Hello All,

I have a 1999 Jeep Cherokee 4.0L with 168,000 miles on it. The engine is running pretty good, 4wd is good, etc... However, the body is really starting to rust out in spots.

Problem Areas:
Both Rocker Panels - Rusting Out
Both Rear Fender Panels - Rusting
Floor Pans - all 4 (Passenger side to last a few years at least) - Rusting Out
Bottom of Doors - Rusting Out
Rusting on front bumper - Rust

Death Wobble - Front Bushings (stabilizer bar?)
Rear Shocks - (Replacing Tomorrow, totally busted)

The lip along the top just above the doors has a few rust spots that need to be patched and fixed (Leaking).

Just put in a new radiator, hoses, thermostat, heater hoses.

I love my jeep to death, but thinking realistically, I don't know whether to put in a few grand for the body, and see how long the engine lasts, or drive it into the ground as is. Any ideas / opinions is extremely welcome.

 

drive it until the body falls apart in my opinion and keep an eye out for another cherokee

i just picked up a 2000 cherokee classic rust free for under 2700

or find one that needs a motor or something i just saw a 99 that had a blown head gasket for 600...... buy one like that for cheap and put your driveline in it if need be

if you ask me mechanical work is much cheaper and easier than body workl

 

If you can do all the body work your self it might be worth it, but for a few grand you can get another cherokee in good condition.

 

Hadn't thought about looking for a good jeep body to drop the engine into.. That's a pretty good idea. Can use this one for parts and things needed.

 

That's probably the best idea. I've been fighting with rust on my '96 and frankly- losing. The body and paint look great, the battle is underneath, lol. The cost to keep the damage in check would probably be better spent on a different chassis. Once it gets a good head start you really can't stop it, you can only buy time.