Long arm kit ... Hmmmmm ... That may have more problems in itself. Did they fabricate it themselves? How nuch lift does that TJ have, @Squatch, any idea? I'm also not liking that they haven't sent you frame photos.
A deal on a Rubicon?
- Thread starter Squatch
- Start date
Long arm kit ... Hmmmmm ... That may have more problems in itself. Did they fabricate it themselves? How nuch lift does that TJ have, @Squatch, any idea? I'm also not liking that they haven't sent you frame photos.
The long arm kit was on a frame that a guy is selling. He decided to part out the TJ. As I see from his response to my inquiry, he runs an off-road supply company. Here's a pic (one of many he posted) of the TJ he's parting out:
Looks awfully damn nice to be breaking it up like that, but whatever. Being that he runs a business, it might mean he's more willing to deal with shipping the frame to wherever it needs to go, as well. Just a thought...
As for the dealership not responding to my request for some frame pics of the Rubicon, it does beg the question of just how bad is the frame rust? Bad enough that it would be obvious that I wouldn't want to make the trek down there to look at it? Hmmm...
This is the only clear picture of the damage, but there are other blurry pics of other areas that indicate the frame rot is terminal. So...what is it worth? Opinions, please. 2004 TJR, 135,000 miles, automatic. Pic in first post. A $6,000 parts rig? $5,000? What say you?
Assuming it all works these are some big ticket things that come to mind, the prices are on the conservative side :
Axles with lockers? 2k
Transfer case: 2k (maybe less?)
Hardtop: 750
Full doors: 500
Misc internals: 500-1k
Engine: 500-1k? (Not sure)
Tub: 1k?
Also here’s a good guide for prices, just you’ll probably get less than he’s asking
www.daveysjeeps.com/specials.html
www.daveysjeeps.com/specials.html
Pretty sure regional prices differ, which I'd need to bear in mind. Who knows what the dealer will even let it go for. All I know is that it needs a frame. That brings the price down into the "parts car" range, in my book.
Starrs
TJ Guru
It’s a Rubicon that needs a good frame. Why not sell your current tj and use the money to buy a frame for the Rubicon? You have a buddy that has a frame already....hmmm
Starrs
TJ Guru
Is he doing the frame swap or is his buddy? I think @Squatch is just sitting on parts at this time and hasn’t been wrenching on his current tj. I could be wrong but that’s the vibe I’m getting. If you want a rubi 5500-6k would be a good start on that one if the tub and all components work as they should. Looks good minus the cheese frame.
I say put this one behind you. You don't need another project. Break out all those new parts you have piled up and start working on the TJ you "do" have.....just my 2 cents.
My understanding was he was considering plucking this Rubicon and doing a quick sell.
Rust came into the picture so it turned into a can I part this out for a net gain ? Then maybe a frame swap for a profit
Starrs
TJ Guru
Ahhh got ya. I thought he was wanting to keep it for himself. If he’s looking to make money on parts it will just sit like the “tj” he does have. Hahah no offense @Squatch but I don’t see you parting this out for cash if that’s your end game lol. Either buy it and sell yours, or move on. You don’t need 2 project jeeps.
I don't he wants to get into the "parting out" department. He had too many other things going on, plus he wants to work on the TJ he already has. At least that's what I think he was saying.
To be honest with you, when I go back and revisit my initial plan/goal, it never involved the "need" for a Rubicon. In fact, it probably didn't really include a need for some of the parts I've gathered, but here I am. While I genuinely admire the Rubicon for what they are, I just don't currently see myself feeling that I have to own one. I'd rather stick with my current project. I'm already in deep, and I do have most of the history on it. Sure, it has its issues, but the frame isn't one of them. While the frame is not pristine, it's a hundred times more solid than that TJR's is. So, to respond to your notion of me changing course, @Starrs, I just don't think I want to do that. You're right about me not getting the chance to wrench on my current project lately, but that would be the case regardless of which rig I own. Life just keeps stepping on my plans, but I'm okay with that. I'll get to work on the TJ in due time. Hell, most of the spending is done. The wrenching is all that remains! 
And @Thunderhead, you're right. I have enough projects as it is. I am going to dismiss the TJR, altogether. However, I will share the contact info with the forum, lest someone else wants to take a stab at it. Here it is:
https://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/ctd/d/2004-jeep-wrangler-rubicon/6729379409.html
Thanks for all the great advice, guys. I think this one needs someone else to tackle it, not ol' Squatch. Final answer!
And @Thunderhead, you're right. I have enough projects as it is. I am going to dismiss the TJR, altogether. However, I will share the contact info with the forum, lest someone else wants to take a stab at it. Here it is:
https://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/ctd/d/2004-jeep-wrangler-rubicon/6729379409.html
Thanks for all the great advice, guys. I think this one needs someone else to tackle it, not ol' Squatch. Final answer!
Other than the fact being that I live in Washington, that wouldn't be a bad idea!
Problem is, I keep falling in love with my projects, and never want to sell 'em. Not exactly conducive to making a profit, is it? 
To be fair, @Thunderhead, I've run the gamut on possible scenarios. Unfortunately, all just seem to lead to a place I don't want to be. I really like my '98 Sahara, and I've acquired all I need to build it into what I want ('cept the Eaton E-locker, which I won't do until it's on the road). I've ultimately decided to just see this project through, and forego any other TJ project vehicles. I would, however, be up for acquiring a roadworthy, ready-to-drive TJ while working on my project. I know I was coming across as wishy-washy there...sending mixed signals, and all that rot. I just hate missing a deal, and it was messing with my mind. But I'm all good now!
Similar threads
