Should I repair or replace my frame?

[Wklep]

New to the forum and looking for advice. I had the rear control arm mount break loose on my 2001 TJ. Repair shop tacked it back together but said the center of the frame rail is shot and said a frame swap is the best option. Question: how bad can a frame be and still be remedied by one of the frame caps marketed for such an issue?
Thanks.

 

[Dunkut88TJ]

Need pictures to help!

 

[Jeepster78]

Depends on a few factors on how far and bad the rust has spread. I’m going through the same now and bought some caps from Amazon seem to be ok I’m almost done taking off the rear control brackets myself. Send some pics of how bad it is.

 

[Wklep]

The first pic rear passenger side.

 

[wigsajumper]

Just went through this with the center section of my LJ frame. Depends on how high up the rust has gone up the sides. I think the welder guy said he needed at least an inch of good metal. I went with Poconos Metal works for mine. They have sections for all of those areas you showed.

 

[TJ4Jim]

Frame has already been repaired at least once, pic 2 shows the control arm bracket coming free from the frame so that's going to let loose. Frame is in far worse condition then my old frame replaced 2 years ago.

 

[Wklep]

Just went through this with the center section of my LJ frame. Depends on how high up the rust has gone up the sides. I think the welder guy said he needed at least an inch of good metal. I went with Poconos Metal works for mine. Hey have sections for all of those areas you showed.

Thank you

 

[P man]

Already been repaired and who knows what is lurking inside...really need to strip it down and see how far the rust goes before you do anything

 

[TurboTJ]

It looks like the transfer case skid plate was welded up to the frame, probably after it had broken free due to rust.

 

[Wtrask]

Don’t bother fixing it. Replace it. That frame is junk. It would cost a lot of money to get that repaired nicely I did mine a few years ago and I’t didn’t look nearly as bad. It’s not a bad job to do either if you have the right tools.

 

[Modoc Guy]

As a fabricator/weldor kind of guy, I’d say replace it.

 

[Wklep]

Thanks to all for the advice. Sounds like a frame swap is in order.
Next Question: Where can I find some good sources for a replacement frame in Minnesota?
Thanks!

 

[Apparition]

Daveys jeeps is likely the closest you’re gonna get. Then you’ll want to look down south or west.

 

[Hopper]

I have Pocono caps in center and Saftey caps in the rear. Your frame is definitely shot but so was mine kinda difficult to see everything from the picture. You only need about an inch of top frame to weld the new ones on.
Personally I would call Saftey Cap to discuss and email them the pics. I have never heard of a cap failure from anyone, not saying it doesn't exist just never heard of a failure.
Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

[Wklep]

Daveys jeeps is likely the closest you’re gonna get. Then you’ll want to look down south or west.

Thanks

I have Pocono caps in center and Saftey caps in the rear. Your frame is definitely shot but so was mine kinda difficult to see everything from the picture. You only need about an inch of top frame to weld the new ones on.
Personally I would call Saftey Cap to discuss and email them the pics. I have never heard of a cap failure from anyone, not saying it doesn't exist just never heard of a failure.
Good luck with whatever you decide.

That’s good to know. Thanks. No one has suggesting capping it but I see that they are available.

 

[Sea Cot]

 

[Hokahay]