morelia1976

I recently bought a 1997 Cherokee SE that I didn't inspect as close as I should have. The frame rails are rusted in the rear, left side is basically gone, right side is pretty rusted. Is this worth trying to fix or should I follow my uncle's advice and cut my losses? I would like to make a repair so that I could attach a hitch to pull small trailers (like a small pop-up). Thanks for any advice you can give!

stev-o

Is it that bad were if u put something heavy in the back your frame will just break

morelia1976

I don't think it's that bad, and the frame towards the front doesn't look anywhere near as bad, though both rockers are rusted and will get replaced this summer.

Dan91

Man I dunno, that's pretty hideous, gotta love Michigan salted roads... Anything is fixable with enough time and money, but I dunno if that's gonna be worth it. You'll have to tie into the solid portions of the frame further up and remake the rear frame portion. Gonna need to drop gas tank and fuel lines etc.

Edit: just realized you said you wanna set it up for towing. You'll definitely have to make sure if you fix this that your new frame is up to par. If there were ever an accident caused by a poorly done repair you'd be in deep **** if someone found out.

99 Purple XJ

Honestly if you have the time and skills to fix do it but if not start fresh or part it out make your money back and start out with a cleaner shell

stev-o

X2

stev-o

Is it just real bad surface rust of has it rusted thru

captainwoot

Squish it and start over...jk. Part it out....find a solid one to start with,,the problem with rust is it never goes away....

RTorrez1

I hate to say it. But, It does look like you would be into it for way to much money to fix it right especially if want to tow. Like said above you should try to part it out and try to get some of your money back or find another one and use this one for part. I do hope that you didn't pay to much for it. Good luck on what ever you decide to do. Keep us posted on the out come.
Robert

stev-o

It would cost you more than could sell it for to have it done

morelia1976

Thanks for all the feedback. I picked it up for $400, but the new(ish) motor and other odds and ends came to about $2500, so not sure if i'd ever get my money out of it at this point.

XJ.89.Limited

Sell everything. And I mean everything on it. There are countless little parts on jeeps that go bad and people need them but can't get them at a parts store without an arm and a leg. The transfer case lone is worth $1000. Axles you could sell for at least $150 each. Engine and tranny you could sell and probably break even. Sell all the doors and panels, windows, electrical, basically anything that someone would need. Put the word out and see what happens. Or, keep it and buy another cheap jeep and switch everything over like previously said. Then sell what you have left. Good luck on what you decide to do.

morelia1976

A buddy suggested an aftermarket rear bumper with built in receiver, any thoughts? I haven't looked to see how bad the cancer is in that region yet.

stev-o

Probably not worth it still would probably break off

Bustedback

You be money ahead just to find another XJ that is more solid.