I picked up a 1999 Cherokee classic for $250 this past fall. It currently has 61k original miles two owners before me both elderly. Only problem I’m having is deciding if it’s worth it to build for a hunting rig/ wheeling rig. Body is in beautiful shape for my state Maine. Only has rust on under side and only major rust in three spots. Two holes are in rockers easy repair job. The one I need help with a decision is the driver side front of the frame. It’s rotted pretty bad but doesn’t spread anywhere and in an open spot I believe I could cut out and patch. I’ll post two pics of the hole.

 

That is pretty bad. Personally I wouldn't attempt it unless I wanted a major project.

You made a good purchase and you could potentially make your money back a few times over by parting it out. Or keep it as a parts car(assuming you have other XJs)

 

I agree it’s not good, but that’s the only thing it failed the state inspection for and the tech said it wasn’t a major fix, got a quote for 500 from a reputable off-road Jeep shops around me. I just need some advice on how to go about it... I’m thinking I can get that section of frame online for around 80 or so. Thankfully it’s not the unibody just the frame rail section that is replace able I just don’t want to tear the front apart to do the replacement frame. I was thinking cut it out square weld on flat bar 1/4 thick on bottom and same with the sides and it would be stronger than stock? I have the tools and equipment to do so just have never don’t a frame patch on a shape like this. Re built the whole frame on my 97 tj so I’m not worried about a project especially that I have about another three months till the first hunting season begins what’s your thoughts about doing the frame my self of pay the 500 to have it done by a shop since I’m only 250 deep so far another 500 is not bad at all since everything else is in mint condition.

 

Update I have a frame shop willing to do the repair for 500 and another 200 to go through the rest of the under side the two rocker holes. Should have the Jeep back by next week will update then.

 

That's not bad. While it may be completely intimidating to desert dwellers, it's an easy fix to anyone in swamp-arita-ville or the lands of salty roads.

They ain't making any more new XJ and unmolested ones are hard to find, that low of milage even harder yet. I'd fix it and keep it cherry.

​​​​​ Look for something else that's already been wheeled and wheel it some more.