FSJ Jeep Body to a Blazer frame transplant...(Desert Hippo)

[Metal Twister]

I needed something that I could turn into an expo rig that wasnt going to break the bank, that had plenty of grunt, something I could find parts for anywhere easily, and of coarse reliable. I had this ole 1974 Jeep FSJ for awhile now but there were some issues with it. It had an old tired 258 six cylinder engine hooked up to a worn out 3 speed and the spring were soft. Well for that matter It out lived its usefulness to me. On top of all that the parts countermen didnt have a clue as to where to obtain the correct parts for the beast.

The answer in my mind was to put the body on something more functional and modern. I found a good running 1977GMC Jimmy that mechanically was very sound. The body was shot after years of neglect. So long story very short, I attached the FSJ body to the frame and running gear of the GM Jimmy / Blazer. Im just now finishing the final hook ups like bumpers, exhaust, and wiring but it looks like its going to be perfect for what I want... an Expedition / Advdnture rig. Now I need to get busy on the fun stuff. lol :wings:

A before and after shot...

So what I gained by doing the swap was a 350 V8, Automatic, Wide track axles, about the same as a 10" lift, Great suspension on a very stout frame. I think it will be a great foundation for the Expedition rig I want.

 

[FlatlinesUp]

that looks great!

 

[Metal Twister]

Thanks, Hope it works as good as it looks. :sombrero: Now I need to build a cage and roof rack and rear bumper.

 

[jeepdreamer]

Me Likey...

Yea...Another FSJ!
Of course you had to go GM to find another vehicle with more rust than one of our beasties! Haha..
Can't really tell from the pics but did you keep the rockers? That much lift shouldn't be an issue but you will want to protect them if they are in good shape. And drill some extra drain holes in them so you can rinse them out from time to time.
Are those Chief badges where the pie plates should be? Heehee...nice idea! And there really is nothing more manly looking than the Glad grille! Of course I'm a little biased...

 

[Metal Twister]

Ya know the rockers are in great shape. But Im going to shave them off and use sliders in their place. I built my body mounts to accept a 2" tube that will run the length of the frame under the body. The sliders will tie into that tube as well as the cage when I perf. the floor.

heres a before shot

The new body mounts...

Figured the Chiefs should be leading the way instead of bringing up the rear. LOL Dont know what to call it now? Is it as FSJeevy or a FSCheep...

 

[jeepdreamer]

Ya know the rockers are in great shape. But Im going to shave them off and use sliders in their place. I built my body mounts to accept a tube that run 2" tube the length of the frame under the body. The sliders will tie into that tube as well as the cage when I perf. the floor.

heres a before shot

The new body mounts...

***nice work!!**

Figured the Chiefs should be leading the way instead of bringing up the rear. LOL

Haha...yeah, poor chief always did seem to get the stinky end of the stick!
The nice thing about how yours is set up is should you gasser (more stink?) give up the ghost then a 6.2 is a simple swap for diesel (even MORE stink!?!)
*note to MODS- need evil mad scientist smiley thing...or devil with a cattle prod!*
And while they are not power monsters they can do pretty good for cheap. Just another thought...for the future.
Mine may end up getting parted since the cancer has a hold pretty good and I can't justify storing it the next several years. Kinda the reverse of yours...body tired and well, come to think of it, so is the engine!

 

[Life_in_4Lo]

Damn that's a great idea swapping the body. Looks great, I love those old Jeeps.
That new front bumper looks fantastic! Great work.

What does FSJ stand for?

 

[Metal Twister]

FSJ= Full Size Jeep
Back before the SUV's got big.

All I had to do was extend the frame length 2.5" to bring the wheel base to the original FSJ 109" and a strech on the rear drive shaft. The Steering column fit perfect with no adjustments at all.

Best part is its still a California pre smog vehicle!

 

[jeepdreamer]

or...

FSJ=ForSakenJeeps???:elkgrin:

 

[KLAKEBRONCO]

That is a nice rig.

If you haven't already be sure to look up off road design. Tons of neat stuff for the Blazers.....Which allot will apply to you now.

Nice work!

 

[Metal Twister]

That is a nice rig.

If you haven't already be sure to look up off road design. Tons of neat stuff for the Blazers.....Which allot will apply to you now.

Nice work!

Thanks, I already found them and ordered some new transfer case mounting poly pucks. They seem like good guys.

 

[threepiece188]

Yea...Another FSJ!
Of course you had to go GM to find another vehicle with more rust than one of our beasties! Haha..
Can't really tell from the pics but did you keep the rockers? That much lift shouldn't be an issue but you will want to protect them if they are in good shape. And drill some extra drain holes in them so you can rinse them out from time to time.
Are those Chief badges where the pie plates should be? Heehee...nice idea! And there really is nothing more manly looking than the Glad grille! Of course I'm a little biased...

There are four or five drains in the rocker from the factory already. There is also a hole in the wheel opening on the outer wheel housing. It will probably have a plastic plug in it. You can blow air or water into this hole and out the drains on the bottom of the rocker.
Dan

 

[Nick02]

Gonna keep the push-pull or going crossover in the future?:smiley_drive:

 

[96discoXD]

Wow, that's a killer build there. I wish I could find one of those rust free here in the midwest, but they're all long gone due to the road salt.

 

[Metal Twister]

Gonna keep the push-pull or going crossover in the future?:smiley_drive:

Haven't decided yet... maybe one of those down the road projects.