[Guest]

As part of my Project SBC (putting in a Chevy Small Block), I am thinking of pulling the body off. I want to do a couple of suspension mods (traction bar, shocks, etc) as well as have better access to the fuel lines to install the electric fuel pump. Besides, it's time to replace the body bushings...getting kida old.

How hard is it?

 

[scrappy9]

When I replaced my steel body with a fiberglass one I found it to be pretty easy. Granted I took mine off in sections but i had to go through the motions of disconnecting everything. You could disconnect everything and just lift the body off the frame with 4 or so people put it to the side and have access to everything you want to work on, thats what I found to be the greatest part of owning a jeep.

Good Luck.

 

[webjeep]

my first 78 we literaly had to use a torch and a shovel in palces to peel the body off, once i replaced it with a new one it probably would have been alot easier. jest remember to mark and label everything as you disco them. beware of the spun nut. lube everything extremely well and for several days before you start to try to undo things.

-web

 

[CJ7Taz]

I don’t know, you might look for a better way to do what you need to. I’ve had mine off three times. When I pulled the original tub off, I had to cut a couple of the bolts, a couple off others just snapped off. I was replacing it with fiberglass, so I didn’t care. Getting it off ain’t the problem, putting it back is unless you replace a bunch of the nut plates.

 

[040]

Yeah...they come off a lot quicker/easier than they go back on. Definitely label everything, and you might want to use something intended for labeling rather than masking tape & a pen. I did my current one that way and have had it apart longer than intended and now I can't read half of them. I'm guessing you probably already have an engine hoist for the SBC swap...you can use it for the tub as well. 9.9 times out of 10 I work alone and that's how I did this one.

 

[Guest]

Just did mine yesterday. I planned ahead and heated all the bolt to red hot a couple of days before (don't plan on using the mounts again!) and then soaked them in PB Blaster. I also drilled a 1/4" hole from the top of the tub over the mounts so I could spray them with PB Blaster. They came out real easy (92 YJ that was abused). I also used my Shop Hoist/Engine lift to remove the body by myself. I also took a tap to each mount and lubed them up with anti-seize. I have done 3 bodies this way and have not had any issues with them. Good Luck

 

[Guest]

Thanks for the info guys, I didn't realize it would be that easy....I should have no trouble locating 3 other guys to help lift.....all I have to do is feed them beer......after the tub is off.

 

[JEEPN]

Just keep in mind that when you remove the body, time as you know it slows to a crawl, and the body takes 3 times as long to put back on.

 

[Guest]

Get a video camera and a good light. Take a walk around, under the hood, under the body as possible and tape every angle possible. Be surprised how much that helps. Did a fiberglass body on a CJ5 a couple years ago. The Jeeps are easy and almost fun to redo.