Might as well scrap the whole thing…. I hate to do it, but I will purchase it for Pennie’s on the dollar. I’m doing it for you. Seriously though, that’s an easy fix, I’d brace it for extra measure and don’t look back.

@BuiltDifferentGarage

5 ай бұрын

😂😂 I love it. Yeah I agree, a brace would be a simple solution!

I'd definitely replace the frame if I were you. Being that the frame already has patches, and all the pitting and thin spots, it's worth it in the long run to replace it completely rather than try and slap more patches on it. And that's the only weak point you can see, who knows when another point will break through. Especially with this thing seeing off-road stress. I bought my jeep with a rotted out frame, and planned on patching the holes, but after really looking at it, I decided to find another rust free frame and had it powder coated (surprisingly cheap) and I'm so glad I did.

@BuiltDifferentGarage

5 ай бұрын

100% correct. I’m worried about other spots on the frame too that might have problems in the future. Powder coating the new frame is smart and something I will consider!

I’ve had a very similar problem with my Jeep. I cut out about 1/3 of of frame up to the top of the frame rail and re-make it. Was way cheaper just took a lot of fab work. It’s been fixed and wheeled hard at Rausch for about 6 years now and no signs of cracks.

@BuiltDifferentGarage

5 ай бұрын

That's good to know! I am going back and forth, I know for sure it needs to be fixed for temporary purposes.

really good idea on the custom frame, looking forward to that, happy new year.edited and added this- hope 2024 will be better then 2023, i lost my dad feb 2 2023 then i just lost my mom December 11 2023 crappy year

@BuiltDifferentGarage

5 ай бұрын

Thanks! Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! Joys of owning a 20 plus year-old Jeep... Ive got 2.. first if you get a new frame made have them roll the rails to your length, no need to modify it. But those are $4,000 or so. A 3x5x1/4" wall tube with the top cut off sleeves the frame perfectly . grind the frame smooth epoxy prime. epoxy on the sleeve and some slot, and plug welds and the straight part of the frame is good to go. You can get a 4x8 tube and cut two sleeves from it and get the full 8 inches at one end to gain a wing to extend up where your patch currently is problem with the existing frame is that you push problems to the next non repaired area. if you work on repairs to the frame I would make sure you clean and derust as much of the interior of the frame and epoxy it to slow the corrosion Good Luck will be watching for sure

@BuiltDifferentGarage

5 ай бұрын

Agree with everything you said! I am ok with spending the money if it means the frame will last be a lifetime, strength and zero rust is all I want lol

@stevev3962

5 ай бұрын

@@BuiltDifferentGarage yes and it is all new. Check into galvanizing if it is going to be lifetime, or at least with a new frame epoxy coat the interior. Good luck.

@BuiltDifferentGarage

5 ай бұрын

@@stevev3962 will do! Thank you!

It probably cracked from stress due to that mount next to it. Weld up the crack and put stiffeners on both sides of the frame.

I’m from MD. I just had a throttle down kustoms frame put on my YJ about a year in a half ago. I had TDK galvanize also. The thing is awesome. I also just saw somewhere recently about some company in PA that makes frames. I’d have to try to find that. That would save you big time if you could just pick it up. TDK is out of Montana and the freight was expensive.

@BuiltDifferentGarage

5 ай бұрын

Awesome! If you could fine the info on that PA company I’d love to know who they are! Yeah the cost of freight is $950 which considering what it is, isn’t terrible lol.

You have a unique custom Jeep. Definitely do a custom frame and be done with it. you will never have to worry about it. them patch your current frame and do the events you can do while you wait for the new frame. Best of luck to you, your Dad and your family in the new year!

@BuiltDifferentGarage

5 ай бұрын

I think you nailed it. Thanks and Happy New Year!!

@RodKraft871

5 ай бұрын

Sounds like a great plan! Thanks and Happy New Year!

Damn, I’m sorry to see this. I would personally check out the Barnes TJ subframe for their 3/4 link kit. It has the brackets that would weld right over that area of the frame somewhat acting as plating. The only downside you might have to adjust your front links with the new brackets, but just a thought. Happy New Year!

@BuiltDifferentGarage

5 ай бұрын

Yeah that is a good idea, I will take a look at their kit. My only concern is bandaiding it and worrying about more rust under the subframe down the road. Happy New Year!

go with throttle down kustoms

@tylerknop3605

5 ай бұрын

I too Agree with that Direction

Best thing to do is grab the Barnes 4x4 TJ LJ 3 and 4 link kit. It has frame caps in that area. You will love it. And it comes with the skid plate.

