Where should I start?

[JRivera]

I just purchased a 2002 Wrangelr TJ with 73,000 miles. One owner clean CARFAX, however there is some minor rust on the frame right around the rear control arms on the driver and passenger side. Ultimately the use for the wrangler will be for fun as it will not be my every day driver but it will obviously get more use during the nicer months. The previous owner took relatively good care of the vehicle i.e. maintenance and the exterior body of the vehicle is in good condition. Should I start mechanical, or prioritize the rust. I’m thinking of purchasing center frame sections with control arm mounts and taking care of the frame first. Wondering if i start there or else where first.

Ive attached photos of the rust damage.

 

[JDS123]

Minor rust? You shouldn't be driving that on the road... Very dangerous. I would immediately fix the rust before you do literally anything else (including driving it very fast).

 

[JRivera]

Minor rust? You shouldn't be driving that on the road... Very dangerous. I would immediately fix the rust before you do literally anything else (including driving it very fast).

Yea not really sure why I said minor haha Any suggestions? Ive found frame sections on quadratec, the reviews I’ve read and heard of them seem to be exactly what I’m looking for

 

[JDS123]

Yea not really sure why I said minor haha Any suggestions? Ive found frame sections on quadratec, the reviews I’ve read and heard of them seem to be exactly what I’m looking for

I'm not a fan of weld in sections but they are the cheapest and most popular way to "fix" a frame like that. I ended up doing a full frame swap on mine (and mine was not even close to that bad). I would be careful investing very much money into that Jeep. By the time you are all set and done, you could very well have spent enough money to have justified buying a rust free Jeep in the first place.

 

[Mattific]

Fixing the frame is gonna be your number one priority, that is not safe for the road. Not sure if it’s just the picture, but that first one looks like the frame has been bent slightly as well