I've been hesitant to start anything so bold as a "Build Thread", as my schedule sometimes doesn't afford me the time to build anything. But, it seems I keep interjecting comments and whatnot on other threads regarding the direction I'm heading with my TJ, and about my parts accumulation, as-of late, so I guess it's time.
The pics above are my '98 TJ Sahara as-found. It had been sitting for over a year in that spot, untouched. I bought if off a friend who was the original owner. It has both the hardtop and the convertible top set-up. The rig has 204,000 miles on the clock, and is a 5-speed. I paid $750 for it (he offered it to me for $500, but my conscience wouldn't let me). I am now discovering what a $750 Jeep really costs...
I got the vehicle running after doing a full tune-up and replacing the battery. The rear axle (Dana 35) is toast. Crunching noises and locks up periodically. So, after doing some research, I found a Dana 44 was the preferred axle, and went on a search. I found one, and only one, advertised on Craigslist. Turns out it was a reputable, albeit very expensive, local Jeep wrecking yard/shop. Being green at all things Jeep, I ended up paying almost double what I would later find the same axle selling for. It was so bad that I refuse to reveal what I actually paid to get the thing into my possession. Trust me, though, I've since learned a thing or two, and have made parts purchases that qualify as sensible, if not downright "steals".
So here is a list of parts accumulated thus far, and their cost:
Dana 44 with 3.73 gears "open"..................................too much $$$
Toyo A/T II 31X10.50R15LT C (five of them)........$675.50
Full tune-up parts...................................................$105
Battery....................................................................$125
Stainless steel tailgate hinges (new-Craigslist)......$60
Floor pan replacement panel..................................$56
OME 2" HD springs (full set-"new"-Craigslist)........$206 ($150 plus tax/shipping)
Rancho RS5000X shocks and steering stabilizer...$246
JKS quick disconnects............................................$155
TJ-specific car cover...............................................$98
There's more coming, and the plan is to attack it all in one shot when the weather warms up, and I can roll my Rambler convertible project out of the garage, and the TJ in. It'll be my "staycation" project.
Still to come:
Dirtworx front bumper
Warn M8000-s winch
Five new wheels
Eaton E-locker
Will post pictures when the fun stuff begins. Input is always welcome, and appreciated. Thanks!
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