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03-06 frame for 97-02 TJ?

4K views 8 replies 7 participants last post by  mattstj 
#1 ·
I read that in looking for a frame to replace the rotted one on my 2002 TJ wrangler 6 cyl automatic trans I can use one from 97-02 years. I read that the 03-06 frame had a different steering gear mounting and a different skid plate shape (and bolt size and bolt pattern). After a week of no luck finding the exact right frame I talked to a guy who owns a 4x4 shop and seems like a pretty sharp guy about jeeps. He has an 03 frame. He agreed that the steering gear and skid plates were different, but said this frame would come with the actual steering gear included and that the later version of the skid plate would work fine and that it had the holes needed for the older trans like my 02 would have. What I read was that the 03 up skid plate was deeper for the different trans in the newer models so I figured you'd have to fab some kind custom trans mount. Does anyone know about this situation? Will the 03-06 TJ frame work on my 2002 TJ without too much trouble? Thanks Doug
 
#4 ·
In 03 they went to a Mercedes steering box which oath bolts different to frame and has different hose fittings so that will also be an issue

The skid plate also changed so that the 03 up rubi transfer case could fit as it is much larger

But the manual trannies work with either skid with proper mount so no issue is in the ax15 where a NV 5 speed was
 
#8 ·
got mine from B&R Auto in Oregon, (great wrecking yard) for 225 with skid plate. It worked out great the axles were already off and I unbolted the tub and they lifted it off and loaded the frame on my trailer. frame was from a Rubicon and still had the Dana factory compressor air pump on the skid. I have the old frame on Craigslist 150. It has a slight bend on pass spring tower and could easily fixed the rest of the frame is like new, no rust at all. If it does not sell I'm going to recycle. .
 
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