@BuiltDifferentGarage

5 ай бұрын

Hmm that’s a great idea!

@jamesvanhoose3132

5 ай бұрын

@@BuiltDifferentGarage yeah done a few "rescues" that way. A new or custom frame is always a great option until you think of the work and price. Either would be good content for the channel.

Old Jeep probs😢 My solution with my YJ that I’m working through now. I scraped the frame and bought a good JKU frame. That way I get upgraded suspension and the length since I’m also stretching the body. I look forward to your solution and hopefully build series!

@BuiltDifferentGarage

5 ай бұрын

Old jeeps are fun until this happens! I think I’m going to replace the entire frame as well with a brand new one.

Think my phone ate my original comment... Anyways, not being there to inspect in person, I'm going to guess the cracks were caused by the loads imparted by, and the joint connection (shape and weld) to the internally deteriorated frame by the lower control arm brackets. My suggestion would be to drill a small hole at the ends of the cracks, v them out, fill with good solid weld, buff off, and plate over them with proper "fish" plates. Also, if you haven't already, inspect the other side, I bet you find similar damage starting (and check the rear control arm mount areas as well). The loads of the lift, tires, and section change of the frame at the cracked spots are my best guess as to why it is cracking, in addition to the corrosion inside. This would give you some time to work out a replacement frame option, whether purchased or home built, and still be able to use it this summer. I am building a Jeep with my son loosely similar in concept to yours, using a TJ with a rotten frame as a drivetrain donor and a custom made frame. I'm using 2x4x3/16 tube. I chose this over .120 wall tube was I didn't want a patchwork of doubler plates everywhere I needed to weld something onto the surface of the tube. Some will still be necessary in high load/critical areas, though. Hope this is of use to you...

@BuiltDifferentGarage

5 ай бұрын

You’re absolutely right and I agree with it all. I really appreciate the comment. Preventing further cracking is my goal and then replacing the frame is next! I’ve already started that process.

With your long term plans of keeping the jeep, I would go with a custom built frame and hopefully no more issues, frame wise.

@BuiltDifferentGarage

5 ай бұрын

Agreed and that is the way I think I want to go. It may be expensive but worth the money at the end of the day.

New frame sounds ideal!

@BuiltDifferentGarage

5 ай бұрын

I agree!!

Easy Peasy. Just whip out all of your credit cards, your dads credit cards and most of your bank account money and buy one of those Genright frames for $55,000 plus shipping. That should last a while.

Had to saf-t-cap mine from front control arm mount to rear mount both sides

@BuiltDifferentGarage

5 ай бұрын

That’s what I want to avoid. But that would be my temporary fix.

My opinion would be to get a full custom frame. My life motto is this: Buy once, cry once. Which means just to go ahead and spend the extra for something of quality than to just keep putting in extra time and money into repairing. Just my $.02 worth.

@BuiltDifferentGarage

5 ай бұрын

I agree with the motto haha, I have adopted it as my motto over the past few years. You’re absolutely right!

Sorry to hear this. I personally would Band-Aid and build a new frame from scratch. If you do it or have a shop would be up to you, your time, and pocketbook. As awesome as this jeep is a new built specific frame would put it over the top that much more!

@BuiltDifferentGarage

5 ай бұрын

It sucks but its part of owning an older vehicle... I don't currently have the space to build my own frame so I would have someone do it for me and then swap everything over myself.

In my area (Rhode Island) Arizona rust free frames are $2500. A friend of mine bought the throttle down frame it is nice only thing is the lead time.

@BuiltDifferentGarage

5 ай бұрын

Yeah the lead time does suck but I don’t mind waiting. I’d go with an original TJ frame but at that price for a rust free frame I could have TDK build one for another $2k or so.

box the frame or build a new front half.also they sell tj frame repair sections

@BuiltDifferentGarage

5 ай бұрын

Thought about that. Frame repair sections would be temporary.

@RodKraft871

5 ай бұрын

Good idea and we considered that. We've used frame repair/patch sections on other frames and would only be a band-aid short term.

