Sad day yesterday

[pianoguy]

I finished with the power steering gear box. Got every thing back together and the same problem was there. After looking at thing I found out that the frame in the area that the gear box mounts to is rotted out so bad that the frame is flexing so mush that it is not allowing the wheel to make full turns.

Am I SOL? Is this a ez fix? Or is this a big project? Should just get a new Jeep?

I will post some pic just a soon as I figure out how to post a pic.

[chrometj]

ouch the frame is rotted? you could try to replace it somehow?? or weld some sort of creation, but thats a temp fix, there is no fix to rust sorry

[jps4jeep]

If you like rich, I can come by this week some time and give you some ideas. patching the frame is always a do-able plan, you can use what they call fish plates to repair or graph in a new section of frame. another option would be a frame swap. you can find frames used for a decent price, then you start wrenching! and while your at it, up-grade per need (if you were going to install a lift for example, would be easier to put on a bare frame)

[pianoguy]

That would be great. I will be home all day. My cell is 617-359-3340. I was looking at frames in 4wheel drive. I guess I am looking at about $1600 for a good new frame. The only problem is time in getting it done.

[pianoguy]

The funny thing is the fame is fine every where else but right where the gear box attaches.

[axle]

It sounds like you might be able to weld some metal in, don't loose hope.See what john says.If you where to replace the frame ,i think you can find a good one for less than five hundred.
Bob

[J.T.Woody]

Here are the 2 pics that Rich sent me.

It looks pretty bad. It looks like the rust has moved farther back, too.

[pianoguy]

I think I am going to test drive a Rubicon unlimited today.

[J.T.Woody]

pianoguy said:

I think I am going to test drive a Rubicon unlimited today.

That'll be a hell of an upgrade! ;D

[pianoguy]

But I still don't think I can get rid of the old YJ, I still may keep it and maybe next summer get the new frame. It has been with me so long I do not know if I can get rid of it. I have had that Jeep for 13 years and all 249562 miles was driven by me and maybe about 5000 miles of off roading. It has always got me home.

[chrometj]

wow 249k+ miles thats awesome! any you only have that amount to rust, personally i would put the jeep to the grave without shame! that rig has served you well!

[jps4jeep]

keep it! I got a mint CJ frame for the wopping price of nothing, just some labor. you can find good deals out there. I would even say $500 is a little steep.

of course a rubi unlimited would be a bit of an up grade over what you have now...

just a little fyi, you jeep is worth a lot more in parts than it is whole. but don't give up hope, I will try to swing by later.

[jps4jeep]

well, I took a look at it, needs a new frame. the rear near the shackles on both sides is pretty rotted, IMHO not worth the effort to try to save. I suggested a frame swap since the body is near mint, but Rich still wants to look at the rubi unlimited's.

[twistedsymphony]

i bought a jeep this summer. pretty good deal, $900 for a 1990 with 190,000 miles. i only thought there was a little rust, but it turns out that there is more then a little (this is a xj btw). i dont like knowing that my baby is rusting out from under me. i want to get it fixed, but like you dont know if its worth it in the $$$ department.

[JoGumby]

Well after 13 yrs I'd say you got a real good value outta your jeep. Maybe a patch job will keep it as a trail rig for ya. Course winters here now so you got plenty o time for a frame swap. Got a coworker who's done a couple & says as vehicles goes a jeeps very easy to do. If you get a new Rubicon I say....................Merry Christmas no lump o coal for you