71 FJ40 Frame Issue

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N

nelsonto

Joined
Jan 3, 2019
Threads
2
Messages
24
Location
Virginia
Hello,

Recently acquired a 71 with several known issues. The largest being the frame being rusted out where the rear leaf spring attaches to the frame. Sorry I am not a DIY and will need a shop to repair and my local folks who work on these tell me I need a new or used frame replacement and that a repair is too dangerous. I trust them but I would like a second opinion. I am not looking for perfection but just making it safe to drive 30 miles a month.

Thank you and I apologize for being new at this.

Todd

Frame3

Frame3

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Frame2

Frame2

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Frame1

Frame1

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Frame4

Frame4

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From my understanding yes but will ask further. I am being quoted around $10k to get it fixed.
 
nelsonto said:
From my understanding yes but will ask further. I am being quoted around $10k to get it fixed.
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That sounds like a high price. Even at $100 an hour and a few hundred in material that’s 80 hrs of labor. If the rig is going to be used as a driver or wheeler a new frame can be had for $500 or less
 
nelsonto said:
From my understanding yes but will ask further. I am being quoted around $10k to get it fixed.
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Are they buying the whole FJ40 from you? Max. $1k is acceptable if they check and repair the whole frame as it should.
 
Seems high to me too. They stated that a used frame would be around $1600 and the balance ($8k) or so would be labor to swap frames. I probably need to seek a second opinion. Does anyone know anyone in Southern Virginia or Raleigh/Durham area? The shop that has it now is in Raleigh.
 
nelsonto said:
Seems high to me too. They stated that a used frame would be around $1600 and the balance ($8k) or so would be labor. I probably need to seek a second opinion. Does anyone know anyone in Southern Virginia or Raleigh/Durham area? The shop that has it now is in Raleigh.
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Are they charging 10k to do a frame swap?
 
Lil'John said:
In California, the frame is the year of the vehicle and it is federally illegal to cut vins.
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Interesting. This was towed into my shop about four weeks ago for an inspection and repair estimate.
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@matzell is down by Richmond and might have a recommendation.
 
BTW, what are the other “known “ issues? Have you had the vehicle inspected?

A frame swap presents a unique opportunity for a mechanical refresh. Trans, transfer axles steering. Costs could easily double, but there won’t be any extra R&R.
 
getting those jeep bumpers off it would be pretty high on the list.

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Wow, 10K for a frame swap. Even at a 30 hr job,

30x100/hr = $3,000 And I can't see it taking that long..
 
8k for a frame swap... I’m in the wrong line of work. Once my new frame was prepped, the swap was done in a weekend (working solo. The swap is pretty easy.
 
The vehicle needs brakes (quoted $1500 for all 4 wheels), needs a clutch where they would also swap in a 4 speed transmission and transfer case that was given to me as part of the purchase (quote ~$2k) for that. All in all quote was for around $15-17k.

Looks like I need to find another shop. Any ideas within southern VA or NC?
 
nelsonto said:
The vehicle needs brakes (quoted $1500 for all 4 wheels), needs a clutch where they would also swap in a 4 speed transmission and transfer case that was given to me as part of the purchase (quote ~$2k) for that. All in all quote was for around $15-17k.

Looks like I need to find another shop. Any ideas within southern VA or NC?
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Post up a thread in the ONSC Clubhouse section.

I’m in Durham and would even offer to take a look at it and provide my opinion. Send me a PM (conversation) and I’ll give you my number if you want to chat.

We rebuilt the front / rear axles and all new brakes in a members 80 series a couple weeks ago for nothing but coffee, donuts and pizza!
 
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