BlueRidgeMark

Nasty. This is on one side only. Is this repairable? Or do I scrap the Jeep?

Fred/N0AZZ

Anything is repairable but is it worth the effort? From what you can see and what you can't would be a real issue for me anyway, looks like a parts XJ to me and scrap what's left.

Moncheche

Disposable HERO

dmill89

What does the rest of the frame (and body) look like? If it is just that one section it shouldn't be too difficult to repair, but if the rest of the frame is in the same condition it is probably more work than it is worth (like Fred/N0AZZ said it is possible that the frame is rusting from the inside out and there is more damage you can't see).

BlueRidgeMark

As far as I can tell, this is The Bad Spot. There's a bit starting where the bump stop fits against the other rail, but it's just starting there. Easily fixable. The trailer hitch is shot, and it's coming off. It's scary to think what I've been towing with that. I'll post pictures later.

I have a bit of rust on the driver side rocker panel, but I've seen much worse get fixed.

Everything else looks good.

Another problem that just came up is that I can't get the front leaf spring bolt out. Even with my 250 pound son pushing on a breaker bar with his foot, it will not budge. We got the back one off after a struggle, but that front one has us beaten. For now.

I was going to replace the leaf springs, but I'll have to settle for helper springs for now.

BlueRidgeMark

Well, I think it's time to take this tow hitch off and send it to the scrapper. This is the backside, from underneath the jeep, looking toward the back.

Whatcha tink? Salvageable?

BlueRidgeMark

Here's the only other rust on the frame or other structural member.

Time to order some new bump stops. I found a thread earlier today where a member was getting flunked for safety inspection because his bump stops were shot. That was in Maryland, next door. I'm hoping the frame rust and bump stops don't shoot me down.


Anyway, any other input on the frame rust? Think it's doable? I can weld, and was planning on buying a welder anyway...

Or fuggetaboudit?

madmanmarty

That frame looks pretty bad.

JPXJMOAB

I say go for it .. You seem to want to fix it. Make it a project.

BlueRidgeMark

I have too many projects already! I just want reliable vehicle, and I do NOT want to dump money into a pit.

Maybe it's time to buy an econobox for the commute, and work on this on the side. My # 2 son wants it for his anyway....

JPXJMOAB

if it were me.. Go to a scrap yard and cut out that section of a frame on another Xj and weld it into yours.

96_XJ_ Chris

If it were me I'd box the frame 6 inches or so in front and behind where the rust stops, this is of course provided that the frame is not rusting from the inside out in other locations. Worst case scenario you can use it as a mud toy or trail toy.

Chris

caged

i would try to fix it. what do you got to loose? any repair will be better than what you have now.

do as mentioned, weld a patch in that goes about 6 inches to each side of the hole.

use a flap disc and clean it up, weld patch, coat with rubberized undercoat.

Red Tractors

Just repaired the same exact spot on mine, they don't make these things anymore. In my opinion, a good running Cherokee is not disposable.

I cut out a big chunk of 16gauge and made a U-shape, cut out the damage. Welded in a chunk of angle iron in the void then covered the whole thing with the U- channel and welded it in. Probably a good idea to drop the tank. (Obviously)

Cheddarnut

If you can weld and this is the only spot it seems worth fixing. If you have to pay the definitely not. I'm rehabbing a 96 right now and I'm pretty sure the PO was Jacques Cousteau based on the amount of rust. It's all in the pans and I'm learning to weld so it's worth it to me.