Safe-t-caps and frame repair

[pathfndr]

Went to get an alignment today and they pointed out some frame damage. I feel like the problem isn't so bad that safe-t-caps would be acceptable. They said the rest of the frame was in good shape, it was just the one area. They are a pretty reputable Jeep shop. A frame swap with a new frame is probably $5000 and that's if I do it myself. I feel like I have solid metal everywhere but the bottom. First two pics are drivers side (1 from under and 1 from side). Second two are passenger side (same setup)

My question is, if the metal is pretty solid everywhere except where I neglected to clean it out, are there other issues with the trail arm repair? Also are any vendors of the repair kits better than others?

I've read a bunch of threads where they are like "just swap the frame" but I feel like in those cases there were other frame issues.

 

[Chris]

Holy hell! That's bad!

If the rest of the frame is fine you can easily get away with a Safe-T-Cap. However, I'd inspect the inside of the frame with an endoscope since rust that bad usually isn't alone.

 

[pathfndr]

Holy hell! That's bad!

If the rest of the frame is fine you can easily get away with a Safe-T-Cap. However, I'd inspect the inside of the frame with an endoscope since rust that bad usually isn't alone.

I'm inclined to do the safe-t-caps no matter what and clean/inspect the rest when I have the bottom of the end lopped off.

 

[Chris]

I'm inclined to do the safe-t-caps no matter what and clean/inspect the rest when I have the bottom of the end lopped off.

As long as you don't find any other rust like that! That's dangerous to drive on. There's many a story on here about guys driving down the highway and the frame snapping due to rust.

 

[macleanflood]

I did my own frame and tub swap in eight days and it cost me $1300. Then I did a 1600 mile road trip up to Canada and back down the WABDR.


View: https://youtu.be/LkrdU2IZa58?si=7AUPaxLtjYcrCSrQ

-Mac

 

[TJ4Jim]

Having done a frame swap after dealing with similar issues (a lot more going on that's not visible) and considering the costs associated with Safs-t-caps you could easily spend more than a frame swap only to wind up with a questionable frame.

 

[pathfndr]

As long as you don't find any other rust like that! That's dangerous to drive on. There's many a story on here about guys driving down the highway and the frame snapping due to

Having done a frame swap after dealing with similar issues ( they're a lot more going on that's not visible) and considering the costs associated with Safs-t-caps you could easily spend more than a frame swap only to wind up with a questionable frame.

I'm building a pole barn this year and putting in a lift.

Having done a frame swap after dealing with similar issues ( they're a lot more going on that's not visible) and considering the costs associated with Safs-t-caps you could easily spend more than a frame swap only to wind up with a questionable frame.

I'm building a pole barn this fall and putting a lift in it. I'm also in the middle of building a house. I figure the safe-t-caps should last 2-3 years if the rest of the frame is in ok shape. Then I'll have space to do a frame swap. Finding decent frames in Michigan is a real challenge. I think this is the plan I settled on. I should add this is not my daily driver. I put maybe 8k miles on a year putzing around town.

 

[TJ4Jim]

I'm building a pole barn this year and putting in a lift.


I'm building a pole barn this fall and putting a lift in it. I'm also in the middle of building a house. I figure the safe-t-caps should last 2-3 years if the rest of the frame is in ok shape. Then I'll have space to do a frame swap. Finding decent frames in Michigan is a real challenge. I think this is the plan I settled on. I should add this is not my daily driver. I put maybe 8k miles on a year putzing around town.

I get that, take a look at Pocono metal for repair sections, their pricing was a bit easier on the wallet.

https://poconometalcraft.com/collections/1997-2006-tj-jeep-wrangler-frame-repair

 

[Weasellee]

Just finished safe t cap ing my whole Lj. Every part they offer plus all three rear crossmembers The time and and materials invested I should’ve traveled for a frame and replaced it. Trust me it’s stronger than stock but shit, it was a lot of cutting, welding and painting.

 

[wigsajumper]

I did the Pocono metal craft parts over safety-t-cap. My welder was very happy with them and ordered from the same company for his jeep.

Take a hammer to the rest of the frame. My frame looked perfect until the jack punched through the bottom.

 

[Coalcracker18]

@pathfndr if you are interested I have caps from Pocono MC that I didn’t use. They were stored in my shed so they are still new.

 

[pathfndr]

@pathfndr if you are interested I have caps from Pocono MC that I didn’t use. They were stored in my shed so they are still new.

Where are ya located?

 

[Coalcracker18]

Where are ya located?

In PA. I can ship them, no problem.

 

[Weasellee]

Take a hammer to the rest of the frame.

Trust me, whatever you see there is much more than that.