Resto-mod the Rubicon

[CybrSlydr]

For a while, I'd been thinking about selling my 06 Rubicon and getting a new Jeep. New vehicle, new engine, new transmission, factory warranty, etc. But the price of a new Rubicon 2-Door is ridiculous. We're talking about $700-900 depending on options per month. So, now I'm considering instead of buying a new Wrangler, why not get a much smaller loan for like... $15-20k, and re-do the whole shebang?

Get new LED headlights with DRL, finally repair the heater core (that I've had sitting on my shelf for almost 2 years), gut the interior and get it detailed and do some rust prevention, buy a new front/rear bumper, shore up the steering with the ZJ parts, get a 4" combo-lift so I can run 35s (along with re-gearing, refresh the shocks/springs, etc), get the frame inspected and patch up any rust, control arms and bushing refreshes, get the engine and transmission a good going-over, get a new head unit so I can BT my phone to the speakers, upgrade the soundbar, get all the fluids changed out, etc.

So - what else would you folks suggest? Anything on here I'm missing that I should consider?

Does the $15-20k sound like a reasonable number to get this stuff done? I think I remember a couple years ago the idea was that for the re-gear, lift, and new tires it'd be about $5k. So that's kinda what I'm basing on. Figure $1500 for the interior/exterior detail/rust prevention, about $800 for the audio upgrades, etc.

Appreciate it folks.

 

[Hackyman]

I think regear and tires/wheels alone will put you close to that $5k number, if you arent doing it yourself. Add another 3k for lifting.

 

[StoneCold]

All I can say is....go for it. Start digging in by doing research on what things cost, what you can do, and what you need to have done. Then go look at your jeep....doesn't take much to figure out what the frame, floorboards, suspension are like.

I would say 15-20K should get you a pretty nice old jeep. There in is the rub...it's still old. Could always see what the used market has for 2dr rubi's of newer vintage. The TJ would have to be a "keeper" to sink that amount of funds in it. If you are going to be making payments on it to do it....I'd be hard pressed to do it.

 

[Hackyman]

For myself, I'll be into mine approx $16k plus cost of the jeep after everything, lift, tt, gears, lockers, armor, but that's doing everything on my own.

 

[inkedrose]

Start with 15k.... then put in the next 15.

I split time between my Jeep and a new Silverado. I don't think there's enough money to make the Jeep as comfortable as the truck. So far I've done stereo, seats, suspension, gearing, wheels, tires, ect... it's still a TJ. If you are looking for all the modern creature comforts it's going to be hard to get there. If you want a cool old Jeep with some modern stuff, thats an easier task

 

[macleanflood]

I wouldn't bother with a Rubicon.

If you really want to go to go for it you'll want aftermarket axles, lockers and you're not too much more of you're paying for a regear.

Why pay Rubicon prices to pull it all out and replace it.

-Mac

 

[CybrSlydr]

If you want a cool old Jeep with some modern stuff, thats an easier task

That's what I'm going for. I want to future-proof it as much as makes sense and upgrade some bits with modern luxuries, like Android Auto. It already has the Dana 44 front and rear, already has the SYE.

The TJ has an iconic shape, IMHO, and I think it's still the best looking. So, I'd like to try and turn it into a great example I can DD and take on trails for a fun weekend of camping or something.

The biggest problem is I'd love to find a 5-speed automatic transmission to put on it, but I don't think those exist?

 

[macleanflood]

How about a 6R80?

Thread 'Jezza's Ford 6R80 Transmission Swap'

Aug 14, 2022

Hey folks. I thought I would continue the thread from the general section over here as it has become less of a tech question and more of a build. A quick recap up to this point. I picked up a broken 6R80 locally to do some fitment testing and start designing a pattern for an adapter from the 4.0 Jeep engine to the Ford 6R80 transmission. As far as I can tell there has not been a 6R80 behind a 4.0l as of yet. If there has and anyone has any info it would be most appreciated. I also ordered a low mileage unit off eBay and thought it would be weeks before receiving it but, it showed up...

• Jezza
• Replies: 129
• Forum: TJ Build Threads & Member's Rides

• 

-Mac