Build from frame up: which first - body or engine?

OK, my two boys (11 and 12) and I bought 2 salvage title 1996s: #1 for the drive-train (locking diff), transmission (5 sp. manual) and frame, #2 for the body and engine (frame and axles bent from a wreck). The plan, obviously, is to remove the body from #1, and move over the engine and body from #2, then proceed to build a crawler.
So, my question is: after removing body from #1 which should I do first: move over the engine or the body?
Thanks for your advice on this! This is my first post on this site (after the intro. forum).

 

When I was a kid (8-17) I got to spend most of the summer in Arizona with my grandpa who like to Frankenstein rigs together doing both mechanical and body/interior stuff to them. I can tell you from my experience that I loved the mechanical stuff, getting dirty, working with tools and swearing with grandpa, it was a blast and I could do that all day. When it came to body/interior I got bored quick, it just takes a long time with no instant results because it had to look nice and I lost interest at that stage. Anywho I would do mechanical stuff 1st...unless I totally misread your question

 

Thanks, Jester. I'm with you - not too much interested in the pretty stuff - just want to get him (Rocky) on the trails and have some fun.
I don't think I was clear on my question - sorry. Here's what I'm wondering: would it be best to move the body from #2 over to the frame of #1, and then put the engine in, OR, put the engine in first, and THEN put the body on over the engine. I can do it in either sequence, but perhaps there would be advantages to putting the engine in without having the body in the way. But, is it possible to then set the body down over the installed engine? I'm guessing both options are possible, but one way might have some definite advantages over the other. Hope I'm making myself clearer this time!

 

Post pics of the progress!!!!

 

well shit, did I ever mis-read that, you were clear, I'm just an idiot

If I could work on the engine without body stuff in the way I would take that option, but mostly cause I hate leaning over fenders and have fat hands

 

OK, here are my first pictures. The red one has the frame and drive train I'm keeping. It also has the 2" lift and diff. locker. The silver one has the engine and body I'm keeping, but moving onto #1's frame. Sounds fun, eh?

 

I'm sort of thinking the same thing - much easier to work on the engine with the body out of the way. BUT, can I drop the body over the installed engine? Probably so, but I'd hate to find out the hard way that it is not possible - and have to pull the engine again! So, before I get all crazy, I'm looking for a definite "yeah, go for it, it is very possible".

 

@Ol'Blue may be able to help you....

 

Ok I'm up to par now. So one question? Do you have a lift????

 

Hey, Ol'Blue. Thanks for checking in! I don't have a lift, but am planning to borrow/rent/buy a used one. I see no other way to proceed.

 

That's either going to make you or break you man. Just doing an engine swap with out one is a real PUA ask me I'll tell you. I can't imagine a body swap with out. No way no now for this guy man. If you do your more of a man than me

Blue

 

Well, Ol'Blue, they say "Ignorance is bliss" which is where I'm living, perhaps. I've got more courage than know-how, could be. In any case, my original question remains: which would you do first: move the engine over onto the frame and then drop the body over it, or the other way around: move over the body and then drop in the engine?

 

I would go body then engine my self. Much easier to move a engine and trans around then body I'm anyhow. Some may say other wise.

Blue