74' Cherokee drivetrain and title swap to 79'?

[volkswaben]

I am in the process of rebuilding my AMC 360 for my 74' Cherokee. I'm in California and the 74' doesn't have to be smogged and has a clean title. I was searching on Craigslist the other day and found a 79' 4 door Cherokee for $400 with a salvage title. I picked it up and realized I really like the 4 door wagoneer style body much better, and would rather put my time and money into restoring that. The 79' is auto and quadratrac, so I would take my 3sp manual and Dana 20 from the 74'. The 79' body is also as rust free as they come, while the 74' has some rust floor boards and some bubbling in the rear flares. I was wondering if it is possible to swap the vins somehow so I don't have to pass smog? I'd preferably like to keep the 79' body and frame as it is extremely straight and is the later suspension setup so I can buy a lift kit. Any thoughts on what I should do?

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

[j10jim]

Uh, no you cannot change the VIN. That is illegal, also if you have an accident, your insurance company will probably not pay the claim. As much as I would love to change my vin to a Pre 76, it's not worth the legal hassle or liability.

Stick with the 74 and be happy, or go with the 79 and be happy and just smog it.

[j10jim]

Uh, no you cannot change the VIN. That is illegal, also if you have an accident, your insurance company will probably not pay the claim. As much as I would love to change my vin to a Pre 76, it's not worth the legal hassle or liability.

Stick with the 74 and be happy, or go with the 79 and be happy and just smog it.