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Old 08-13-2017, 09:39 AM   #1
Pbfoot
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Opionion on Jeep/Envoy Swap

I have a 92 jeep Wrangler in need of a frame. I'm going to spend about $800.00 on a used frame. For the same money I can buy a mechanically sound 03 GMC Envoy. I'm thinking "IF" I can cut the Envoy frame down and put the jeep body on the Envoy I would have a better vehicle for what I plan on using it for. I like the "Jeep Experiance". Meaning the half doors, the bikini top, the insanity of waving to perfect strangers simply because they are driving the same type of vehicle I am. However I rarley actually travel far off more than a gravel road to get to a favorite fishing spot with my kids. The 2.5 engine is horrible, leaf springs make me pee blood, I can't use it on my 70 mile round trip work commute because it makes me late, I'm a target for semi trucks in any lane, and the list of reasons is endless that the jeep body while I find IT cool, would be many times better on a modern chassis. My Question is since it seems like some guys on here seemed to use these to put old truck bodies on, what might your opinions be on this type of project?
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Old 08-13-2017, 10:19 AM   #2
jjzepplin
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Re: Opionion on Jeep/Envoy Swap

Hmm. My friend had one with a 350-th350 and 12bolt-d44. Very reliable and tough.
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Old 08-14-2017, 04:20 AM   #3
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Re: Opionion on Jeep/Envoy Swap

You know the Envoy and trailblazer share the same frame right ?But making it fit the jeep body and work will take a ton of time and money.Can you weld do you trust your life on your welds.In your state is it legal to cut a frame or not?
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Old 08-14-2017, 07:23 AM   #4
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Re: Opionion on Jeep/Envoy Swap

Why cut the frame? Is the wheel base different? If so- why not stretch the tub and make a Scrambler? What engine does the Envoy have?
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Old 08-15-2017, 10:52 PM   #5
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Re: Opionion on Jeep/Envoy Swap

You'd be further ahead by cutting the roof off the Envoy and chop down the doors if you want the open air experience. Unless you are a well experienced fabricator I think the idea is beyond reach of anybody that isn't.

The issues with the Jeep are easier to fix. My buddy and I just installed a Black diamond 2" lift (all springs, no blocks in back) on his brother's YJ. The kit came with shocks and while you still know it's a leaf spring vehicle, the ride was much better than stock. Firm, but forgiving. As far as the anemic 4 banger, kick that pile to the curb. Swap in a 4.3 V6 or a small block with one of the new self learning efi systems. Small block swaps are VERY common to YJ's and pretty easy to do without major fabrication. You don't need 400hp or even 300 hp to do the job. A stock TBI 350 or Vortec 350 would be more than enough. It would keep up with traffic and still be able to lug it around on dirt roads and other off pavement fun.

Just fixing what you have would be much more simple than cutting apart two vehicles to make one.
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Old 08-16-2017, 02:35 AM   #6
andrewmp6
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Re: Opionion on Jeep/Envoy Swap

Quote:
Originally Posted by jjzepplin View Post
Why cut the frame? Is the wheel base different? If so- why not stretch the tub and make a Scrambler? What engine does the Envoy have?
The jeep yjs wheel base is 93.4 inches while the gmc thing is 113 inches
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Old 08-16-2017, 10:19 AM   #7
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Re: Opionion on Jeep/Envoy Swap

Fix the jeep - cheaper in the long run & higher re-sale value

The jeep is a more robust & simpler setup. The envoy is basically a 4wd car (unibody, low ground clearance) they are difficult to work on & expensive to maintain. The envoy's front diff is bolted to & goes through the engine's oil pan!

The only decent parts on the envoy are the engine (if it's the 5.3) & the transmission. The rest of the vehicle is junk (this explains why you can get it so cheap)

I'd rather drive a Yugo
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Old 08-17-2017, 02:51 AM   #8
andrewmp6
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Re: Opionion on Jeep/Envoy Swap

Thinking hard about this,Honestly if you can't weld or have fab skills its not a swap you should try,Paying to have it done will be pricey.Doing yourself you could but will take months to get done and cost you more then 800 bucks in the real world after parts and stuff.Resale value is another thing most jeep people wouldn't touch it on another frame specially a ifs one.Honestly id replace your frame with a stock one and if you want more power look in to engine swap kits for it.Even a carbed small block will feel like a monster after having that gutless 4 cylinder you got now.
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Old 08-23-2017, 02:43 PM   #9
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Re: Opionion on Jeep/Envoy Swap

One thing you can do to the YJ is to frame swap it with a 4.0 TJ. That will net you cruising power and a nice comfortable coil sprung ride. Way simpler than going to a completely different frame design and manufacturer.

The 2.5 does do well with a few upgrades. I have an electric fan setup, throttle body spacer, aftermarket intake and a header on mine. Those matched with 4.88 gears, I can cruise my YJ on 37s at 65-70 with little issue other than no 5th gear and downshifting for hills. Re-gearing to a lower ratio will help with the highway driving if running almost any tire larger than stock.

You can do a few things to increase the ride on the leaf springs. Many companies offer a small lift spring, around 2" or so, that has a decent spring rate. With that, you can upgrade the shackles and ditch the factory track bars. You probably are getting most of the rough ride from the track bars themselves actually.
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