Cracks on frames in the world of off road are very common. Besides the rust deuteriation on the frame, the likely cause is it being rite between 2 high stress points. The best way is to plate the frame for additional strength, and add crossmembers going from one side of the frame to the other. The lack of crossmember is why it cracked. Rite now I'm assuming you have not added crossmembers and the 2 frame rails have to much freedom to move in different directions. that spot is very common on TJ's because the bolt on skid plate allows a lot of movement. Climbing up on something and articulating the the frame is the cause. If your skid plate was welded on to the Jeep, that crack would not have appeared. But of course we will not weld are skids on. so you will have to add additional welded crossmembers. Or get a new frame. But if your never gonna sell it then I would just repair. Unless there are major thing you want to change. good luck! love your videos and projects, Thanks!

@BuiltDifferentGarage

5 ай бұрын

You’re spot on! It’s bound to happen to an older frame especially when there is a lot of stress on it. I appreciate your comment! Thank you🤟🏼

For what you will be doing to and with the Jeep just go with a new/custom built frame maybe even a tube chassis. My CJ is no where near as custom as your TJ but I'm tired of chasing rust and cracks on my old Maryland life Jeep. I have already begun to budget and plan for a new rust free Jeep frame. If you fix it it will brake somewhere else later and you will continue to chase it. Short term drill it weld it and plate it while you budget and have the frame built. As as always I'd like to get out on the trails with you sometime.

@BuiltDifferentGarage

5 ай бұрын

You’re absolutely right! A new frame would be a game changer and not having to worry about issues down the road would be nice.

my frame did the same exact thing years ago and then in july it split again because i didnt fish plate it. now im fully building a custom frame for my jeep out of 3/16" tube. our jeeps are old. the frames take a massive amount of abuse so after 20 years it makes sense for them to crack

@BuiltDifferentGarage

5 ай бұрын

Yeah it sucks that we have to deal with this. Just need to fix it haha!

A new custom frame is the way to go.

@BuiltDifferentGarage

5 ай бұрын

Agreed!

Brother that’s not good. And it worries me because I’m still working on a frame stretch. Makes me want to go in and add more plates.😅😅

@BuiltDifferentGarage

5 ай бұрын

Yeah it sucks to see… add it now while it’s apart! The rear where the frame is spliced together is stronger than hell and won’t have any issues. It’s the older factory stuff that is starting to give way!

Why not build your own frame. I am currently doing the same for my cj7 lengthened to cj8 length with front part of frame raised to keep my stance low. I am cnc cutting 2x4 rec tubing with custom body mounts like swag offroads design.

@BuiltDifferentGarage

5 ай бұрын

That would be great if I had the time and more so the space to do so. Having a new frame delivered to my door and swapping everything over would be a lot easier for me

Super unfortunate. Any idea what specific event happened or what it hit to make it crack/twist? Excited to see a better more innovative solution you can come up with

@BuiltDifferentGarage

5 ай бұрын

Not sure. Probably a combination of age, rust, abuse, etc.

I would just have TDK build it to your specs . Or if you feel comfortable build your own out of 3/16 4x2.

@BuiltDifferentGarage

5 ай бұрын

If I had the time and space to build one I 100% would. TDK is looking like the best option!

Not good!! Either buy new custom frame or build one. .. I would patch it for now because you never know who might see this and have other good idea's for the new frame.

@BuiltDifferentGarage

5 ай бұрын

Agreed! Patch is happening for sure!

What ever happened to the Cherokee project?

@BuiltDifferentGarage

5 ай бұрын

We still have it! Some things changed and it’s been put to the side. It’s still on the future built list!

Plate the entire frame. You will probably get more than a few years out of it. Unless your using this as an excuse to buy a custom frame. Wide Open Design custom frame with bells and whistles around 6k. Now that you are domesticated your goals might change and just weld up the crack and coat it with flex seal like the rest of us. Lol

@BuiltDifferentGarage

5 ай бұрын

I’d love a WOD chassis. Not an excuse to buy a new frame but I also don’t want to keep bandaging issues like this in the future and then I’m at the point where the entire frame is glued together.

@vicgustafson8514

5 ай бұрын

@@BuiltDifferentGarage What I mean is get it now before your family grows. Good to see you making video again.

@BuiltDifferentGarage

5 ай бұрын

@@vicgustafson8514 oh gotcha, you’re absolutely right. Thanks, happy to be back!

I do not want to be the bearer of bad news but unfortunately the ONLY option I see is you having to sell it to me.

@BuiltDifferentGarage

5 ай бұрын

😂😂 all yours!

Looks like it's time for a tubular chassis TJ frames ain't meant for all that weight even tho you have reinforced it 💯 new project in the future

@BuiltDifferentGarage

5 ай бұрын

A tube chassis would be amazing! Just have to work out all the dimensions to make it work!