Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts

1999 TJ Frame Repair

jessejeep

New Member
Original poster
Joined
Jul 7, 2025
Messages
1
Location
Brooklyn, NY
Hi Everyone,

I am looking for advice on my 1999 TJ. The frame has a significate amount of rust and corrosion on the drivers side mainly in the rear trail arm which is nearly rushed away. The skid plate center is also slightly moth eaten along the driver side an so I want to replace the whole thing. I know this is a common issue with the TJ's and I was wondering if anyone had advice on the matter. Whether done by a mechanic or at home.

A mechanic quoted me for 1200-1500$ for the job I believed that included a full treatment of the chassis with an epoxy truck bed liner.

I am a bit beside myself on the matter because the car requires a fair amount of work aside from the frame repair. My previous mechanic replaced the brake lines piece by piece and there are union joints all over the car. I would like to run entirely new brake lines eventually which is what I thought the mechanic did in the first place. In addition to this both the heat and ac need to be fixed. The car has about 133k on it.

These costs begin to add up pretty quickly and then it begs the question do I retire the TJ and get a new car? Personally I like the TJ body type better then the JL although it would be nice to have some more creature comforts. This was my first car and I've had it for around 17 years so there is a lot of sentimental attachment.

*Side Note: Last year my brakes failed on my way to work. I managed to get it to the mechanics safely and then they crashed it into the lift bringing it into the shop. Fortunately the car needed a paint job and the shop covered the damage. But still managed to cost me an arm and a leg to do the brakes that they previously serviced. I probably should have file a lawsuit. The paint job is ok.. personally I think they could have done a better job especially after crashing the car but as it goes nobody care as much as you do about your stuff.

Thank for reading my post, look forward to hearing some feedback.

Jesse

20250618_140900.jpg


20231104_174729.jpg
 
Oregon frames can be had for $1300 or so. Drive it out here and you can use my shop. Easy weekend job! B and R also ships. Lots of times it's cheaper to buy a 4 cylinder and take the frame and part the rest.

How bad is the rust? This bad?



Here's a recap of my frame swap. Full videos on my channel.


-Mac
 
Common problem here in NE Ohio. I have a friend that has a shop which specializes in frame and tub swaps among other offroad Jeep work. He gets used rust-free frames from the south, preps and paints them prior to swapping out. Definitely not a cheap option to have someone do this for you. You could do this yourself if you have the time and space. Also perfect time to install all new brake lines and whatever else. Personally, I'd plan a vacation out to the southwest and buy a rust-free Jeep and drive or trailer back home. Sell off your old Jeep for parts. That's not safe for road use.
 
Hi Everyone,

I am looking for advice on my 1999 TJ. The frame has a significate amount of rust and corrosion on the drivers side mainly in the rear trail arm which is nearly rushed away. The skid plate center is also slightly moth eaten along the driver side an so I want to replace the whole thing. I know this is a common issue with the TJ's and I was wondering if anyone had advice on the matter. Whether done by a mechanic or at home.

A mechanic quoted me for 1200-1500$ for the job I believed that included a full treatment of the chassis with an epoxy truck bed liner.

I am a bit beside myself on the matter because the car requires a fair amount of work aside from the frame repair. My previous mechanic replaced the brake lines piece by piece and there are union joints all over the car. I would like to run entirely new brake lines eventually which is what I thought the mechanic did in the first place. In addition to this both the heat and ac need to be fixed. The car has about 133k on it.

These costs begin to add up pretty quickly and then it begs the question do I retire the TJ and get a new car? Personally I like the TJ body type better then the JL although it would be nice to have some more creature comforts. This was my first car and I've had it for around 17 years so there is a lot of sentimental attachment.

*Side Note: Last year my brakes failed on my way to work. I managed to get it to the mechanics safely and then they crashed it into the lift bringing it into the shop. Fortunately the car needed a paint job and the shop covered the damage. But still managed to cost me an arm and a leg to do the brakes that they previously serviced. I probably should have file a lawsuit. The paint job is ok.. personally I think they could have done a better job especially after crashing the car but as it goes nobody care as much as you do about your stuff.

Thank for reading my post, look forward to hearing some feedback.

Jesse

View attachment 629074

View attachment 629075

Good news, you don't need to drill any drain holes in it.
 
  • Haha
Reactions: GoldenGorilla
That looks really bad. But overall a beautiful chili pepper TJ. No matter which way you go you're going to spend a pretty penny. A new to you pristine Jeep Wrangler from the West Coast not only means time and travel but a lot of money. A frame swap would be idea IF THE TUB is perfect. Which I would question since the rear passenger, and also the driver and passenger side body mounts tend to rust as well. But you really need to have someone with experience do a thorough inspection, top to bottom for rust. Not too far from you is the "AutoRust Repair" shop in Rhode Island. That is if your Jeep is in functioning order and can make it there. Those guys are the OG's and do a fantastic job. By the way, if you reach out to them, they can recommend shops that use their products to repair damaged frames. Maybe there's one closer?

https://www.autorust.com/

Whatever you choose at the end of the day, it's a personal choice. We all love our TJ's. It's not easy to separate emotion from reality in many instances. So I wish you the best!
 
Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts