Questions about my new to me 2001 TJ Sport

[srsilberfarb]

I'm also new to the Jeep family...so take it easy on me 'til I get up to speed.

Here are initial impressions. Insights welcome.

Starts ok, a little labored. Battery tested 12.33 cold and 14.07 running. I'm concluding for now that alternator is fine and battery weak. I'm in Minnesota so weak battery in the winter is bad news. I'll replace.

I'd appreciate insight on how to address rust, primarily the structural rust:
1. Is the car road worthy?
2. Are those cracks on frame?
3. On the assumption the rust indicated on the frame is rather serious, what are effective and reasonable financially solutions?

Brakes: Feel very soft. Build sheet indicates power front/rear drum. I see no specific mention of ABS. Do I have that right? Obviously I'll pull wheels and check brakes, calipers and rotors and likely replace them all.

Steering: Feels rather sloppy.

Key: I only have one key. it's black "cover." Do I have a "sentry key immobilizer system"? Where can i find replacement keys?

No Soft top. Are these reliably easy to come by (I'd need a storage solution for the hard top).

If this is worth fixing up, what are some mods I should consider? One that comes to mind is upgrading the headlights. Also need floor mats (hardly critical though).

Thank you!

 

[thekidwithquestions]

I'd be scared to drive that thing on the road, that rust is baaaaad

 

[Cornbread]

I hope you're a good welder. That frame is bad enough to make the vehicle unsafe to drive.

 

[TRE3TOP]

DUDE, these are questions you ask BEFORE YOU BUY!!!!

Your frame is toast, your Jeep is not safe to drive, and it’s going to be very expensive to get it road worthy. How much did you pay for that, and why?!?!

 

[madmax]

run away as fast as you can

 

[thekidwithquestions]

your only option would be to swap the frame with a better/much less rusty one and that is expensive

 

[Cornbread]

Edit. The more I look the worse it gets. Either part it out or be ready to man up and install a whole new frame. Hopefully this Jeep was a gift.

 

[thekidwithquestions]

all im gonna say is careful closing the doors... your jeep might break in half

 

[Vasq]

I think hopes and dreams are the only things holding that jeep together. You need to:

A) replace that entire frame asap. It can/should not be salvaged.

B) Get another TJ, and use that one for parts (or part it out)

C) ...

 

[dvngdg]

Once I see that much rust on the top of the fender, it's usually way worse on the frame. As in terminal!

 

[Kid Mechanic]

Here are initial impressions. Insights welcome.

Starts ok, a little labored. Battery tested 12.33 cold and 14.07 running. I'm concluding for now that alternator is fine and battery weak. I'm in Minnesota so weak battery in the winter is bad news. I'll replace.

Thank you!

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Absolutely get that battery checked out, winter is almost here!

 

[bromel]

Usually I advocate Safe T Caps over a frame swap... but I'm not sure there is enough metal to weld to there. Long story short: Unless you are doing the work yourself and enjoy a project, I can't imagine it's worth paying someone to attempt to repair this Jeep. You're looking at $4.5k minimum for frame swap if you're paying someone to do the work, and then you have to deal with all the body rust.

 

[Fishtaco]

You dint show the headlights you want to change out?

 

[Kid Mechanic]

Steering: Feels rather sloppy.

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Maybe tighten up that track bar & adjust the toe. That should compensate for the lack of structure.


I’m thinkin’ this guy is the ultimate troll.
Maybe this could go on for about 37 pages, like those “what viscosity motor oil” or “best suspension manufacturer(that gives stickers)for those on a budget” threads.

 

[ManWithJeep]

Perfect canidate for a Rough Country 6" Long Arm Lift!!!!

 

[ManWithJeep]

Well after some Fluid Film

 

[tr21triton]

holy shit that frame is FUCKED UP ! I'd go find a good 4 wheel trailer, tow it there for sure ! and just spend the day enjoying your wasted money and beat the shit outa that thing, deep mud holes are fun if ya hit em at about 50mph and dont have to worry about breaking anything , because that shit is already tore up ! but before you go make sure to fill the frame with 5 minute epoxy then coat everything with fluid film for sure to help hold it together and maybe add some flex seal and jb weld too, i guarantee this for 5 minutes or 5 feet whichever comes 1st !

 

[Moglocker]

holy shit that frame is FUCKED UP ! I'd go find a good 4 wheel trailer, tow it there for sure ! and just spend the day enjoying your wasted money and beat the shit outa that thing, deep mud holes are fun if ya hit em at about 50mph and dont have to worry about breaking anything , because that shit is already tore up ! but before you go make sure to fill the frame with 5 minute epoxy then coat everything with fluid film for sure to help hold it together and maybe add some flex seal and jb weld too, i guarantee this for 5 minutes or 5 feet whichever comes 1st !

Is this BONDO?

 

[tr21triton]

damn sure is, well it looks like the previous owner already did what I said and has beatin the shit out of it already !

 

[James9100]

Oh boy… if I were you I’d try and talk to the PO about returning it, slim chances of that happening but might be worth a try.