Unit body trash?
::CF Administrator::
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 14,479
Likes: 805
From: Blunt, South Dakota
Year: 97
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.6 stroker
This is what I don't understand about everyone recommending to use it as a trail only rig or the whole thing is trashed and to start over. The Jeep has been used HARD! But, there is no rust, nothing, zilch! I see all the time posts about guys in the rust belt looking at the ground thru their floorboards, rockers rusted into nothing, spring mounts so rusted you have to remove everything with a torch and chisel, etc. And then people say "oh that's common", "fixed that many times", "no worries, you can fix that", etc... So the question being, rust has got to be hidden everywhere in those rigs but it seems everyone is ok with it being "fixable". But one that has no rust, all the doors and windows work, there are no more visible cracks, the front leaf spring mounts have been replaced, the Clayton long arms are properly installed, and it seems to get condemned? I'm not saying anyone's right or wrong, just don't quite understand. Don't get me wrong, starting over with a fresh rig that is prestine would be the best way, but the unsafe condemnation of this Jeep I just don't get. It's not a daily driver but is used to travel to destinations on the road. Every year we do a mini "Ultimate Adventure" so that's the most miles it gets during the year, 800+ miles this year. Just curious...
This isn't about rust. That's a whole 'nother animal.
He, and you, stated, the thing creaks and moans under flex. So much so, it has raised concern.
His problems had nothing to do with rust...unless I'm mistaken...why are you reading in to something that's not there?
Also, some rust can be dealt with. Structural inadequacies can not. To an extent.
CAN you fix that kind of ****? Sure. Is it worth it? NO.
Based on what we've been given here, the best answers have been spewed out.
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 302
Likes: 22
From: Seattle
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Ok, fair enough. Didn't mean to come on to strong or defensive. Just struck me as kinda strange the disparity in the advice between abuse and rust, that's all.
Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 110
Likes: 1
From: Seattle
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 Renix
I stay away from stuff that could create a multiple role over situation. The cage is primarily to keep me alive in a mild roll over situation and to protect the body while wheeling. As long as I walk away, I am not needing a cage that can take multiple hits and roll it back over and get right back to wheeling. I have a few planned upgrades, but otherwise, it suites my purposes perfectly.
::CF Administrator::
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 14,479
Likes: 805
From: Blunt, South Dakota
Year: 97
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.6 stroker
I stay away from stuff that could create a multiple role over situation. The cage is primarily to keep me alive in a mild roll over situation and to protect the body while wheeling. As long as I walk away, I am not needing a cage that can take multiple hits and roll it back over and get right back to wheeling. I have a few planned upgrades, but otherwise, it suites my purposes perfectly.
I painted your pic a couple of times to help explain. First pic:
Here, I've added just a few pieces.
So, which one do you think is gonna be stronger?
When you add stress points, you need to reinforce. Otherwise you just made things worse, not better.
Just sayin'.
No, I don't lick fish.
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 11,169
Likes: 26
From: Northern Kentucky
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Put it just past the front door enough for it to open. The front-most part of the rear door actually slightly pivots inward when you open the door. Lots of people have that b-pillar post. NONE that I've ever seen interfere with the door opening.
Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 110
Likes: 1
From: Seattle
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 Renix
Good thoughts on the cage. I have decided to start over with another jeep. When I pull the cage to switch it over I will incorporate some of your suggestions. Thanks.
Part of my planned upgrades include reinforcement plates that weld on the A Pillar top to bottom at the door hinges. I intend on attaching the cage there as well. I would like to find a way to internally then tie those two plates together across the jeep so I could do something different with the windshield bar. It cuts down on visibility terribly.
Part of my planned upgrades include reinforcement plates that weld on the A Pillar top to bottom at the door hinges. I intend on attaching the cage there as well. I would like to find a way to internally then tie those two plates together across the jeep so I could do something different with the windshield bar. It cuts down on visibility terribly.
