Help Please 2005 Liberty with frame rot?

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DesmondG

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Hey everyone. I found myself a 2005 Liberty 4x4. After driving it home, I climbed underneath and noticed that the putter part of the frame is rotting? I though of this area to be inner rocker panel but I’m new with these Liberty‘s so I hope I could get some feedback from you experts on here. I wanted something to get me through this year and winter. Only paid 700 bux for it. Could you guys steer my in the right direction as to if this is fixable? Should I scrap it? Here is a pic looking up from the drivers side.
 

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LibertyTC

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Welcome to the forum.
Does the Jeep have to pass an inspection before you can register it where you live?
That's some nasty rot going on, I would like to see some photos from side & also around rear suspension photos.
Is it this bad on passenger side as well?
 

jeepguy4276

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What is your skill level? You can get inner and outer rockers for it but you’d need to weld them in. I personally wouldn’t scrap it if you’re only hoping to get a year out of it anyway.
 

DesmondG

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Welcome to the forum.
Does the Jeep have to pass an inspection before you can register it where you live?
That's some nasty rot going on, I would like to see some photos from side & also around rear suspension photos.
Is it this bad on passenger side as well?
Ya it’s about the same on the passenger side as well. I like be in Ontario so I do have to have a safety inspection done which this will not pass so I do have to weld in new inner and outer rockers. I don’t mind doing that as I have done work like this in the past. I cannot seem to find the inner panels though. So far I can only find outer rocket panels.
 

DesmondG

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What is your skill level? You can get inner and outer rockers for it but you’d need to weld them in. I personally wouldn’t scrap it if you’re only hoping to get a year out of it anyway.

Do you know where I can find inner panels? Or will I need to find some metal and try to make my own?

Thanks, I don't mind welding in new pieces, just need to find panels.
 

LibertyTC

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There is a sill front near the trans and then also sill rear. It's probably the rear sill (that is the re-enforcing structure that needs to be cut a way) and replaced.
Also how are the floor pans?
That being said I cant see your jeep in person, and please consult with a body shop if at all possible.
 

DesmondG

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There is a sill front near the trans and then also sill rear. It's probably the rear sill (that is the re-enforcing structure that needs to be cut a way) and replaced.
Also how are the floor pans?
That being said I cant see your jeep in person, and please consult with a body shop if at all possible.
I think the best thing to do is start by taking the putter skins off and start tapping around with a hammer and see how bad it is on both sides before I decide what I need.
 

kejobe

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If at all possible, it'd probably be cheaper to make some of the panels yourself if you have the ability to do so. My inners were ok so I built the outers myself, though I did use 3/16" thick steel. Any interest there's a link to the thread in my sig.
 

daves06lrenegade

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The inner metal is called an...
Inner Rocker Panel Backing Plate...Like this...
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2002-07-Jeep-Liberty-4dr-Inner-Rocker-Panel-Backing-Plate-SET-NEW-PAIR/173580559425?fits=Year:2006|Model:Liberty&epid=8024663030&hash=item286a352441:g:l~UAAOSwxB5bvQuo

The outer is called an Outer Rocker Panel....Like this...
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2002-07-Je...NEW-/152780795180?vxp=mtr&hash=item239271ed2c

This seller uses heavier gauge steel and has good reviews...

You may have to do some modifications to the Outer panels per reviews for a perfect fit...
The Outer rocker panel looks to be made for the 2002~2004 model...You might ask this seller if he has ones for 2005~2006... The reviews are very positive for the year 2002 and the negative reviews may be for newer years...
Dave
 
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DesmondG

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Thanks @daves06lrenegade I will check them out. I have a sheet metal company near by. Might see if they can bend some up for me as well. The inners that is.
 

daves06lrenegade

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DesmondG...
Keep us posted on your results so we know the outcome...
I have an 06 Liberty Renegade that has a plastic cover over the rocker panels and I'm not aware of the actual condition of mine... Jeep used plastic rivets to attach it so this summer I guess I'll have to do some removal work to check mine as I'm beginning to see rust through on the back area of the back door sills... I also need to address rust on the front driver roof area by the edge of the windshield and by the back center brake light... My frame and under body looks good...
Dave...
 

DesmondG

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DesmondG...
Keep us posted on your results so we know the outcome...
I have an 06 Liberty Renegade that has a plastic cover over the rocker panels and I'm not aware of the actual condition of mine... Jeep used plastic rivets to attach it so this summer I guess I'll have to do some removal work to check mine as I'm beginning to see rust through on the back area of the back door sills... I also need to address rust on the front driver roof area by the edge of the windshield and by the back center brake light... My frame and under body looks good...
Dave...
Will do Dave! I will be digging right in to mine. Outer and inner will be replaced. I also have to address rust around my middle brake light at the back. Right now I have it at the mechanics to get a pre safety to see what else is wrong and need of repair before I dig too far. It hasn’t been driven for a couple of years and I was the ******* that got it stuck in 4Low. I tried everything and ya. Nope. So they will get that fixed up for me as well. I just took the scenic backroad trip to get it there. :)
 

uss2defiant

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the 3rd brake light seal is known to not provide a proper seal around the light housing.
I added some weather stripping around it to help with that.
 

DesmondG

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I may be wrong but I have seen much more activity here on jeepjk recently than in the past months and new posters are getting more and better answers...GOOD GOING MEMBERS!
Dave
It’s great to see everyone chipping in. I will make sure to get pics and update here as much as I can. Thanks again everyone.
 

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