Front Unibody Rail Replacement

[NewKindOfClown]

1988 Comanche Pioneer, LWB, 4.0L, 4WD

 

Hey all,

I was in a minor fender bender this week. Long story short: I punched a hole in her Tahoe Hybrid, and it only wrinkled about 2" of my right front frame rail. I just ordered JCR DIY bumpers front and rear, and the plan is to cut off the front of the damaged unibody rail and replace it with a section from a junkyard. Using the insurance check, I also ordered a C-Rok steering spacer and a M.O.R.E. steering box brace. All that said, I have a few questions.

 

First, is this a terrible idea? I feel like the bumper brackets should strengthen it up enough not to worry.

Second, could I use the rail from any XJ/MJ as a replacement? I know of many XJs, a 2.5L MJ, and two 2.8L MJs that could all be donors. Would the front 10" or so of the passenger rail be the same across the board?

 

Thanks in advance. I'm going pickin' today.

[87sparTruck]

I'm cutting up an MJ if you want a piece.  It's a 92 4.0

[mnkyboy]

I imagine any MJ/XJ could work. IIRC some XJs may be different around the snow plow mount area but it shouldn't be an issue.