Need input: cracked frame at steering box

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Aug 13, 2019 | 06:02 AM

#31

Dave51

CF Veteran

Joined: Jan 2017

Posts: 3,413

Likes: 399

From: Connecticut

Year: 2000

Model: Cherokee (XJ)

Engine: 4.0

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave51

https://www.c-rok4x4.com/c-rok-onlin...ners-p38115469

Better cheaper idea. Guy at the welding shop must have a plasma cutter. Get some plate and make your own stiffeners.

https://www.amazon.com/Hot-Rolled-Steel-Plate-12/dp/B00YWBQ7W8/ref=pd_bxgy_60_3/138-0610633-1095325?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00YWBQ7W8&pd_rd_r=5f6ad3d7-ec6e-4748-af3a-078674722b50&pd_rd_w=IGSGs&pd_rd_wg=Rg0CZ&pf_rd_p=a2006322-0bc0-4db9-a08e-d168c18ce6f0&pf_rd_r=9DV9GSESCNPCKEZQK904&psc=1&refRID=9DV9GSESCNPCKEZQK904

I mean, this is not like you had a superior quality frame and the fix will be junk.

The frame started out having structural weaknesses, and the fix will easily be (or can easily be) better than OEM.

Aug 13, 2019 | 08:19 AM

#32

GreaseMonkey17

Senior Member

Joined: May 2017

Posts: 645

Likes: 34

Model: Cherokee

I do frame repairs on vehicles on a near daily basis ... there are some areas of the frame that you’re just not going to make “right again” . Your frame is not just rotted but it is bent to hell and back . The likelihood that is can be welded up AND put anywhere near where it needs to be to hold alignment etc is slim to none . But if you want to empty your pockets I’m sure somebody will take your money ..

Aug 13, 2019 | 09:17 AM

#33

bfrat

Thread Starter

Junior Member

Joined: Feb 2016

Posts: 49

Likes: 2

Year: 1997

Model: Cherokee

Engine: 4L

I've seen the reinforcements. not sure if I'd get a five piece set like this one from JCR Offroad (https://www.jcroffroad.com/product/XJUNF-PC.html) OR the actual frame reinforcement that goes half the length of the jeep. money would be spent either way. however, I'm guessing the reinforcement would be better overall. correct me if I'm wrong there. Thanks for the reply

Aug 13, 2019 | 09:20 AM

#34

bfrat

Thread Starter

Junior Member

Joined: Feb 2016

Posts: 49

Likes: 2

Year: 1997

Model: Cherokee

Engine: 4L

Quote:

Originally Posted by awg

rust is the most determining factor (imo)

I cant tell from the photos how bad it is

you can repair and reinforce a frame, but you cannot safely weld rusty structural metal

the situation is that the repair should cost less than the repaired vehicle is worth..or a replacement vehicle

the going rate for a whole non-roadworthy XJ around here is $500-1000, (unless it has fruit), and about half that if you sell to an auto wrecker

thanks

Aug 13, 2019 | 09:22 AM

#35

bfrat

Thread Starter

Junior Member

Joined: Feb 2016

Posts: 49

Likes: 2

Year: 1997

Model: Cherokee

Engine: 4L

Quote:

Originally Posted by GreaseMonkey17

Thanks. clean up and reinforce may be the way I go. just to keep it as another vehicle to get around town since it still runs smooth. nothing over 50mph.