I got a lot of batteries for the grinder and I was thinking bout just cutting the cargo pan out at the junk to remove that section of frame and then when I get back home drill the spot welds out

 

BlueRidgeMark: Nice job. Thanks for taking the time to share.

Creedmore: Don't let anybody tell you it can't be done. You're on the right track. You go man!

 

Sounds like an excellent plan. Cutting it out will go a lot faster.

You will need to remove the rear bumper, too.

 

Sorry but XJ does not have a frame, it's a unibody design.

Sure it can be repaired but I don't think it's worth the time spent to repair that kind of rust damage, but it sounds like you already had made up your mind which is fine.

I would go and buy another XJ with rust free body. They do exist (my 1989 is a prime example).

You all know how opinions are...

 

The XJ is not technically a unibody. It is called a uniframe.

Bear in mind that the work to repair that rust is easy and not terribly time consuming for those that have the skills and equipment.

I wouldn't hesitate to fix that. A good XJ around here can quickly hit $3000 and personally I would have better uses for that money.

 

It seems to be almost a hybrid between a true unibody and a standard frame. I have heard the term, "semi-unibody" used about some vehicles. I'm not sure if it applies to Cherokees.

If it were a true unibody, I would not have been able to cut out and splice in a frame rail!

 

Same here in Toledo there's XJ that have serious mechanical issues (blown head gasket transmission issues etc) going for $1,500. I paid $800 for mine and everything works except the A/C (just needs to be charged). Granted mine doesn't look great but it's a Jeep not a Cadillac. There was one mint condition one with 150k that went for 7,500k on craigslist a week ago! The way I look at buying a Jeep that needs work will still be cheaper than buying one that's in great condition. If mine ever needs some welding work done I know a welder that charges me around $50 to fix structural rust if he gets a 12 pack of Bud Light and the material.