I am going to address a frame repair issue on my TJ center section. My frame is no where near as far gone as some that I have seen. Matter a fact I only have an issue with the forward bolt on the passenger side trans support pan. I am still going to consider capping the entire center section on both sides anyway. With most of these caps that you purchase, it is recommended that you remove 2/3 of the existing frame. This seems extreme considering the condition of my frame. I am aware that the bottom portion of the frame removal is required as the existing bolt locations will prevent a tight fitment. Also removal of any damaged frame to prevent spread. Does anyone have any thoughts or knowledge of why i would need to remove anymore frame than needed. Will leaving more than half of the existing frame affect the fitment of the new caps. Thanks
Frame Repair Question
- Thread starter Timpsd02
- Start date
Rubicon88
TJ Addict
Yes...leaving more frame will mess up fitment.
They make it that wide/tall because that covers a wide range of TJ frame rot.
It makes no sense to do pieces of many different sizes just to appease someone like in your situation.
What are you worried about?
#1 if the frame is as good as you say 5 bolts and their area that are solid holding your skid plate are plenty. You don't need all 6.
(In other words you have time.)
#2 if you're trusting your welding skills by only taking off a little bit of frame then what are you worried about by taking off more? You can weld fine or you can't. The amount of material you cut out or have remaining to work with has no impact on if you can weld or not.
did you peek inside how'd the rest of the tube look? time to get on it with fluid film or a similar product.
y'all do repairs like this y'all need to bevel your weld edges create a valley the weld can fill ..if you don't and you grind it clean you just removed most of your weld. or you put a strong back or fish plate inside.
y'all do repairs like this y'all need to bevel your weld edges create a valley the weld can fill ..if you don't and you grind it clean you just removed most of your weld. or you put a strong back or fish plate inside.
Is there a desired/preferred angle for the bevel. I've been told this before and it makes perfect sense. What I wasn't told is how much bevel is enough?
The rest of the frame was not bad. The rot started at the trans Mount bolt. I cut this section out till I had solid frame. I am not a welder by trade but with metal this thin, I figured the gap would be help.
About 2/3 the thickness of the material.1/3 each way if going from both sides, will be enough.
Your weld is your bridge, and the bevel offer's more surface to penetrate and more room for a solid bridge.
