Rear Frame Rust Repair

[JoeB98TJ]

Hi all, Have the traditional rust in front of rear tires. Looking at rust repair kits. SafeT Cap ART124 looks like the "standard" and most well know. These sell for $199 ea. However, there are other kits on ebay. One is $125.50 (best-autoparts) for the pair and another is $179 (seller 1992cmithchell) for the pair. Does anyone have experience with these kits?

Thanks in advance. - Joe

 

[Westtown Willy]

those photos, chest pains

This is one area I wouldn’t try to save a couple dollars, I’d go with either SafeTCaps or Pocono Metal Craft based upon all I’ve read about this issue

https://poconometalcraft.com/collections/tj

 

[JoeB98TJ]

Hi, Thanks for info. Just spoke to them (Pocono), $225 for the pair, seems like a good alternative. They were very helpful, said they sold 1000's.

On a related question, does anyone have info on a shop in the NH area to install these?

Thanks, Joe

 

[Leinhit]

those photos, chest pains

This is one area I wouldn’t try to save a couple dollars, I’d go with either SafeTCaps or Pocono Metal Craft based upon all I’ve read about this issue

https://poconometalcraft.com/collections/tj

I used the Poconos.. good quality. Watch YouTube video on it.

 

[Bofa-Deez]

those photos, chest pains

Man, I was thinking the same thing. Something like, "You poor bastards..."

Living in the deep south, I may not have a beautiful photo of my TJ in the mountains yet to win the TJ of the month award, but on the flip side, I'm pretty sure my frame will outlast me.

 

[PJOJeep]

I installed the Pocono Metal version on both sides of mine. I actually modified the passenger side unit to only replace the lower control arm mount. Both the upper control arm and rear sway bar brackets were still real solid, made that install a little easier. Cutting off the original Upper and sway bar mounts was real time consuming.

 

[JEEPCJTJ]

[QUOTE="JoeB98TJ, post: 471327, member: 19171"
On a related question, does anyone have info on a shop in the NH area to install these?
[/QUOTE]

IIRC SafeT Cap has a list of installers on it's web site. If any of them are close to you, give them a call and see if they only go with SafeT Caps or will install whatever you bring.

 

[Cornbread]

Are you sure it you don't need a whole new frame? Depending on how far that rust runs i don't know if safety caps are gonna buy you much time.

 

[EJD]

Sorry to inform you, but you are most likely going to need more that just the rear trailing arms, you will almost definitely need the "full length" caps that run the entire length of the center skid plate section with the rear together. Not the end of the world but your rust is very bad and more is affected than just the rear. Buy the full pieces or seriously consider a frame swap. You'll see what I mean when you attempt to remove those stock side steps.

 

[F Troop]

Sorry to inform you, but you are most likely going to need more that just the rear trailing arms, you will almost definitely need the "full length" caps that run the entire length of the center skid plate section with the rear together. Not the end of the world but your rust is very bad and more is affected than just the rear. Buy the full pieces or seriously consider a frame swap. You'll see what I mean when you attempt to remove those stock side steps.

X2. The first thing that I would do is try to get the rust off to see how bad the frame really is. That rust isn’t localized to just that area. I just put pocono skid plate caps on. There was way more rust than I originally thought. Luckily that was my only rust issue. If you decide to fix the frame , see if you can find a local welder who can do it on the side. That’ll save a ton of money verses having safety cap do it. That’s probably an 8 hour job. Safety Cap will want around $2500. A local welder around $1000( here in Pittsburgh).

 

[GASnBRASS]

That’s probably an 8 hour job. Safety Cap will want around $2500. A local welder around $1000( here in Pittsburgh).

With a frame like that and those repair prices I'd start looking down south for a clean replacement frame.

I can tell you right now your body mount torque boxes are most likely toast as well.

 

[JoeB98TJ]

Hi All,
Just an update...went with the Pocono Rear Frame and Mid Frame (Skid Plate) repair sections on both sides, (bought together they were $331). Very happy with the quality (heavy gauge) and service. They got them out right before the Christmas break. Had them welded in and back to normal for the ride and handling.
Thanks for all the comments.

Joe

 

[taylormade73]

Photos?

 

[Midwest]

It sucks to have rust issues with the frame but it's great that there are a few companies offering solutions other than whole frame replacement.