by "for Michigan" (formichigan)
Published 01/18/2017 at 15:27
by "for Michigan" (formichigan)
Published 01/18/2017 at 15:27
Tags: help
STARS: 0
My brother is having some issues with his Jeep and we’re looking for some recommendations. Details after the jump.
ETA: 1997 Jeep Wrangler (TJ) Sport 5-speed
My brother bought an Ohio Jeep and used it to move out to the Denver area. Being an Ohio Jeep, there was bound to be rust, but it seems my brother’s mechanic buddy missed some serious rust during his inspection. The frame around the steering box has rusted away, leaving him with no steering and no transportation.
None of the shops he has called are willing to repair it because of the rust, so I’m posting here in the hope that maybe one of you knows a place near the East side of Denver that he can get the work done so he can get his truck back on the road.
"benjrblant" (benjblant)
01/18/2017 at 15:30, STARS: 0
Uh, all I can think of are Toyota shops...
If the frame has rusted away from the steering box, sounds like he’d be in for a frame swap or some serious welding? Is it a CJ or TJ?
"for Michigan" (formichigan)
01/18/2017 at 15:34, STARS: 0
It’s a TJ.
We’re hoping for welding, but a frame swap may be necessary.
It’s a very common problem with TJs and the common solution seems to be welding in new metal, but it looks like that’s the DIY solution and DIY welding is not an option for my brother.
"smobgirl" (smobgirl)
01/18/2017 at 15:46, STARS: 0
I second the Colorado 4x4 guys. I’d send you to my ex but his shop probably wouldn’t take it, though he’d personally know some guys who might. But try the CO 4x4 guys first please!
"for Michigan" (formichigan)
01/18/2017 at 15:47, STARS: 0
They say he’d be better off replacing the frame and even then can’t get him in for 3-4 months.
"smobgirl" (smobgirl)
01/18/2017 at 15:49, STARS: 1
Sorry, meant the forum folks - they know everyone who might risk the welding. It’s probably the same people my guy would send him to without me having to get involved (his brother is definitely on the forum and he may be himself).
"for Michigan" (formichigan)
01/18/2017 at 15:52, STARS: 0
Sorry, misread that.
I’ll see what they say.
"Censored" (chrisbrown2992)
01/18/2017 at 15:52, STARS: 0
TJ frames are notoriously bad. They rot from the inside out. So a visual inspection doesn’t always tell the whole story. This is why rust free jeeps are $$$. The good in this is that there are frame repair options, from weld in sections all the way to new frames all together.
Jeepforum.com has a few write ups and quadratec.com hasa whole frame repair section. Good luck.
"smobgirl" (smobgirl)
01/18/2017 at 16:08, STARS: 0
Totally my fault, I didn’t write it clearly. There’s a dealer called Jeeps with Scars that might have some useful info too. They may even do repairs?
"Nibbles" (nibbles)
01/18/2017 at 16:19, STARS: 0
He may be better off biting the bullet, taking the shops’ recommendations, and planning a frame swap.
What he could do is become an Oppo, wrangle up the parts and garner interest in a frame swap party. I’d definitely show up for that ;)
"for Michigan" (formichigan)
01/18/2017 at 16:22, STARS: 0
The truck is his daily, so he can’t wait months to have it working again. He also doesn’t have the space or tools to do the frame swap himself, as cool as a frame-swap party would be.
"Future next gen S2000 owner" (future-next-gen-s2000-owner)
01/18/2017 at 16:24, STARS: 0
I’ve always had good experiences with Tapps but this may be beyond their ability. They are more general auto repair, they don’t specialize in any specific make. They are just off of Mississippi and Leetsdale.
"Nibbles" (nibbles)
01/18/2017 at 16:24, STARS: 0
I’d offer up my driveway and I have a truck to tow it and, probably, most of the tools needed. But I totes understand about the waiting part.
"Khalbali" (khalbali2)
01/18/2017 at 17:31, STARS: 0
Yeah I would be willing to help if schedule permits but if he can’t fix it himself I’d say it’s probably better to move on, plenty of jeeps here.
"adamftw" (adamftw)
01/19/2017 at 08:49, STARS: 0
I’ve never heard of them rusting there. Usually the steering box leaks enough to keep that area free of any rust. I can’t imagine what the rear sections must look like if that section is gone. Was it ever a plow truck?
That being said, it IS a very easy section to repair and replace in a TJ. If you are desperate, call The Flop Shop in Parker, CO. I have a friend there who is an east coaster and he is pretty familiar with dealing with rust. Not sure what they’ll be able to do for you, but it’s an option.