The body mounts at the rear quarter behind the rear wheel rot through and leave the body hanging on the frame rail only. Critical structural inspection item.
XJ has 10 body-to-frame mounts; the rear-most pair (number 9 and 10, behind the rear wheels and under the cargo area floor) rust catastrophically in the salt belt. The mounts are a stamped tin can pinched in the unibody floor, with a rubber isolator and bolt going into the frame rail below. When they rust through, the body separates from the frame and you can see daylight or rotted unibody around the rear wheel wells from underneath. Inspection: lift the carpet in the rear cargo area, push down on the floor with weight - any flex or rust scale means the mount is failing. Repair options: weld in M.O.R.E. body mount repair kits ($150-200 per side) for the proper rebuild; budget option is to fab steel plate and weld in. Do NOT bolt new isolators to rotted tin - the metal needs full replacement. This is the #1 structural issue on northern XJs and is worth checking before purchase.
| Part | Vendor | Est. price |
|---|---|---|
| M.O.R.E. body mount kit | M.O.R.E. | ~$180 |
Written and maintained by an AZ wheeler and driveway wrencher. Always cross-reference your factory service manual — modifications affect vehicle safety and warranty. Work at your own risk.