What's up everyone?! I'm new to the forum, and new to Jeeps in general. I've been doing some research on them, as well as keeping an eye on the market for one that I want to buy.

I just moved to Greenville, SC and definitely want to take advantage of going off-roading in and around the mountain range(s). I have a few XJ's saved on Car Gurus that I have interest in, and a few of them are already modified. One in particular is already customized with larger tires, steel bumper w/ wench, and added exterior lights. I know when added larger tires or lifting an XJ, you need to add support to the body to prevent it from cracking. The owner/dealer has not yet added support to the body, but I don't think the Jeep has been abused, considering it's a dealer customized vehicle. I'm sure it has been test driven and maybe that's enough to begin compromising the body.

My question is this... If I go to the dealership to check this XJ out, where underneath the Jeep would I need to be looking for cracks or other concerning issues?

And beyond that, does anyone know of a place in upstate SC that I can take a Jeep to have the body stiffened? I don't own any welding equipment and wouldn't even dare trusting myself to do it.

 

You don't need to weld supports to the body to prevent it from cracking when you add a lift, as long as the body/fram is in good shape without a bunch of rust holes in it, I would worry about it.

 

Would you mind if I posted photos of the frame area for your opinion on the condition?

 

Post as much of the vehicle as you can and we can cut through with a response on any tom-foolery going on or concerns with the condition of the unibody.