Would you lift this Jeep or cut your losses?

Joseph

TJ Enthusiast
Joined
Aug 20, 2018
Messages
392
Location
North Jersey
Going to try and keep this short. I’ve dumped a considerable amount of money into this Jeep, and cutting my losses would mean really cutting my losses.

Always used Mopar/OEM whenever I could. I like the idea of knowing what’s in the Jeep. I do 80mph down the highway and it’s a great daily, but I’m at the point where I can afford to make it more than that if I want to.

While the Jeep wouldn’t see much offroad, I’d want it to be capable of doing so. Maybe some light trails at Rausch or AOAA. Some logging roads maybe. An all around adventure rig, really. The one thing I’ve always questioned, could the frame handle the flex? Spring perches?

Maybe I’m just looking for a story of someone in a similar position that’ll give me hope. Or someone to tell me to just get rid of it and find another. Which is where I’ve been, many many times. I’ve been told by the fab shop I go to she’s not ready to go out to the pasture yet, and that it’s probably good to go for a nice lift. I can get more pics tomorrow when I’m not shirtless and the ground is wet for those curious. Thanks for all the comments as usual guys.

Side note, picked up these sliders today for $60. Can’t wait to get those painted and on. Works been kicking my ass lately and the weather has sucked. Been hard to get around to everything.

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Looks like some pretty good chunks (rot) going inside the frame. Did you cap the rear control arms? it looks like it is definitely going to be a project to replace/repair rotted frame and other various parts. If you are already "sunk" costwise into it, that is a tough call. I would say cut losses and look for another rust free one, unless you can do the repairs or frame swap yourself.

Edit: a needle scaler to all parts of that frame will tell a lot.
 
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You have a lot of surface rust and she can be saved if you sand down all the frame, axles and put couple coats of Rust neutralizer. You'll need to Neutralize the rust in the frame too. I would then put 3x new coat of Primer and then 3x coats of paint. It seems someone has already welded perch brackets. Probably due to rust damage. Since you live in Rust belt rust will come back on the frame, axles and/or even body panels.
 
Looks like some pretty good chunks (rot) going inside the frame. Did you cap the rear control arms? it looks like it is definitely going to be a project to replace/repair rotted frame and other various parts. If you are already "sunk" costwise into it, that is a tough call. I would say cut losses and look for another rust free one, unless you can do the repairs or frame swap yourself.
All 4 common spots were done by a fab shop. Oldest one is almost two years old.
You have a lot of surface rust and she can be saved if you sand down all the frame, axles and put couple coats of Rust neutralizer. You'll need to Neutralize the rust in the frame too. I would then put 3x new coat of Primer and then 3x coats of paint. It seems someone has already welded perch brackets. Probably due to rust damage. Since you live in Rust belt rust will come back on the frame, axles and/or even body panels.
My lazy ass is sitting on Por15. Still figuring out how I’m gonna clean the frame internally. Lots and lots of surface rust on this thing. Passenger perch has been redone by the same fab shop that did my frame. I suspect the driver side will need it soon.
 
Already had both sides repaired, so I hope so!
Aha, I see the mid frame rail caps now. Those must be the 2-year old ones. If that is case, you've already done mid frame rails and rear trailing control arms, then I would needle scale, flap disk, wire wheel, coat, then lift it and drive the hell out of it. How are your body mount areas of your torque box?
 
If anyone wants some specific photos showing the condition of any parts of the frame, mounting locations, whatever, let me know, I’ll get them tomorrow.
 
Aha, I see the mid frame rail caps now. Those must be the 2-year old ones. If that is case, you've already done mid frame rails and rear trailing control arms, then I would needle scale, flap disk, wire wheel, coat, then lift it and drive the hell out of it. How are your body mount areas of your torque box?
Not bad in the torque box area, they’re actually really solid. The rubber and bolts themselves aren’t great, but the mounts look surprisingly ok
 
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Take care of the surface rust on the underside, lift it, and run that shit!
That’s what I been thinking. Always like to hear the opinion of others though before I make some serious financial moves. Do you have any experience with having frame patches done and wheeling on them?
 
That’s what I been thinking. Always like to hear the opinion of others though before I make some serious financial moves. Do you have any experience with having frame patches done and wheeling on them?
No. But as long as you're using quality frame rail replacement pieces, all the rot/rust is cut out and they are quality welded to good existing frame metal, I wouldn't hesitate to wheel it.
 
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No. But as long as you're using quality frame rail replacement pieces, all the rot/rust is cut out and they are quality welded to good existing frame metal, I wouldn't hesitate to wheel it.
Good to hear, thanks for your two cents. It goes a long way in my decision making here.
 
Good to hear, thanks for your two cents. It goes a long way in my decision making here.
You're welcome. I would change my thread title to something like, "Would You Lift This Rust Bucket or Cut Your Losses?" This would definitely attract more attention and hopefully more feedback.
 
You're welcome. I would change my thread title to something like, "Would You Lift This Rust Bucket or Cut Your Losses?" This would definitely attract more attention and hopefully more feedback.
@Joseph This was not a dig. I am serious about using a click bait title to attract more attention to your thread.
 
I’ll be the first to admit it’s a rust bucket lol. Not entirely sure how to change my title though
Click on the ellipses next to the ignore and watch buttons at the top of your thread. Then select "edit thread" and change your title.
 
I'm slowly replacing my suspension components on a TJ with much less rust than that. It has still been a pain the @SS.

I can guarantee you that every single bolt under there will take a lot to remove, and then you'll need to put some time into rust treatment before even trying to put anything back on. Use all new hardware, and anti-seize on everything.

That said it doesn't look so far gone that I'd just scrap it. I just hope you've got a good range of power tools for working on it. Even with a good impact wrench and several types of breaker bars mine has been challenging.