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Build from frame up: which first - body or engine?

Discussion in '3rd Gen Builds (1996-2002)' started by Rocky, Aug 26, 2016.

  1. Aug 26, 2016 at 7:17 AM
    #1
    Rocky

    Rocky [OP] New Member

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    OK, my two boys (11 and 12) and I bought 2 salvage title 1996s: #1 for the drive-train (locking diff), transmission (5 sp. manual) and frame, #2 for the body and engine (frame and axles bent from a wreck). The plan, obviously, is to remove the body from #1, and move over the engine and body from #2, then proceed to build a crawler.
    So, my question is: after removing body from #1 which should I do first: move over the engine or the body?
    Thanks for your advice on this! This is my first post on this site (after the intro. forum).
     
  2. Aug 26, 2016 at 11:36 AM
    #2
    jester243

    jester243 rabble rabble rabble

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    I changed some lights, tires and tinted windows...mind blowing huh
    When I was a kid (8-17) I got to spend most of the summer in Arizona with my grandpa who like to Frankenstein rigs together doing both mechanical and body/interior stuff to them. I can tell you from my experience that I loved the mechanical stuff, getting dirty, working with tools and swearing with grandpa, it was a blast and I could do that all day. When it came to body/interior I got bored quick, it just takes a long time with no instant results because it had to look nice and I lost interest at that stage. Anywho I would do mechanical stuff 1st...unless I totally misread your question
     
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  3. Aug 26, 2016 at 12:07 PM
    #3
    Rocky

    Rocky [OP] New Member

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    Thanks, Jester. I'm with you - not too much interested in the pretty stuff - just want to get him (Rocky) on the trails and have some fun.
    I don't think I was clear on my question - sorry. Here's what I'm wondering: would it be best to move the body from #2 over to the frame of #1, and then put the engine in, OR, put the engine in first, and THEN put the body on over the engine. I can do it in either sequence, but perhaps there would be advantages to putting the engine in without having the body in the way. But, is it possible to then set the body down over the installed engine? I'm guessing both options are possible, but one way might have some definite advantages over the other. Hope I'm making myself clearer this time!
     
  4. Aug 26, 2016 at 12:26 PM
    #4
    brochacho

    brochacho New Member

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    :popcorn::popcorn::popcorn::popcorn::popcorn::popcorn::popcorn:
    Post pics of the progress!!!!
     
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  5. Aug 26, 2016 at 12:26 PM
    #5
    jester243

    jester243 rabble rabble rabble

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    I changed some lights, tires and tinted windows...mind blowing huh
    well shit, did I ever mis-read that, you were clear, I'm just an idiot :laugh:

    If I could work on the engine without body stuff in the way I would take that option, but mostly cause I hate leaning over fenders and have fat hands
     
  6. Aug 26, 2016 at 3:21 PM
    #6
    Rocky

    Rocky [OP] New Member

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    OK, here are my first pictures. The red one has the frame and drive train I'm keeping. It also has the 2" lift and diff. locker. The silver one has the engine and body I'm keeping, but moving onto #1's frame. Sounds fun, eh?Rocky 1.jpg
    Rocky 2.jpg
     
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  7. Aug 26, 2016 at 3:25 PM
    #7
    Rocky

    Rocky [OP] New Member

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    I'm sort of thinking the same thing - much easier to work on the engine with the body out of the way. BUT, can I drop the body over the installed engine? Probably so, but I'd hate to find out the hard way that it is not possible - and have to pull the engine again! So, before I get all crazy, I'm looking for a definite "yeah, go for it, it is very possible".
     
  8. Aug 26, 2016 at 4:01 PM
    #8
    brochacho

    brochacho New Member

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    @Ol'Blue may be able to help you....
     
  9. Aug 28, 2016 at 5:28 PM
    #9
    Ol'Blue

    Ol'Blue New Member

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    A few things here and there. Still dreaming up stuff
    Ok I'm up to par now. So one question? Do you have a lift????
     
  10. Aug 29, 2016 at 3:00 PM
    #10
    Rocky

    Rocky [OP] New Member

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    Hey, Ol'Blue. Thanks for checking in! I don't have a lift, but am planning to borrow/rent/buy a used one. I see no other way to proceed.
     
  11. Aug 30, 2016 at 2:13 PM
    #11
    Ol'Blue

    Ol'Blue New Member

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    "Not all who wander are lost"
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    A few things here and there. Still dreaming up stuff
    That's either going to make you or break you man. Just doing an engine swap with out one is a real PUA ask me I'll tell you. I can't imagine a body swap with out. No way no now for this guy man. If you do your more of a man than me

    Blue
     
  12. Aug 30, 2016 at 2:45 PM
    #12
    Rocky

    Rocky [OP] New Member

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    Well, Ol'Blue, they say "Ignorance is bliss" which is where I'm living, perhaps. I've got more courage than know-how, could be. In any case, my original question remains: which would you do first: move the engine over onto the frame and then drop the body over it, or the other way around: move over the body and then drop in the engine?
     
  13. Aug 30, 2016 at 6:34 PM
    #13
    Ol'Blue

    Ol'Blue New Member

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    "Not all who wander are lost"
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    A few things here and there. Still dreaming up stuff
    I would go body then engine my self. Much easier to move a engine and trans around then body I'm anyhow. Some may say other wise.

    Blue
     
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