how that swap goes Jesse-James; and any work involved.

[hippiejesse]

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.

[Jeffy]

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.


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.