99 TJ Frame rust

ghost

ghost

Well-Known Member
Joined
May 25, 2006
Location
Hartsville/Camden,SC
So I got a call from a 1st cousin that has a 99 TJ down in FL. Her jeep went in the shop for brake repair. They called and said they would not touch it because the frame was rusted. Something about not putting it on the lift. I came across one thread on here about it. If the body is in good shape is it easy enough to swap the frames? Yes I know a ton of work. I guess my question is do they make the body so it can be easily removed? IE electrical stuff and anything else. Or is it better to just use/sell for parts? Just curious because this Jeep may be coming my way in a couple weeks.
 
Problem with a frame swap is finding a good donor frame.
Also, if you buy a new frame, by the time labor and all of the rusted out swap parts are replaced, many times the value of the Jeep is exceeded...
 
Also there are a lot of replacement frame sections you can buy to repair rusted areas. Depending how bad it is of course.
 
I've swapped a TJ frame for exactly that reason. I think the used good frame was about $500. Took me about 30 hours plus about 10 hours on body mount replacements. All new brake lines, all new body mounts, lots of little stuff.
 
If the frame is rusted that bad, I would think the body is too.
 
Jody Treadway said:
Problem with a frame swap is finding a good donor frame.
Also, if you buy a new frame, by the time labor and all of the rusted out swap parts are replaced, many times the value of the Jeep is exceeded...
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IF I tried to do this I'd source a used frame.

89wrangler said:
Also there are a lot of replacement frame sections you can buy to repair rusted areas. Depending how bad it is of course.
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This is the current unknown how bad it is. I did see frame repair pieces when I googled it.

a_kelley said:
I've swapped a TJ frame for exactly that reason. I think the used good frame was about $500. Took me about 30 hours plus about 10 hours on body mount replacements. All new brake lines, all new body mounts, lots of little stuff.
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So for a hack that does not know what he's doing and his son figure 60 hours!? LOL!

RHSCTJ said:
If the frame is rusted that bad, I would think the body is too.
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That is my fear.... Thanks. I'll update when I get eyes on it and more info.
 
So looks like I'm going to get a TJ while I'm in Florida. 99 5 speed 150K miles. Rust on hood and body. Will have eyes on it weekend of 9/28. IDK what I'm going to do with a TJ but we will see.
 
ghost said:
So looks like I'm going to get a TJ while I'm in Florida. 99 5 speed 150K miles. Rust on hood and body. Will have eyes on it weekend of 9/28. IDK what I'm going to do with a TJ but we will see.
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I have a friend that did a complete frame swap in his home garage in a few weekends. His frame was shot but body was in great shape. He's very mechanically inclined but this was his first foray into jeeps / offroad vehicles.

It all depends on what it looks like when you get into it.
 
How bad is it? I'v replaced sections on my kids 99 TJ. both sides of the skid plate area and right rear over the axle. you can buy replacement sections pretty cheap compared to swapping a frame.
 
I'll have eyes on it next weekend. I have nto seen this jeep in years. I do remember when she bought it though. Ideally I'd like to fix it for some street fun and forest road cruising. But it all depends on what it will need. I fear since it was in Florida it's whole life the tub might be rusty too..... I hate rust.
 
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Just in case you wanted to know.
 
doc said:
Did the tub survive?
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My little bit of poking says yes. It will need a frame, brake master cylinder and booster, and a hood. The windshield frame has rust on bottom the doors have rust on bottom too.
 
It's fixable. I'd frame swap it, if time is of minimal cost. If the tub is solid, it should only take about 20-30 hours if you don't involve beverages and have a (fork)lift. That includes changing all the frame hard lines while the tub is removed.. though if you get a good deal on a frame with the lines disconnected instead of cut, you'll be that time ahead. I'll give you $20 for it lol.
 
So I came across a wrecked TJ local to me. It also has another tub with a title. Which I's sell. Not sure what it's worth... Going to look at it today. Looks like it was in a roll over. Any way to see if the frame is tweaked?
 
THe other TJ was sold before I could go look. MIL house has put all my projects on the back burner. However I was looking at replacing the Master cylinder, the reason for no brakes I was told, and found the passenger front line completely rusted out. I only see holes through the passenger frame so far. Was thinking about this kit:

https://www.amazon.com/Inline-Tube-...dp/B00I4BZ4GW/ref=psdc_15721801_t1_B003E7LJNI

Will add pictures when I get in the office/shop in Hartsville.
 
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Yes she’s crusty. Still was free to me. I noticed that line goes around the front. @Jeff B do these lines go on without removing a lot of body panels?
 
ghost said:
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View attachment 322552

Yes she’s crusty. Still was free to me. I noticed that line goes around the front. @Jeff B do these lines go on without removing a lot of body panels?
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I had to take the drivers side fender off, was just easier. the passenger I was able to squirrel it in between the bottom of the grill and the passenger fender. I still have all the lines and the one I repaired. (put a short rubber line where it rubbed through)

would let them go pretty cheap if you want them they are not in bad shape.
 
If you decide to sell it or part it out I would be interested in the seats and top or the whole thing.
 
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