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Pulling the body off ?'s

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by mickeykelley, Feb 22, 2016.

  1. mickeykelley

    mickeykelley Well-Known Member

    I'm starting to think about just having the motor done sooner than later. With the body off, I can get the engine out easier, deal with brakes, steering, suspension, blast and seal the frame, etc. So my questions are can you pull the body intact or do you have to separate the front fenders, etc? Other than a few wires going to starter, generator, coil, sensors, tail lights, etc., the steering wheel, shifters, pedals, and speedo, should it lift off pretty easy? How heavy is the body alone? Couple guys to lift or need something bigger? Wanting to learn as much as possible before decide, so input is appreciated.
     
  2. Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

    I've never done it but I don't see why not? You would have to unbolt the grill from the frame and you have lift off (as far as the front is concerned).
     
  3. chris423

    chris423 Sponsor

    3 guys could pick it up easily .Remove the fenders from the tub ,they are kinda flimsy .It is so much easier to work on the frame , brakes and engine .
     
  4. Glenn

    Glenn Kinda grumpy old man Staff Member

    Body off is definitely the way to go. Grill separate, both fenders separate, and then the tub.
     
  5. chenzo

    chenzo New Member

    I pulled mine off by myself, had to remove the steering column to do so though. With a few guys you could lift it up and over easily, it's not heavy.
     
  6. Rick Whitson

    Rick Whitson Detroit Area 2024 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    There is only seven or eight bolts in each fender, and one in the grill, with two rods to hold it stable. It is an easy one day job, and it exposes everything. You can drain the gas tank, and it comes out easy, if it is under the seat, and you are on your way. It is a good way to get to know your Jeep, and Oh yes, it is fun to do. Good Luck.
     
  7. 47v6

    47v6 junk wrecker! 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    I have always done it by myself. Its not really fun and kind of dangerous. You really need a way to hoist it up. That means an engine hoist or 2 or 2 chain falls and something to pull from. Right now I am using that method. Getting the tub off is not the real issue, its getting it back on without wrecking something, so figuring out how to do that now will make things easier. I have my tub hanging in my work area now and roll out the chassis to do work.
     
  8. PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    It is a slippery slope, on the way to a full frame sandblast and ground-up restoration...
     
  9. mickeykelley

    mickeykelley Well-Known Member

    Very slippery, as I'm finding out.
     
  10. Glenn

    Glenn Kinda grumpy old man Staff Member

    But, if you have the means with which to do it, and the time it's well worth it. :)
     
  11. mickeykelley

    mickeykelley Well-Known Member

    Glenn, that's basically what I'm looking at. Get it all mechanicals handled up front.
     
  12. chenzo

    chenzo New Member

    I hear ya, I went from tune up and a new battery to ground up restoration in no time
     
    Kalva likes this.
  13. Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

    Homemade penetrating oil on the cheap.

    Put a 50/50 mix of Acetone and ATF in a jar. Grab a small paint brush (artist type) and soak all the nuts and bolts prior to removal. This includes the exhaust manifolds too.
     
    Last edited: Feb 23, 2016
  14. Twin2

    Twin2 not him 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    here's what I would do
    remove grill shell with radiator
    remove both fenders
    disconnect any electrical connections from fire wall to frame rails
    battery - gas lines
    disconnect ross steering from drag link and frame , this way you can just lay assembly down on floor with steering wheel . so you don't have to lift tub 3 ft
    remove transmission shifter or top of transmission
    disconnect linkage for transfer case
    I used a engine hoist with two straps around tub.
    lifted it up . rolled frame out and set tub down on stands
    now the smart thing is a camera . lots of pictures as you take things apart
    I always use sandwich baggies , with a note in bag , for where bolts or clips came from . this has always helped me in the past
    good luck
     
  15. mickeykelley

    mickeykelley Well-Known Member

    The steering is the thing I'm not sure about. Does the steering column separate from the Ross steering box via those clamps?
     
  16. chris423

    chris423 Sponsor

    i just unbolted the ross box and laid it in the floor . then after the body was off i put the bolts back in to steer it
     
  17. mickeykelley

    mickeykelley Well-Known Member

    Picturing this in my mind, the Ross box is attached to more steering pieces that don't come off easy, right? So you unbolt it off the frame?
     
  18. Rick Whitson

    Rick Whitson Detroit Area 2024 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Mike the steering box bolts to the frame, you can, take out the cotter pin in the drag link at the steering box, and with a big screwdriver loosen the screw until the drag link comes off the steering box. Now you can remove the steering box all together as one piece. After you get the body off you can put it back on so you can move the chassis around. Once you get the floor opened up you will see what I am talking about. Good luck.
     
  19. 47v6

    47v6 junk wrecker! 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    The hard part is actually getting the steering wheel off, at least it is on 2A stuff.
     
  20. mickeykelley

    mickeykelley Well-Known Member

    Ok. Thanks.