Okay Guys. I'm on Jeep number 11 in the last 5 years. (3 in the last month - I know, I have commitment issues). I always regretted selling my first TJ a few years ago, and have been eager to get back into one. I was convinced I needed an LJ, and have been looking ferociously for a deal. 
I've taken a break from that pursuit, and for my own sanity have settled on a Jeep to build.
A timeline of events leading to today's purchase -
I sold my JKUR for an insane markup after running 40K miles up on it. I made around 11K after accounting for my modifications.
In July I purchased an 05 TJR that I had planned to build. I had plotted it out and was about to start the build when my neighbor posted his 05 TJ X with only 22K miles. I immediately snagged it up and had planned on reverting it to stock with the take offs from my rubicon and flipping it. Decided to list it as is just to gauge interest and immediately had offers for significantly more than I paid for it. I had so much interest, I let one of the guys who missed out on it offer 4K more than what I paid for my TJR - and I let it go.
I've spent the last week TJ-less, and let my wife convince me to curb my addiction and put money down on a new Tacoma. She's tired of hearing about all my Jeep plans. Though she hasn't been upset that we're turning a profit.
Then I woke up to a stock 2006 Golden Eagle - 1 owner, 115K miles. It spent its life in TX and a has been parked in the garage of second home in CO. Towed behind a motorhome briefly. Not even a full mile from house. Pretty sure this thing has never been off road.
I'm going to stop testing fate, and tap out and build this TJ or I won't stop trying to find a better deal.
Goals:
Looking to run 33" tires and preserve a stock look, while still being capable to run moderate trails. I venture out to Moab a few times a year, but haven't attempted anything harder than Hell's Revenge because I'm typically rolling solo. I've done all the trails in the Silverton/Ouray area multiple times, but they're not really challenging. I'm hoping this forum will help me branch out some more.
Plans thus far: I'm taking off the side steps as soon as it stops raining. Giving it a good detailing. I've ordered parts to replace the rear main seal and the OPDA. Very slight oil leak, but want to get things rolling right. Outside of fluid changes, I'll be replacing speakers as the sub and others are blown. I'm open to suggestions as well here. I'll utilize the search feature though and do some digging on my own. Otherwise, interior is in great shape.
Either a Full Currie 4" lift or looking at an OME setup. Likely the latter, as I don't envision going over 33's with this Jeep. I'm planning to purchase via DPG offroad, unless someone has ideas for a better deal. Does anywhere offer a forum discount?
Not sure where to start with an SYE, as my previous TJ's were Rubicons. Haven't done my research yet. So a new driveshaft as well.
I'm also thinking I'll want 4:88's instead of the the 3:73's, at which time I'll plan on adding lockers. Brakes and steering yet to be addressed.
My hope for this is be a more moderate build. I'd like to keep the cost for all modifications under 7K, with the labor for the regear included. I'd hope to fit a winch and a MORryde in there as well. If I can do that, this TJ will have been paid for completely by my side hustle on FB marketplace.
Looking forward to being an active member and have throughout enjoyed everything I've been reading.
I've taken a break from that pursuit, and for my own sanity have settled on a Jeep to build.A timeline of events leading to today's purchase -
I sold my JKUR for an insane markup after running 40K miles up on it. I made around 11K after accounting for my modifications.
In July I purchased an 05 TJR that I had planned to build. I had plotted it out and was about to start the build when my neighbor posted his 05 TJ X with only 22K miles. I immediately snagged it up and had planned on reverting it to stock with the take offs from my rubicon and flipping it. Decided to list it as is just to gauge interest and immediately had offers for significantly more than I paid for it. I had so much interest, I let one of the guys who missed out on it offer 4K more than what I paid for my TJR - and I let it go.
I've spent the last week TJ-less, and let my wife convince me to curb my addiction and put money down on a new Tacoma. She's tired of hearing about all my Jeep plans. Though she hasn't been upset that we're turning a profit.
Then I woke up to a stock 2006 Golden Eagle - 1 owner, 115K miles. It spent its life in TX and a has been parked in the garage of second home in CO. Towed behind a motorhome briefly. Not even a full mile from house. Pretty sure this thing has never been off road.
I'm going to stop testing fate, and tap out and build this TJ or I won't stop trying to find a better deal.
Goals:
Looking to run 33" tires and preserve a stock look, while still being capable to run moderate trails. I venture out to Moab a few times a year, but haven't attempted anything harder than Hell's Revenge because I'm typically rolling solo. I've done all the trails in the Silverton/Ouray area multiple times, but they're not really challenging. I'm hoping this forum will help me branch out some more.
Plans thus far: I'm taking off the side steps as soon as it stops raining. Giving it a good detailing. I've ordered parts to replace the rear main seal and the OPDA. Very slight oil leak, but want to get things rolling right. Outside of fluid changes, I'll be replacing speakers as the sub and others are blown. I'm open to suggestions as well here. I'll utilize the search feature though and do some digging on my own. Otherwise, interior is in great shape.
Either a Full Currie 4" lift or looking at an OME setup. Likely the latter, as I don't envision going over 33's with this Jeep. I'm planning to purchase via DPG offroad, unless someone has ideas for a better deal. Does anywhere offer a forum discount?
Not sure where to start with an SYE, as my previous TJ's were Rubicons. Haven't done my research yet. So a new driveshaft as well.
I'm also thinking I'll want 4:88's instead of the the 3:73's, at which time I'll plan on adding lockers. Brakes and steering yet to be addressed.
My hope for this is be a more moderate build. I'd like to keep the cost for all modifications under 7K, with the labor for the regear included. I'd hope to fit a winch and a MORryde in there as well. If I can do that, this TJ will have been paid for completely by my side hustle on FB marketplace.
Looking forward to being an active member and have throughout enjoyed everything I've been reading.
Last edited:
