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Steve W.[_4_] Steve W.[_4_] is offline
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Default building jeep frame

mark wrote:
My original jeep CJ-7 frame has rusted out and I was thinking of
building a new one from aluminum. Would 2 X 4 X 1/4 wall (if that is
even available) box tubing have the equivalent strength of the stock
1/8" wall steel frame? I would like aluminum because it will last
forever, no need of any paints etc..., very easy to work with and
cheaper than building a steel one and having it galvanized. My second
choice would be stainless 1/8" box tubing.



Aluminum is a VERY poor choice for a frame of a Jeep. The frame in them
is engineered to flex and allow the suspension to operate well. That
flex in aluminum will work harden the frame in a short time and cause
failures. The welds will be the first failures and then the rails
themselves.
Even if you doubled the thickness the frame will be the weak point.

Now if you have access to stainless and a way to work with it that would
be a MUCH better choice. It would flex like the steel and retain it's
strength. The alloy of the stainless would be a BIG factor though.

Personally if I wanted a long lasting rig I would start with a custom
tube frame and a fiberglass or stainless body. One of the locals has a
set up like that.


--
Steve W.