TJ Rust Inspection

[YooperSkipper]

I'm going to inspect my first TJ soon and I would like to know what areas specifically I should concentrate on when looking for rust! I realize Jeeps of this vintage will all have some surface rust but I don't want to buy one that will need some major body/frame work going forward! Any pointers will be greatly appreciated!

 

[fourpointzero]

Put your finger(s) inside the frame holes just below the door as well as the holes by the front & back arches of the frame.
If there’s any chunks of rust inside, I’d be suspicious.Some debris, as in barely anything, may not be an issue. But if there’s large chunks and pieces everywhere, scattered all across the bottom (inside) of the frame rails, I’d absolutely walk.


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[TJ2]

In addition to 4.0....
+ Front wheel wells by the side fender corner bends
+ At the back inside sheet metal under brake lights (lift rubber tabs behind wheel well)
+ Tub weld seams under belly near the tank skid plate
+ Lift / remove the carpets floor pans towards the grommet plugs
+ Hand brake cable mounting clamps under by the chassis towards rear
+ Entire tail pipe from the cat flange connection
+ Bring a magnet to detect sheet metal-bondo

 

[cliffish]

Start here...you are in a major rust belt in MI.

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/what-should-i-look-for-when-buying-a-used-wrangler-tj.375/

 

[fourpointzero]

All other above suggestions are without a doubt areas to look at. BUT don’t bother if the frame is a mess. That, to me, is the most important thing from the start.


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