Jeep frames are tough. But even the strongest frames can rust or get bent in an accident. Depending on the level of damage, you might just want to repair the affected areas. In most cases, this is a temporary solution that could make things worse.
In this blog, we discuss the viability of repairing your Jeep frame and see how it stacks up to getting a replacement frame instead.
Repairing vs Replacement
Frame damage can be frustrating. A bent frame affects the safety, performance, and value of your vehicle. Depending on what and where the damage is, you might be tempted just to repair certain sections.
This may seem like the more cost-effective option, but frame repairs may not solve all the underlying problems. These are the most important issues when considering frame repairs:
- Safety issues
- Corrosion
- Vehicle resale value
- Performance
- Warranty concerns
Structural Integrity
A repaired frame will either have been welded or cut. Even if a new section has been grafted onto the original frame, its structural integrity will be compromised.
A frame may be weakened in areas that seem undamaged; this can affect your safety in an accident. If you take your Jeep off-road, a weak frame will put a strain on the rest of the vehicle and can eventually develop cracks.
Rust and Corrosion
Repairing a rusted or corroded frame is always a temporary solution. Rust tends to spread and is often hidden inside crevices and hollow sections. This can weaken the frame without you noticing it until it’s too late.
If a corroded frame section is replaced, the weld seams are often the first areas to start rusting. Some specialists recommend welding new sections of metal over the rusted parts to avoid cutting. This is a dangerous practice that won’t stop the rust and will certainly result in more repairs in a few months’ time.
Resale Value
The cost of replacing a frame may be more upfront, but it will help maintain the resale value of your Jeep. Few buyers will be happy to pay full price for a used Jeep with a patched-up frame. Some may also want to get the truck inspected, and a welded-up frame often looks unsightly.
Performance
It goes without saying that your Jeep’s frame has a huge bearing on how it performs. A bent or poorly repaired frame will have a detrimental effect on the suspension, steering, and even the drivetrain.
It won’t drive or handle as it should, and you may notice uneven tire wear and prematurely worn suspension parts if the frame isn’t aligned perfectly.
Warranty
A repaired or patched frame won’t come with a warranty. That’s because most specialists know that there is no way to guarantee a patched-up frame for any length of time.
At Throttle Down Kustoms, we offer a lifetime warranty against any structural defects on all our products. Not only does that give you added peace of mind, but it also underlines the quality of the work we do.
A New Frame Is The Better Choice
To keep your Jeep performing at its best, a damaged or rusted frame should always be replaced. Your Jeep’s frame may seem like a simple part, but it has been designed and engineered to work perfectly with the rest of the vehicle. At Throttle Down Kustoms, we have spent countless hours perfecting our frames – read about the anatomy of a Jeep CJ frame here to see what it takes.
Even though a Jeep frame is an integral part of your vehicle, it can be installed using only hand tools. And some Jeep frames are interchangeable, too. To find out more about how to install a new frame, read about it in our detailed blog here.
Throttle Down Kustoms Jeep Frames
Throttle Down Kustoms has been making quality bumpers since 2004. Certified professionals hand-weld each bumper, frame, skid plate, or accessory. We build Jeep frames that surpass OE standards. They are designed and built right here in the USA with the highest-quality materials. Some of our more popular Jeep Frames:
- 1976-1986 CJ7 Jeep Frame
- 1981-1986 CJ8 Long Arm Coilover Helix Frame
- 2004-2006 LJ Wrangler Jeep Frame
We also do custom fabrication and offer a lifetime warranty on our products. Contact us here for more information on our Jeep frames.