dhkmom48

Hi all new to the forum and to Jeeps, hope I'm posting this in the right section.

I picked up a 1999 XJ with a 4.0 and auto that the body is way to rotten to save.

My question is what do I need to save to still have a running chassis that I can put another body from a different make onto?

I've done it before with old carbed trucks but never messed with one with electronics.

This is strickly an offroad only vehicle so I'm not concerned with being street legal and not interested in interior electronics unless they are needed for it to run.

I'm sure I'll have a ton more questions as the build goes along, mostly electronics related I'm sure.

This project is for my daughter so she has a "toy" to play with at the mud runs so I'm building it to what she likes.

Thanks for any help

Guitar Dude 33

i don't want to sound rude, but Cherokee's are a unibody - not body on frame like CJ's and wranglers. I'm guessing your best bet would be to cut out the rust and weld new panels in.

Gee oh Dee

X2.

No frame, best bet would be to find another.

91 limited owner

Buy another one, Use that for parts.

JeepingDan

X2 if it's that bad.. Just get another XJ.

xj wheeler

To me i think if its an offroad only rig its the perfect candidate. Strengthen the body with a roll cage (might want to do that anyways if your daughters wheelin in it) and build it up how you like.

dhkmom48

Definatly not rude, my bad on this, I thought all Jeeps had frames. Like I said new to Jeeps and never gave a thought to peak underneath, for the price I paid it didn't matter what the underneath looked like as I planned on running all new brake lines and such. This just makes the project a little tougher but thats ok.

I just didnt want to molest the 71 Bronco or 72 Dodge frames I have sitting in the weeds.

Thanks all for setting me straight on this.

Now to look this ole girl over and see what kinda mud/trail truck I can make...

blankdeluxe

Read through my build if you want to see how much work goes into replacing rust. Buy another xj.

dhkmom48

Exactly my plan, offroad rig only. This thing will never see the road again so I'm not worried about rust, but a cage is a must. Maybe do a little custom body work and half doors.

Gee oh Dee

I hope there is enough good material to weld to...

xj wheeler

Sounds good, be sure to take tons of pictures for us.