What does your frame look like right now?

[Not_Invented_Here_]

I'll start by saying I'm hoping for a thread WITH A LOT OF PICTURES. I know the frame rust issues have been beaten to death and this isn't primarily about that.

I'm curious what the average, not necessarily pristine, frames look like on all of our TJ's. What are you driving around with? This is my first TJ ever and I learned the hard way that appearances can be deceiving. While I have yet to discover any real rust on the body/tub, and the outside of the frame is mostly solid, the inside has been a whole different story.

This the latest pile I pulled out using a flex magnet. Between the shop vac and this method, I estimate I've pulled out somewhere around maybe a half gallon of flakes and chunks? A couple SCARY thick pieces - like 4 quarters stacked together thick. I have no idea where in the rail they came from/out of

The only real serious red flag on the outside is this access hole and this on the underside of the skid plate

During an inspection, I did have the shop check to see if the nutserts were broken off - they were able to loosen the bolts without spinning so that's good news. The frame was treated and coated in 2008 per the Carfax and I assume what I can see right now is that starting to come off. The rest of the frame more or less looks about this condition in the below pics.

So, what does your frame look like?!

 

[JMT]

I don't want to disappoint you with pictures of mine. I hope for the best with yours.

 

[TJ_2000]

Mine is a 2000 and it’s rust free. No holes. No patches. It’s solid!

 

[Chris]

Great idea for a thread. I look forward to seeing the pictures that will ensue.

It's definitely pretty eye opening when you manage to get that much material out of your frame. It shows just how evil rust is.

It's like I always say: If it came from the earth, it wants to return to the earth. In this case, we're talking about metal.

 

[Not_Invented_Here_]

Also curious what your "preservation" routine is - I'm rocking liberal applications of fluid film until I finally use Eastwood.

 

[Not_Invented_Here_]

Mine is a 2000 and it’s rust free. No holes. No patches. It’s solid!

Father in law has either a '98 or '99 I think (currently in pieces awaiting rebuild) and the Jeep just looks beat to heck on the outside - the frame itself is dusty and dirty but, like yours, totally rust free. I'm always amazed at how different a condition you find them in, somtimees on rigs that look like they'd be in otherwise shit shape.

 

[TJ_2000]

Father in law has either a '98 or '99 I think (currently in pieces awaiting rebuild) and the Jeep just looks beat to heck on the outside - the frame itself is dusty and dirty but, like yours, totally rust free. I'm always amazed at how different a condition you find them in, somtimees on rigs that look like they'd be in otherwise shit shape.

Might have had a frame replacement as some point.

 

[Not_Invented_Here_]

Great idea for a thread. I look forward to seeing the pictures that will ensue.

It's definitely pretty eye opening when you manage to get that much material out of your frame. It shows just how evil rust is.

It's like I always say: If it came from the earth, it wants to return to the earth. In this case, we're talking about metal.

Word - people also just have such different opinions about how much is too much and how to address it. I'm curious what people actually live/drive with on a regular basis.

 

[Not_Invented_Here_]

Might have had a frame replacement as some point.

I'd have to confirm but I believe they're the only owners. His son drove it for a long time, took decent care of it and now it's back in my FIL's hands. I think he just knew how to maintain his Jeeps ha.

 

[Not_Invented_Here_]

I don't want to disappoint you with pictures of mine. I hope for the best with yours.

Haha thanks buddy - can't tell if I'm in the minority or majority here yet as far as conditions go. I'm focusing on the positives instead of the negatives I've learned a ton, the whole driver's side is pretty much entirely clean, the t-skid can in fact be removed, and I haven't been able to punch any holes directly through on the passenger side. I think top part of the frame is in good shape with plenty of good metal left to weld caps if it really comes to that.

Once I win the lottery, I'll be ready for the frame swap.

 

[pagrey]

My rear main seal has been protecting the back half of my frame from corrosion for at least the last 75K miles.

 

[Tranz Zam]

Mine looks almost new, especially considering it's a New England Jeep.

 

[ElectricWizard]

No rust on my frame. TJ is an Oregon native and we don't salt (the majority) our roads. So far I haven't done any preservation aside from spray painting a few chipped spots.

 

[TJ_2000]

Here are pictures as the original post requested.

 

[bromel]

My frame looked fine from the outside, but it was rotten on the inside. Decided it was more economical for me to cap it than replace.

Sandblasted, Safe-T-Capped, and undercoated by Auto Rust Technicians in Rhode Island (manufacturers of Safe T Cap). If I'm going to pay for work done on my Jeep, I'll only pay for the best. Not a single speck of rot left on my New York Jeep.

 

[jimsmith29841]

2004 TJ here from the dry and salt free south georgia area, thats where I found her. Frame is rust free.
I treat the inside of the frame with gibbs lubricant, liberally.
I use all the holes and fill them up.

 

[jazngab]

Here’s my contribution. My Jeep lived its first 15 years in North Carolina and northern Virginia. Now in PA. Minimal surface rust. Internal frame was solid and intact. Pics are pre purchase and then post POR15 Eastwood treatment. Pics are out of order for some reason but you know which is which.

 

[Viking Jeeper]

Funny. I flushed the rear part of my frame out just tonight in preparation of application of Eastwood frame coating. For the moment I'm just doing the rear part as I'm in there installing my Poison Spider rear bumper tie ins. Here is one shot I have of the t case skid. Post more later.

 

[Imapepper]

 

[Not_Invented_Here_]

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God speed