1987 Wrangler front frame rot, HELP!!!!!

[Wrangler87]

I just bought a 1987 Wrangler. I just finished cleaning it up and found that the frame is rotting where the track bar bracket is welded to the frame. I plan on welding a plate inside and out to stiffen up the frame, but I can't find a new bracket anywhere. Does anyone have any ideas on the right way to approach this or know where I can find a new bracket to weld on for the steering? I can use any help that you guys have. Thanks.

[Jim_Lou]

Welcome to the board!

I can offer you some general advice on frame repair, but no specifics on your problem. I've never heard of a frame with significant rust damage in that area.

Here's what I do know: It's not a good idea to weld plates on, for several reasons. If the plate goes between the original frame and the steering box it will move the box a little, which may cause additional problems. But the big reason is that the new plate will trap water between in and the original frame, and that will cause more rust.

If you plan to keep the Jeep for more than a few years you should bite the bullet and do the repair properly. Use a Sawzall or a wafer wheel on a grinder to cut the damaged piece out. Don't be shy about it - cut out an area big enough to get away from stress areas and get all of the damage out. Then fit in replacement metal, drill holes as necessary, and butt weld it in. By doing butt welds you avoid areas where there is overlapping metal. The overlaps are the most common starting points for rust.

If you can find a junkyard Jeep with a good frame, cut the piece from it and transplant it into your frame, or do a complete frame swap. One of the nice things about our Jeeps is that the body comes off the frame pretty easily. If you repair your frame, it's easy to remove the hood, grill, left fender and radiator so that you can get in to work. You'll have to do that to get good welds - can't weld what you can't see.

As I said, I've never heard of a Jeep frame having rust problems in that area. Can you post some pictures?

[pontiac58]

Jim said it right.

Go find one that got hit is the back end and have the yard cut the front section you need out. That will be the easiest, cleanest, best way to do it.

But i bet if you have rust there you also have rust in other places. Look around the rear crossmember i bet you will find that rotted out also.

[ema]

Originally Posted by pontiac58

Jim said it right.

Go find one that got hit is the back end and have the yard cut the front section you need out. That will be the easiest, cleanest, best way to do it.

they're right. this will give you an easier

Originally Posted by pontiac58

But i bet if you have rust there you also have rust in other places. Look around the rear crossmember i bet you will find that rotted out also.

Yeah, the rust may have already proliferated on other parts. Might as well check the jeep wrangler fenders, back side of the bumpers, and the like so you can do it all at once.