Jeep YJ frame repair

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Repaired a very common problem with rust along the bottom center of the frame.    Patch plates and channels are readily available and seem to be the preferred method just short of buying a new frame.  Fitted the pieces, prepped the metal surfaces, and welded them in place.

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Reply:I'm looking at doing this on my TJ. There are so many different companies making the patch kits. Which brand did you go with? Was it a bad job?Sent from my SM-G975U using TapatalkLincoln Ranger 305gMiller X-Treme 8VS Suitcase FeederLincoln Powermig 210 MPLincoln AC225 TombstoneAmico MMA-160Titanium Easy Flux 125A pile of grinders.
Reply:I bought them through eBay for about $50 for the pair.  Good price but they needed a little work to get them to fit properly.  One hole for the E-Brake cable was offset by and inch, they were a little long on the back end, and the skid pan bolt holes were slightly off but still useable.   Also the side walls were a little wider at the top than the bottom of the channel so I squared them with a press for a good fit.  Over all I ended up very pleased even though they needed the extra work.  I recommend bolting the channels to the skid pan and test fit for location before making any welds, then use lots of C-Clamps to hold them tightly in place.  I then did several tack welds before removing the skid pan.  I took me several renditions of jacking the pan and channels into position to mark and cut them and then grinding and prepping the all the surfaces before MIG welding. Those channels are about 30" long and I welded the entire perimeter, both sides of the channel, in short sections around different spots to avoid overheating the frame.   A little uncomfortable without a car lift and welding in a confined space.




Reply:I have a car lift so that will help. I foresee the biggest issue being getting the frame clean enough to weld. It is a rusty mess! Did you mig it all?Sent from my SM-G975U using TapatalkLincoln Ranger 305gMiller X-Treme 8VS Suitcase FeederLincoln Powermig 210 MPLincoln AC225 TombstoneAmico MMA-160Titanium Easy Flux 125A pile of grinders.
Reply:Yes I MIG welded it and had clean metal to works with.   I used a paint stripping disk on an angle grinder similar to Amazon's "Poly Strip Wheel Disc Abrasive"  The frame and channel are about 10ga. in thickness and I did many test runs on scrap coupons to get a good penetration by adjusting the volts and wire speed.
Reply:Thanks for the info. It looks like on the TJs there are three different pieces you can buy to patch the frame. I'm afraid I'll have to get all three.Sent from my SM-G975U using TapatalkLincoln Ranger 305gMiller X-Treme 8VS Suitcase FeederLincoln Powermig 210 MPLincoln AC225 TombstoneAmico MMA-160Titanium Easy Flux 125A pile of grinders.
Reply:If it's the same center section you might consider these on Ebay.   https://www.ebay.com/i/113953543387?...RoCi34QAvD_BwE
Reply:Good info. I'm going to tackle this project soon. The ol' jeep has been maxing out the maintenance budged lately. Getting a new oil pan and rear seal this week.Sent from my SM-G975U using TapatalkLincoln Ranger 305gMiller X-Treme 8VS Suitcase FeederLincoln Powermig 210 MPLincoln AC225 TombstoneAmico MMA-160Titanium Easy Flux 125A pile of grinders.
Reply:JustEmptyEveryPocket