Restore TJ or give up?

[jeepbiscuits]

I own a 1999 TJ Sahara. LOVE it. Brings a smile to my face every time. This was a impulse purchase but then I loved it so much I wanted to restore it and keep it a long time.

The problem is that it has issues. So I'm looking for advice if I move on or continue the restore process. As of now I have just done minor simple things like replace front seats, steering wheel cover and odds and ends. Nothing mechanical.

The issues in summary

1. RUST (pics below) - The good news. Frame is immaculate. However the rocker panels were cutout then patched with some creativity. I would have to have both rocker areas repaired
2. Transfer Case not working correctly - It's either the linkage or the case. Might need a rebuild
3. Lift is old - I would replace with new lift components.
4. New tires and wheels - dont like existing setup. 17" wheels, 33" tires
5. Door panels - One is broken and restricts easy flow opening window. I would replace with customer or FAB something

So as of right now these are the major issues.

Here are pics of the rocker panels

Pic above is inside brace the guy welded in

 

[Chris]

Whether you restore it or give up depends entirely on you. Do you want a project or are you getting burnt out?

I don't see anything there that looks terribly difficult.

 

[jeepbiscuits]

I think I am suffering from project burnout. Also bought this as something I could learn to wrench on more on. Maybe I will just start doing repairs. Was thinking of buying a welder then practicing. I know it will take time but this is not my primary vehicle.

 

[Jeepster09]

If frame is good, that is big plus. I would say fix it up.

 

[lBasket]

Giving up is for weiners.

Really though, doesn't the tub have to be smashed in to make a boat side type rocker for that? You'll probably end up needing to keep a rocker like that even if you cut out the rust

 

[BlueC]

Here are pics of the rocker panels

Looks like a boat-side rock slider with interior bracing, not a rocker repair. Am I missing something? Is there rust that you know of behind it? If you want to remove that and return to factory-like rockers, sell the Jeep and find another one.

 

[lBasket]

Looks like a boat-side rock slider with interior bracing, not a rocker repair. Am I missing something? Is there rust that you know of behind it?

I can't tell if it's the boat side or the tub below that's rusting

 

[Apparition]

Looks like a boat-side rock slider with interior bracing, not a rocker repair. Am I missing something? Is there rust that you know of behind it? If you want to remove that and return to factory-like rockers, sell the Jeep and find another one.

https://davescustomsunlimited.myshopify.com/products/jeep-tj-boat-side-rocker-panels

 

[Gilaguy23]

Learn to weld. Apparently the PO never did. Its a jeep, so beat on it, use it, enjoy it, and then park it when you had enough. But if you've had enough then its time to go bye bye, no hard feelings. Your future and its finances are far more important.

 

[Cooper Smith]

LOVE it. Brings a smile to my face every time.

This answers your own question. If it's not running your pockets dry, keep it. I really wish I still had my TJ, but it was the only asset I had to get into something more reliable when I had to start doing a 30 minute commute everyday. If you can have fun with it without it risking your financial well-being (even if it means parking it for a while here and then), keep it. You're in the rust belt and you have a 4WD convertible with a very solid undercarriage (at least in comparison to most).

 

[AWayne]

1. The rockers are a better job than most shitboxes I see for sale. And they even color matched the boat sides which is impressive as hell for desert sand pearl. Maybe pull apart and clean/paint. But that's a lot of work if there isn't any rust other than surface.
2. Might just be the transfer case drop screwing with your linkage.
3. Can probably rebuild your arms (new joints/bushings) and put new shocks on it and be good for a "cheaper" option.
4. Marketplace trade out.
5. There are a few companies that make new interior door panels for TJ's now.

 

[astjp2]

I think I am suffering from project burnout. Also bought this as something I could learn to wrench on more on. Maybe I will just start doing repairs. Was thinking of buying a welder then practicing. I know it will take time but this is not my primary vehicle.

I am on the 6th transmission in 300 miles, so I can sympathize.

 

[Moglocker]

1. The rockers are a better job than most shitboxes I see for sale. And they even color matched the boat sides which is impressive as hell for desert sand pearl. Maybe pull apart and clean/paint. But that's a lot of work if there isn't any rust other than surface.
2. Might just be the transfer case drop screwing with your linkage.
3. Can probably rebuild your arms (new joints/bushings) and put new shocks on it and be good for a "cheaper" option.
4. Marketplace trade out.
5. There are a few companies that make new interior door panels for TJ's now.

Cable transfer case conversion

 

[AWayne]

Cable transfer case conversion

Yeppp. Kinda funny somebody would boat side something and leave a transfer case drop, though.

 

[hardtailpan]

Being a fellow rust belt person, if the frame is actually really immaculate, I think you have plenty to work with there. The Tcase is really no big deal and good used ones pop up all the time on marketplace for 200-300 bucks, and its pretty damn easy to swap out, just make sure you do your research and get the right one, there are a few different ones.

I can't evaluate the rust from here. If you really hate the boatside rockers, you need to find a decent welder or learn to do it yourself. It's steel, anything can be cut and welded any way you want, and you can purchase or fab rockers that will look factory. Or just run it as is.

The rest of the stuff is minor and stuff we all swap out all the time anyway, esp lift and tires.

Bottom line: If the frame is truly good (i'd go over it very carefully) and the body isn't a total rust pile, you've got a good canvas. Finding anything with a good frame up here is tough for any kind of decent price.

good luck!

 

[hardtailpan]

Cable transfer case conversion

Yeah, and do this, I'm doing mine right now. It's like $160 or something and a pretty simple install.

 

[jeepbiscuits]

https://davescustomsunlimited.myshopify.com/products/jeep-tj-boat-side-rocker-panels

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Daaaammmmn nice find! I thought the guy just built them himself!

 

[lBasket]

Daaaammmmn nice find! I thought the guy just built them himself!

Those great lakes dudes know their boat parts

 

[bucky]

It comes down to how much will you use it and how much fun will you have. Wranglers are a lifestyle. I’m blessed to be minutes from some great trails and play my TJ often enough that the occasional repair is just part of the fun. Out West our vehicle never rust out. My Wife can sell YJ and TJ after I’m dead and gone.