The, "I'm new to Jeeps and didn't listen when they said it would be expensive thread"

lets make a list.
new fender an paint
new vac lines under battery an valve
stainless steel lines, an hoses
new radio
kc lights
new winch cover
new sway bar bushings, links back an links/front adjustable
new spare tire. set of 33s bought at auction for 250, done now, just spend on new set of 33 degeans
new upper arms around - non adjustable moogs, 100.00
new valve gasket
new used alternator
short top covering front passengers
gas can
jack
new aluminum radiator
skyjacker trans pan
rear seal
new plugs/wires/ rail
something on the right side of motor in back with wires going to it - forgot what it was
speed sensor
new battery an battery aluminum hold downs
two used tires an rims 100.00 before i decided to go with whole set
7 inch fender flares, two broke already one on install cracked an- dont push your jeep backwards leaning on flare:)
step bumpers
wheel cylinders/new front brake pads/rotors/ parts for drum brakes wires broke
new rad hoses clamps
floor mats/heavy duty
tow kit electrical
receiver ball
mirrors that wont stay still - bst 51262-01 dont ever buy them
hood latch kit, with wires. nice add on
hood lock
hood latch locks that wouldnt line up, forgot to take em back
bumper hood cushions
couple alignments
new vac line front to back
used battery tray
turn signal socket an bulbs
neutral safety switch
wiper blades
locking gas cap
locking lug nuts
new speakers
new used master cylinder an proporvalve
new windshield wiper fluid motors
patch kit for small rust spot passenger side below door
hand holders straps to get in with
paint for frame
bunch of nobs for heat controls- keep breaking
new front track bar
moog steering dampener
heavy duty steering kit
mufflerhanger mount
mufflers next, if i cant weld the hole in it:)
i think thats about it. done every thing myself except the rear seal, an alignments.....imagine what that bill would be to do all this stuff..

oh ya, new light under hood, that comes on when lifted...
oh ya, new flowcooler pump, an radiator fan clutch
steering wheel cover, couldnt find a good leather oem steering wheel.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: JMT and CybrSlydr
the bad part is, i dont even feel like i did anything to it.....crazy man. i think i will be good once i replace the oil pan, an pump, put in trans cooler, new bumper front an rear with tire carrier, windshield, undercoat it, install the cb an antenna, new seats, paint the floor, side stainless body protectors i'll make up...........an then the........timing chain an front seal......rear seal, unless the autorx fixes that:)....an rated hitch so uhaul wont decline me, to tow the 40ft trailer.......:)
 
So if you can wait for more expensive things try and buy them during holidays. I think about 5 of us bought M8000 winches last Thanksgiving with coupon codes and rebates we got them for a little over $400. My Wifee works for a huge rebate company. (Not the one that Warn uses unfortunately) She is always telling me to go get tires on 3 day holidays. They always run deals like buy 3 get one free, or some kind of crazy rebate. If you have a crazy expensive thing you want to buy, look around black Friday or cyber Monday. I know those are a long way off, but we have memorial day weekend coming up, and the 4th of July coming up. Those are generally excellent tire holidays if you can hold out that long. Also if you google Northridge 4x4 and coupon, sometimes you can find coupon codes that work there, and as long as you don't live in WA, You will most likely get free shipping and no tax. Something to think about. Also ask a lot of questions sometimes we have good ideas on cheaper alternatives that still work for what we need.

Good luck and happy Jeeping.
 
  • Like
Reactions: AtlWrangler99, PCO6, JMT and 1 other person
I track expenditures on all of my vehicles for a variety of reasons. I include the original cost of the vehicle, parts (including supplier and part#) services, the date and mileages, parts that have been purchased but not yet installed, etc. It's on an Excel sheet and listed alphabetically vs. chronologically so I can tell at a glance how often I change my spark plugs, filters, tires, etc. at a glance. If I sell a part or transfer it to another vehicle I take it off of the sheet. I don't include the cost of insurance.

It also shows the number of months I have owned the vehicle which is important. I just update the months of ownership and it shows me and the total cost per month. The longer you own a vehicle the lower the monthly cost is. The big nut to crack of course is the original cost of the vehicle (usually). I've owned my TJ for just over 5 years and the cost has been just under $300 CDN /mo. (say $230 US /mo.). I'm OK with that for a daily driver.

EDIT: I bought some used parts from Drizit for my LJ. When I entered the cost on my spread sheet it caused a major spike the $/mo. that I'm still trying to recover from. :roflmao:
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: UpperMI and CybrSlydr
@Drizit, yeah, John Beard has a cook build. It went so fast from being a little nimble TJ to being a giant beast. If I recall he’s on 37’s. It was fun and shocking to watch.

@CybrSlydr, tires don’t count in my opinion, nor does maintenance, those are things any vehicle would need. Make this distinction and you’ll feel better, AND have more money to spend on mods! :D
 
  • Like
Reactions: CybrSlydr
I know I have thousands wrapped up in my TJ.

Suspension. Shocks. Armor. Bumpers. Winch. Soft top. Seat covers. Etc...

I look at it like this. We’re driving vehicles that are at least 12 years old. And we own them out right. At least I hope you all aren’t making payments on them!

The money you spend on mods is improving the vehicle. Making it yours. And it’s on something you’ll most likely have for a very long time.
 
  • Like
Reactions: AtlWrangler99 and Starrs
I have had my jeep 3 weeks. I have spent somewhere around $3,400 in parts. With my list of things still to do, I will probably spend another $3k. If I decide to repaint (stock colors), probably another $1,500-$2k on top of that. By that time I will have over $20k into a 14 year old vehicle.

Gotta love it... Cars and electronics... If it weren't for those two hobbies I would be able to retire in closer to 4 years instead of 9 or 10. But the way I look at it, I'm going to enjoy myself while I still healthy enough to enjoy anything...
 
cliffish said:
I am assuming for that paint price you are going to do it yourself? otherwise bank $5K++ for that alone
Click to expand...
No. Plan is just to have exterior repaint in stock colors. No jambs, no engine compartment and no interior work. Not much body work other than a smallish dent on the driver side below the door and some nicks and scapes in various places. Don’t think a decent shop will go for $5k for just that.
 
cliffish said:
Don't be too surprised if they do. Cost of paint and materials will be over $1,000
Click to expand...
Well, if that were to happen, I will live with the paint as it sits. I would probably go as far as $2,500 before the existing dent, scratches, scuffs and nicks didn't look so bad to me anymore and give my Jeep "character".
 
PCO6 said:
EDIT: I bought some used parts from Drizit for my LJ. When I entered the cost on my spread sheet it caused a major spike the $/mo. that I'm still trying to recover from. [emoji23]
Click to expand...

Hey!! It wasn't that expensive ya cheap skate. ;)

—
There must have been a time
when we could have said no.
 
  • Like
Reactions: PCO6
Top Bottom
Back