jeep guy here.... bought a wagon

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  • millchas
    Registered Member
    • Feb 2025
    • 5
    • 6018

    jeep guy here.... bought a wagon

    hey all!
    I'm 36. grew up wrenching on jeeps just to keep them running. I have learned a lot along the way. I learned out of necessity, saw something that needed to be done and bought the tools to teach myself how to do it. I just bought a 57 wagon that seems like it was buried in the bottom of a salt mine. it is rough. My initial plan is to do a frame swa/ body drop with a 04 Yukon Denali that I converted to 2wd. the wheelbase is 1 in longer. but the track width needs to be narrowed 4". modern suspension and steering, disk brakes at all 4 corners. cheap air ride system and an iron block 6.0/4l80e. I know it's not traditional, but it's what makes me smile. I know I need to make some connections in the local trip five groups. right off the bat I need all new floors and rockers. everything 6" from the rocker down is basically dust. any Tips and tricks would be greatly appreciated. Tom the guy I bought it from is great and has tons and tons of parts/ cores for sale in central Michigan.
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  • Belair-o
    Registered Member
    • Jun 2013
    • 686
    • 1723
    • Franktown, CO

    #2
    Welcome!
    That is a huge job you have planned, but you are already gettin' after it (from the pics). There are some great builders on the site who can be a help, me thinks - just ask questions. Since the guy you bought the wagon from has tons of parts, might he have the body parts?
    Welcome, Doug

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    • chevynut
      Registered Member
      • Nov 2011
      • 11066
      • 115
      • Fort Collins, CO

      #3
      Welcome to the site. I'm not sure what your objective for the car is but swapping a frame like that isn't an easy undertaking. I personally don't see what you're gaining without a whole lot of thrash. First off, does the body even fit the frame without a bunch of floor modification? I'm guessing every body mount needs to be re-done. The wheelbase is off, which could cause problems or just look weird. Then you get down to the details....when you narrow the track width, it's easy to do with a solid rear axle. But how do you narrow the independent front end 4"? The a-arms would have to be moved inboard which could cause problems with the engine fitting, not to mention the steering box location. If you shorten the a-arms, you mess up the geometry. And what about the bump steer issues, and ackerman? Maybe you've been through all this before, but I would closely analyze what you're doing and see if it even makes sense.
      56 Nomad, Ramjet 502, Viper 6-speed T56, C4 Corvette front and rear suspension


      Other vehicles:

      56 Chevy 2-door BelAir sedan
      56 Chevy 210 4-door sedan
      57 Chevy 210 4-door sedan
      1962 327/340HP Corvette
      1961 Willys CJ3B Jeep
      2001 Porsche Boxster S
      2003 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD Duramax
      2019 GMC Sierra Denali Duramax

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