[1jeeplvr]

So I bought my 98, 4.0,manual TJ for $1500.00. I thought I just had a few rot holes in the frame.I sent it to the body guy I use and he informed me the frame is rotted badly & wouldent advise to fix it.Sooo do I get rid of it or spend another prob 3k to replace the frame.I have a place to do the work & a friend to help.The body is in great shape,engine runs great & shifts fine-new clutch.
I have all these shiny new parts waiting to go in.This rots-literally.
Just want some input.Ive never replaced a frame but me & my buddy could def do the work.

 

[LucaBrasi]

Well a '98 with a new frame is worth a lot more than $1500, so do the math. It makes sense. If you cant afford it in the long run, have the work done and sell it for a profit... Or part it out and sell it for a profit.

 

[1jeeplvr]

This is the dilemma Im having.The price of the frame plus the initial cost of buying the Jeep is about $4500-$5000. Can I find a Jeep with a totally solid frame & body for that much?? Its close I think.

 

[scot68]

If you have a place to work on it you should definitely replace the frame yourself. It will also be an excellent learning opportunity not to mention a huge cash savings. I imagine solid TJ frames go for more money in the Northeast but I see them on Craig's List here in Arizona for about $400-$600. If the tub is solid and the interior is decent after the frame repair it should be worth around $5K-$7K. Go for it. :thumb:
Here is an example:
http://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/pts/2775798681.html

 

[1jeeplvr]

If you have a place to work on it you should definitely replace the frame yourself. It will also be an excellent learning opportunity not to mention a huge cash savings. I imagine solid TJ frames go for more money in the Northeast but I see them on Craig's List here in Arizona for about $400-$600. If the tub is solid and the interior is decent after the frame repair it should be worth around $5K-$7K. Go for it. :thumb:

I have access to a large garage and all the tools I need.I just cant seem to find a frame.Any links to any would be helpful.Also if anyone thinks Im nuts for doing this pls let me know.If I didnt get the Jeep for so cheap i wouldent even consider it.This really sucks!What crappy news to get today!

 

[1jeeplvr]

Good example scot68.Anyone have any more links to some good ones? Thanks

 

[scot68]

I have access to a large garage and all the tools I need.I just cant seem to find a frame.Any links to any would be helpful.Also if anyone thinks I'm nuts for doing this pls let me know.If I didn't get the Jeep for so cheap i wouldn't even consider it.This really sucks!What crappy news to get today!

I think you would be nuts for not doing it!

 

[heiser]

look here in the for sale section of the forum there are some frames there. also check this place out D A V E Y S J E E P S . C O M - Parts Specials just scroll down to the frame section

 

[heiser]

this ones in new york, it's a '99 should be an exact bolt on. http://www.wranglerforum.com/f14/clean-tj-frame-500-a-135402.html

 

[TJWenatchee]

I would replace the frame. You got the Jeep for a Rock Bottom price. Do your research and find a frame (new or "Like New") and go for it. Replacing the frame is not overall that Difficult, just time consuming. Just think of it as the ultimate modification. The possibilities of what you can do with the Jeep while you are installing a new frame is endless. Go For It! :thumb:

 

[1jeeplvr]

If you have a place to work on it you should definitely replace the frame yourself. It will also be an excellent learning opportunity not to mention a huge cash savings. I imagine solid TJ frames go for more money in the Northeast but I see them on Craig's List here in Arizona for about $400-$600. If the tub is solid and the interior is decent after the frame repair it should be worth around $5K-$7K. Go for it. :thumb:
Here is an example:
1997 jeep wrangler frame

I called about this frame.Found its $1000.00 just to ship it.

 

[1jeeplvr]

this ones in new york, it's a '99 should be an exact bolt on. http://www.wranglerforum.com/f14/clean-tj-frame-500-a-135402.html

And this one is a possibility.Except his brothers friend might want it.Ill know tomorrow.And yes.My wife & you all talked me into doing it.

 

[lensam]

Rent a Uhaul drive to phoenix and pick it up, at least you know its solid from AZ. gotta be cheaper than $1k, no??? or shop around for shipping. If you have the means to do then go for it

 

[Kevbz]

remember, the whole tub lifts off, fenders and hood and tub attached. so alot of the intricate stuff of small screws stay put in the tub. With that full body off you have plenty of room to get at it with impacts and breakers bars for the drivetrain and suspension. a lift or forklift to pick the whole shooting match would be nice, but alot of helping hands and ifs off and to the side.

just BE PREPARED TO SACRIFICE SOME BOLTS ALONG THE WAY...they will inevitably be frozen and get wasted coming out.

 

[00silverTJ]

Swap it. It is not difficult. I did it by myself. You can even do it without removing the engine.

Frame Swap with Engine/Trans in-situ - JeepForum.com

 

[1jeeplvr]

I think finding a frame is turning out to be harder than the work itself.

 

[Kevbz]

I think finding a frame is turning out to be harder than the work itself.

lol, one will appear, suddenly and you'll be like me (with my rear axle)...explaining to the wife why the money is coming out of the account as you are telling the seller "i want it" sounds like the wife is on board though so half the battle is won.

have you tried SearchTempest - The EASY way to search Craigslist It lets you search craigslist based on key words and distance from your zip. beats clicking each craigslist city one by one

 

[1jeeplvr]

lol, one will appear, suddenly and you'll be like me (with my rear axle)...explaining to the wife why the money is coming out of the account as you are telling the seller "i want it" sounds like the wife is on board though so half the battle is won.

have you tried SearchTempest - The EASY way to search Craigslist It lets you search craigslist based on key words and distance from your zip. beats clicking each craigslist city one by one

My wife is the one pushing me to get a frame lol. I have tried the Tempest search & just found a few frames.Im waiting to hear back which hasent been a positive experience but Ill wait and see what happens.

 

[KidRock171]

Def switch the frame. Have you looked on the junkyards? Should be hella cheap.

 

[1jeeplvr]

Its amazing she has a rotted frame.The body is pretty solid other than the spot of surface rust