leo3000

wow...

i just lost everything, i gotta redo it... (forgot to log on)... NOW, FOR THE SECOND TIME:

okay... my name is leo, im brand new to the thread

im 15 y/o and i really want to get a cherokee, BUT** i only have 3000bucks to work with. Im very new to offroading, all i know is what i read and watch on the internet and from that i can see its something i want to get involved with.

So, since im a complete noob, i figured i would turn to yall for some advice on how to get the most out of 3000$...

i kinda wanna do something like this: http://www.jeep-classifieds.com/32962_jeep-ad.html

In the ideal situation, i would like to buy a cheap cherokee and then do the work myself, i know some guys that might help me and im also taking a class (which doesnt cover the suspension well enough) but even if i wont get as good bang 4 the buck, i figure that the experience and knowledge i would gain would over all pay itself off (cus i wanto go into an automotive proffession)

anyway

any comments would be GRATLY appreiciated



i have about 6months to figure it out, so no rush

Thanks alot!

-Leo

lil'whiteXJ

Welcome Leo from Eastern Washington state.

You can do a lot with $3000, and not being in a hurry is a good thing too! Keep your eyes peeled look on craigslist, and you'll find something solid and still have cash to do some mods.

Just my opinion,
Billy

Drewdertuder

hey im 15 too.i got my jeep for 2500 prolly piad a lil too much- lifted it for 200 dollars and put some rims with tires under there for 800.i like the jeep in the link.

Oath

I suggest you buy a $500 dollar jeep or something, with no motor maybe and other problems. Fix that up, should probably help towards your class and profession. Give you some on hand learning and experience before you actually become a mechanic. Just my opinion. It's what I'd do if I was going into your field.

If not, you can always buy an already running jeep, drive it, see if you like it, then do the necessary mods.

richxj89

i have less than 2500 in mine


the key is to look for things cheap on craigslist and ebay. dont be afraid to try something new. and if you think somethings gonna take you a week give yourself a month.

and help everyone you can. you will be surprised all the stuff you can get for helping fellow jeepers out. if not you will always gain experience and friends. i always jump at the chance to help install lifts or help fix things on peoples jeeps

Kenny

hey im 15 too i bought mine stock and am just starting to build it and my dad is kind of teaching me as i go but i guess if i can help then yeah hah

nw-xj-scott

thats awesome, the white one forsale has my bumper and they did a winch plate.. hmm must find one!

my jeep was 500..

start with a $800 jeep
$700 maintenance
$600 lift (4.5")
$600 tires (32-33")
$300 aussie locker for dana30 (with axle oil and cover sealer)

Things to change (maintenance)
-Fluids (Oil/brake/coolant/Powersteering/tranny)
-Brakes
-U joints
-Seals
-Belt/idler pulley
-Sensors
-Diff services
-Exhaust

leo3000

i like the idea of getting a roller...

i could get one for cheap...

hmm...

i have no experience, so that will be an issue

can i get a running gear for cheap?

thanks for the replies

leo3000

what do you have to maintain/change with the u joints?

(im a total noob with NO experience whatso ever.. i dont even know how i know what a u joint is but for some reason i do...)

leo3000

**oh yah**

at what point will i loose a lot of control when driving on the roads?

is 4-5in lift with 33s the max lift to still keep good road handling?

93XJRay

my jeep was 500 as well. just dont rush into anything. most people here will agree with me when i say my xj found me and then followed me home... just keep looking around on craigslist and want ads and stuff and eventually your xj will come to you my friend. just be patient and wait for something to come along. figure out exactly what you want for how much and then go from there, i want a 19xx xj with xxxx miles and xx color and this rear axle and so on... talk to us on here with any xj or ideas on what youre looking at and thinking about and im sure all the guys on here will help you find what you want and need. welcome by the way!

93XJRay

if you put a lift kit on your jeep youre more than likely going to have to change your u joints. some people will say you dont need to, others will say that you should never re-use a u joint. better off going new i think. if youre there you might as well right?

nw-xj-scott

at $20/ea for Spicer joints, i would replace the ones in your axle shafts, also, if you get a 95 and older without ABS, it would be wise to just pick up new axle shafts with 297x joints out of a 96+

If the U-joints in your front and rear drive shafts seem fine, then just leave them for now..

I would also add to my list, Tie rod ends, and Ball joints. Pretty much spend a grand to buy it, another grand to make it reliable, and another grand to make it fun

leo3000

okay so...

what a kind of set up that i should look for?

i love white and if i go with a roller, miles arent as big an issue.

other than that... i know nothing about whats best

thats where i need suggestions...

a1racer

look for one with 4.0 motor and try to find one with a Chrysler 8.25 rear instead of the turdy five. and just take your time and wait and look i have seen some wery nice xj's go for cheep sometimes