CJ/ M38 body on shortened Toyota PU frame

My thoughts are value.... If you have a solid body for either, they are worth a bunch in stock shape... When you modify you kill the value. Maybe someone makes a 'glass tub and front like they do for the CJ's so you can just go that route.

Mike

brayhaven wrote:

thing?

WHY?!?!

Why? Parts availability, drivability, ease of maintenance, weight, dependability, ... and probably most of all.... Why not :o) ? Got my first jeep in '66 & have had a bunch since then. Have done a few jeep conversions that I liked too. There are a lot of things I don't like about the engine, drive train, handling and suspension (of the M38/CJ2&3), that are much better in the toyota. But, I always loved the looks of early jeeps. I was planning to use an aftermarket body (glass or steel) so I'm not worried about value. Also, I'd probably keep it forever, so my heirs can worry about that :o). Greg

A decade or so ago someone local to me had a Camaro body mounted on a lifted 4x4 chassis with big stupid tires and the works. While it was certainly a "head-turner" the usual response was "Why?"

-- "I defer to your plainly more vivid memories of topless women with whips....r" R. H. Draney recalls AFU in the Good Old Days.

But, then you'd have this too heavy Japanese running gear, and it would sink just like all the other land crushers. God Bless America, =DFill O|||||||O

Bill, do you really think the running gear in a toyota pickup and a 4 cyl toyota engine is heavier than those in the M38? I guess you guys are purists here. I was young like that once myself :o). I guess you don't like engine swaps either?? The very best off road vehicle I ever had (yes, better than all the jeeps) was a short landcruiser with a 350 Chev. and a Muncie 4 speed. I pulled a lot of pickups & jeeps out of the FL swamps with it over the years. That, from a long time jeep lover :o).