CJ Tub swap

[Raceraptor]

Has anyone done a complete tub swap on an 84 CJ-7?? How hard is it, and would I be better to go with fiberglass or find a good steel one..
Any info or tips are welcomed as I have never attempted such feat!:)

[ThumpAZ]

Finding a good steel one would make it a little simpler, as all of the holes and such are already there.
You have to be worried about rust on the donor (as we don't get rust in AZ, LOL)
You may pay more for a good, straight body, or an aftermarket one (I'd go with aluminum if looking at a metal replacement)
With any metal body, once it's dented, it's dented.

Fiberglass won't rust, but if you use a hard paint, then it will spider-crack over time, especially in our climate.
If you crunch a fiberglass panel, then it will bend considerably before any real and permanent damage. But repairing fiberglass is pretty easy, and is an art.
You'll have to run grounding blocks all over the place to supply ground locations for options and equipment.

Both have pros and cons, but I'd choose Aluminum if going for a new body.
Finding a good used steel tub can be difficult because folks want to see the whole vehicle (the CJ chassis isn't really sought after as a builder frame without a body)

EDIT:
Oh yeah... swapping the tub out isn't that hard. But it does take a lift or several friends and an amount of attention to detail to make sure you disconnect EVERYTHING. If a used tub, then it's easy as can be. Any aftermarket may not have al the holes in place and just takes a little more time.

[Raceraptor]

I'm glad I asked!! I didn't even think of the grounding and hole issues that would need to be dealt with going to fiberglass. I think that OEM replacment would be the way to go..I don't mind a couple dents...it is a Jeep right! :-)
Do you reckon all CJ-7 tubes are interchangable...or should I look for an '84>

[ThumpAZ]

I do believe that all CJ-7 tubs are interchangeable.
There were a few changes here and there to the wiring and some emissions equipment, but the tub and frame stayed the same, even with the addition of the widetrack axles in 81.

[Oldyeller]

Like thump said, it's really easy, just make sure and triple check that you disconnected everything before you try and rip the tub off the frame. (and to confirm, all the CJ7 tubs were the same as far as mounting points and such, no need to find an 84)

Yeller

[Raceraptor]

Thanks for all the info guys! I'm going to look at the Jeep after shift, and it's always better tyo be informed before you buy!
Thanks again-

[jeep108]

I swapped out my tub for a fiberglass one. It was a lot of work. I had to make all new frame mounts and make grounds for everything. I have done a lot of things that would have dented a metal body without damage to it though.