Down to maybe 3 bolts holding the transmission in place

[footballbum99]

A few weeks ago, my Jeep was unable to shift into gear. My engine was running fine, but I was unable to shift. I replaced the slave master cylinder. But I was still unable to shift with the engine on.

The shop I ended up taking it to, wanted to replace the clutch. But after sometime trying to get the rusted bolts off the skid plate, the shop is concerned they won't be able to put the skid plate back on after repairing the clutch. They're recommending I find someone who can weld/repair the frame before moving forward. They sent the pics below over.

I don’t believe the rust is that bad so curious what next step should be? I know if you took a hammer to frame it'll ring fine but will it hold the transmission with 3 bolts? Can we drill new holes in the frame? I'm too poor for transmission and weld repairs

 

[hosejockey61]

A few weeks ago, my Jeep was unable to shift into gear. My engine was running fine, but I was unable to shift. I replaced the slave master cylinder. But I was still unable to shift with the engine on.

The shop I ended up taking it to, wanted to replace the clutch. But after sometime trying to get the rusted bolts off the skid plate, the shop is concerned they won't be able to put the skid plate back on after repairing the clutch. They're recommending I find someone who can weld/repair the frame before moving forward. They sent the pics below over.

I don’t believe the rust is that bad so curious what next step should be? I know if you took a hammer to frame it'll ring fine but will it hold the transmission with 3 bolts? Can we drill new holes in the frame? I'm too poor for transmission and weld repairs

View attachment 666664

View attachment 666665

They are correct in sending that back to you. I can all but guarantee you that they will all need to be replaced. The problem is the nutserts in the frame and most likely the bolts too. Lucky for you it's a relatively easy fix. You can get the nutserts and bolts from blackmagicbrakes.com

This video shows what you're up against and how to fix it. Be sure to watch the ads, it helps this poor youtuber afford his housecleaners...

 

[macleanflood]

Frame looks pretty gone to me.

If you really want to send it I'd run a couple of 1" welds to hold the skid plate on in lieu of bolts. Assuming you can get a clean weld.

But you really need a new frame or repair sections welded in.

-Mac

 

[Gilaguy23]

Your poor and own a jeep? The irony of that one.

 

[GATORB8]

Am I crazy, or is there a piece of 1" tubing sandwiched between the skid and the frame, maybe a previous repair attempt?

OP, assuming you don't have a welder, do you have a grinder? If not and funds are tight, grab a HF special corded grinder.

I'd order the BMB replacement rivnut set. Support the trans, remove the skid, cut off that tubing and clean up the frame with a flap disk. Grab some flat stock or angle for the repair and check FB MP for a guy that welds on the side to come glue you up for a couple hundred bucks.

 

[mrblaine]

Am I crazy, or is there a piece of 1" tubing sandwiched between the skid and the frame, maybe a previous repair attempt?

OP, assuming you don't have a welder, do you have a grinder? If not and funds are tight, grab a HF special corded grinder.

I'd order the BMB replacement rivnut set. Support the trans, remove the skid, cut off that tubing and clean up the frame with a flap disk. Grab some flat stock or angle for the repair and check FB MP for a guy that welds on the side to come glue you up for a couple hundred bucks.

Probably not gonna work. The frame thickness is too compromised for the nutserts to set correctly. The 1" tube you see isn't a repair attempt, it is a transfer case drop.

 

[GATORB8]

Probably not gonna work. The frame thickness is too compromised for the nutserts to set correctly. The 1" tube you see isn't a repair attempt, it is a transfer case drop.

Overdrill frame rivnut holes and set the new rivnuts (or weld on nuts i guess) in 1/8" angle used for frame repair?

 

[hosejockey61]

Overdrill frame rivnut holes and set the new rivnuts (or weld on nuts i guess) in 1/8" angle used for frame repair?

Rust Buster Center Frame Repair Kit for 1997-2006 Jeep Wrangler RB3060 https://share.google/7yCXGgk90kCLkcSw2

 

[footballbum99]

I tried the BMB route but they don't believe the nutsert fix will suffice... I didn't think the frame was bad enough for Rust Buster Repair Kit.

 

[hosejockey61]

I tried the BMB route but they don't believe the nutsert fix will suffice... I didn't think the frame was bad enough for Rust Buster Repair Kit.

You won't know until you pull the skid off. The problem with that is, if it needs repair, it will need to be done then. I would have everything on hand ready to go for either scenario. If you can't weld, then you're better off taking it to a repair shop.

 

[macleanflood]

Might be able to find a community college welding program or auto tech that might be willing to help squirt on that frame repair.

Welders are getting a lot more affordable. And honestly the only way not to spend a ton of money on a 25 year old vehicle is doing all your own work.

-Mac

 

[GATORB8]

Might be able to find a community college welding program or auto tech that might be willing to help squirt on that frame repair.

Welders are getting a lot more affordable. And honestly the only way not to spend a ton of money on a 25 year old vehicle is doing all your own work.

-Mac

Made me wonder how cheap a little 120 Flux Core would be on MP. In OPs area, how bout one with a roll of wire for $40?

https://www.facebook.com/share/1879Eo9h7M/

Sticking on a 1/8" frame patch would probably be about maxing it out, but a helmet, gloves, and a little scrap metal practice it'd be doable.

 

[Gilaguy23]

This is totally hillbilly but if the frame is wasted basically get some 6" long bolts, Nylocks and fender washers and go all the way up thru the top of the frame rails. You havnt much to lose at this point.

 

[Chris]

Frame looks pretty gone to me.

I'm thinking so as well.

 

[GATORB8]

This is totally hillbilly but if the frame is wasted basically get some 6" long bolts, Nylocks and fender washers and go all the way up thru the top of the frame rails. You havnt much to lose at this point.

It worked good enough for Rock Krawler until the new kit:

 

[footballbum99]

It worked good enough for Rock Krawler until the new kit:
View attachment 666792

This should suffice, lets see what the shop says.

I love the idea of welding and or full frame swap, but I live in an apartment so those types of projects are tbd

You can hit any part of that frame with a hammer and it rings true, figured I had another 10yrs

 

[hosejockey61]

This should suffice, lets see what the shop says.

I love the idea of welding and or full frame swap, but I live in an apartment so those types of projects are tbd

You can hit any part of that frame with a hammer and it rings true, figured I had another 10yrs

You're hitting the wrong part of the frame Pull that skid and hit the bottom of the frame rail where the nutserts are. It'll ring like hitting a sandbag!

 

[macleanflood]

You can hit any part of that frame with a hammer and it rings true, figured I had another 10yrs

You sure that's not rings through? =)

We're not there. Entirely possible you can get a nutsert to set.

I have my doubts...but I'm not there and I don't see what you see.

-Mac