Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ radiator

Rocky Mountain Billy Goat Build

Dibs on the midarm

bird vulture GIF
 
I actually start getting involved just in time to see another LJ go bye bye :cry:. It will take some time but I do plan on going through everything you did.
 
What's up? Do you have a #3 kiddo on the way?
I'd hate to see a cool project go to the wayside, whether it be Jeep or hotrod or whatever.

Thankfully no, but in trying to get the family to get out and camp and such is a bit harder than it should be in the Jeep - we are needing something a bit more practical for what we like doing.
 
You decide to keep it and paint it yellow?

That would definitely demand a sale. I'm looking around out there and don't see anything else that seems like it can check the boxes I'd like to. So I'm going to do a few things to try and make it work better for what we've been wanting as my kids are getting older.

Having that boring daily helps a bit.

I'll probably make it so my spare can mount out back again (optionally), and may look for an OEM hardtop. The other things the better half requests are mostly just on me having to clean it more.
 
That would definitely demand a sale. I'm looking around out there and don't see anything else that seems like it can check the boxes I'd like to. So I'm going to do a few things to try and make it work better for what we've been wanting as my kids are getting older.

Having that boring daily helps a bit.

I'll probably make it so my spare can mount out back again (optionally), and may look for an OEM hardtop. The other things the better half requests are mostly just on me having to clean it more.

You are very likely better off with a dedicated family "SUV" than just having a car for family stuff. The Jeep will never me what the missus/family wants no matter what you do, even with a hardtop and no matter what you do, folks will complain about noise, gas mileage, lack of rear seating/storage and whatever they can complain about. I know because I have "friends" that do the same.

I suggest you look for something the size of an older Forester or a RAV4/Highlander or a CR-V/Pilot for the family outdoor stuff, that can ferry 4 comfortably and carry all the cargo. Sell your car after you find it and use that as the daily/family vehicle. You will be much happier. Newer SUVs are stupid big and also expensive, but something 10-15y old will be a nice option if you can find it.

Just my humble 0.02.
 
You are very likely better off with a dedicated family "SUV" than just having a car for family stuff. The Jeep will never me what the missus/family wants no matter what you do, even with a hardtop and no matter what you do, folks will complain about noise, gas mileage, lack of rear seating/storage and whatever they can complain about. I know because I have "friends" that do the same.

I suggest you look for something the size of an older Forester or a RAV4/Highlander or a CR-V/Pilot for the family outdoor stuff, that can ferry 4 comfortably and carry all the cargo. Sell your car after you find it and use that as the daily/family vehicle. You will be much happier. Newer SUVs are stupid big and also expensive, but something 10-15y old will be a nice option if you can find it.

Just my humble 0.02.

I’d say find a good 4x4 F150. Plenty of interior space, can be found decently priced. Significant cargo capacity with either a tonneau of topper.

Then you can buy a trailer and tow the LJ in comfort.
 
You are very likely better off with a dedicated family "SUV" than just having a car for family stuff. The Jeep will never me what the missus/family wants no matter what you do, even with a hardtop and no matter what you do, folks will complain about noise, gas mileage, lack of rear seating/storage and whatever they can complain about. I know because I have "friends" that do the same.

I suggest you look for something the size of an older Forester or a RAV4/Highlander or a CR-V/Pilot for the family outdoor stuff, that can ferry 4 comfortably and carry all the cargo. Sell your car after you find it and use that as the daily/family vehicle. You will be much happier. Newer SUVs are stupid big and also expensive, but something 10-15y old will be a nice option if you can find it.

Just my humble 0.02.

I considered a lot of options of older cars so far, it blows my mind that 3rd gen 4runners are $20,000+! XJs are 12+, etc.

I'm a minimalist camping, so the rest will just have to learn 😅.

I'll just beat the hell out of the Santa Fe (our other, other car) while finishing saving up for its replacement and sit on the Jeep. I decided that ultimately it's going to be okay that maybe it's just a thing I enjoy (and actually, my kids absolutely love it). I appreciate the advice to avoid chasing that rabbit hole too far.

The fusion has a complicated story, but the short is it can't go anywhere.
 
I considered a lot of options of older cars so far, it blows my mind that 3rd gen 4runners are $20,000+! XJs are 12+, etc.

I'm a minimalist camping, so the rest will just have to learn 😅.

I'll just beat the hell out of the Santa Fe (our other, other car) while finishing saving up for its replacement and sit on the Jeep. I decided that ultimately it's going to be okay that maybe it's just a thing I enjoy (and actually, my kids absolutely love it). I appreciate the advice to avoid chasing that rabbit hole too far.

The fusion has a complicated story, but the short is it can't go anywhere.

That (highlighted) is a very good realization, as long as you can deal with the spousal reactions :ROFLMAO:

The car prices post pandemic are just stupid, but some sanity seems to be returning unlike real estate. I was desperate to replace my XJ before this winter started, and searched and searched before I found my 2001 Forester. Even that was not without complications. Toyotas in general are just stupid expensive compared to all the rest for reasons I don't understand. The other car model I considered was the Jeep liberty since prices were reasonable (I like the look and interior of KJ better than KK, but gas mileage isn't great, and if not taken care of, they have valve seat issues that you need to be aware of). I think something that size would be perfect for you. And don't discount the Subarus (I know, I know, it's the Colorado posterchild car brand), the head gasket issue and the fix is pretty well known at most shops these days. You can budget for it and use it as a bargaining point as well. The 2003-2008 Foresters are really good cars and pretty nice looking too.

I’d say find a good 4x4 F150. Plenty of interior space, can be found decently priced. Significant cargo capacity with either a tonneau of topper.

Then you can buy a trailer and tow the LJ in comfort.

I think F150 is too expensive if you are not doing truck stuff (unless you like having a truck and driving one, of course).
 
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Oh man I'm currently going through this. Hang in there! I have a garage full of parts, no time and motivation to put them on. I havebeen wheeling three times this year, all to the same trail. Kids like it but lately life has been to busy for the wheeling trips we use to take.

I have always enjoyed reading this build and based a lot of my route on this. Hopefully you keep it but I really get the struggle.
 
I think F150 is too expensive if you are not doing truck stuff (unless you like having a truck and driving one, of course).

F150's run the gambit when it comes to pricing since there are so many out there. a 2004 or newer are easy to work on and parts are cheap and plentiful if needed but most are like tanks if you don't have to worry about rust.

The big benefit is the comfort factor which it seems like that may be a big issue with the mrs and the kids would love the back seat of a crew cab.

I'm guessing Mrs Rasband would enjoy having a refrigerator and a portable grill. So much more space to carry gear.

Then when Rasband meets us in Moab to wheel next year he can camp out of his truck because he trailered the jeep, using all the camping gear he bought for the "family" trips. ;)
 
Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ radiator