Sourcing a frame in the Northeast US?

djy5005

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Feb 17, 2017
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Northern NJ/Central NJ
I've got a good deal of frame rot, among other things that I need for my TJ.

Anyone know of a good place to find larger ticket items like frames in the Northeast? Its bad enough where a full frame might be easier than fixing the current one, but I'm not willing to shell $4k out for a new frame or $3k for a used frame for a project car.

I live in NJ, but would be willing to travel to New England states or mid atlantic states with a trailer to pick it up.
 
Good luck. I've been through that. You really just have to search until you find something. Easiest way is to post on facebook groups asking if someone has one lying around. I used craigslist and facebook marketplace and it took months. Should have just posted in the groups asking if anyone had one. People have a lot of random stuff lying around.
 

Thanks, but the point of the post was to see if there was an "easier" way than doing the patching using caps.

Good luck. I've been through that. You really just have to search until you find something. Easiest way is to post on facebook groups asking if someone has one lying around. I used craigslist and facebook marketplace and it took months. Should have just posted in the groups asking if anyone had one. People have a lot of random stuff lying around.

Good call, I did join a bunch of groups a year ago - though I doubt that a good frame would be sitting in a backyard. That said, even if it needed caps, it's probably in better shape than mine and I could do the painting/protection on it rather than underneath the jeep.

Davey's Jeeps often has a few:
https://daveysjeeps.com/

I'll check them out, but Ohio's a bit far for me to travel unless I took a long weekend off of work to head out there.
 
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And whatever you go with, be aware that 97-02 and 03-06 frames aren’t quite the same.

I've been reading about that, and to my understanding there seem to be only 3 differences -
1: the bolt hole sizes are different (M12 vs 1/2"-13 on older),
2: The automatic transfer case skidplates are different (Does not affect manual transmissions for either the NV3550 or AX15)
3: The mounting location for the steering box is different.

#1 and 2 are dont cares for me (manual, and it's a bolt - I'll head to fastenal). For #3 though, I can't tell if it's just remounting an older mount onto the new frame (with bolts), moving the existing mount via bolts, or if neither of those are true and I'd need to weld something in (and what that looks like). Someone said it was a PITA, but that was after they put the tub on and had the engine in. Is there a walkthrough that you've seen to move that mount (for anyone else looking)?
 
I believe the transfer case skids are different irregardless of the transmission. Though I’m not 100% sure on that. I believe even the bolt pattern is different.

Regarding the steering box, you would have to cut out the old frame bolt sleeve and weld in a new one for it to fit. Alternatively, you could switch to an appropriate steering box. If you need more information, look for details on the Durango steering box, which only bolts up to 97-02. People have been able to weld in new sleeves to make it fit 03-06.