Affordable Chicago Mechanic? Need work done on my 1999 XJ
 

Bought a 1999 XJ a couple days ago. I had it inspected before purchase and knew it needed some things, but the shop was slow in giving me an estimate and I had to pull the trigger before I had the full quote. I'm now experiencing a bit of sticker shock. Thankfully I only paid 3500 and was thinking I would have to throw at least a couple thousand into repairs, but I think the full quote is pretty high. I'm hoping I can get a recommendation on here for a decent, affordable mechanic. I would also be happy to pay someone on here for the items they can do. List is attached - some of it's big stuff, some of it's minor. Confess to totally being a newbie and not being mechanically knowledgeable.



https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...8635e7330e.jpg

I wish I was closer, I'm in SE Michigan. But that looks like a very clean Jeep.
If it needed all that work, how did you drive it home? Does it have death wobble?
Those things on that list are all the stuff you need to know how to do to own a Jeep.


Brakes you should do yourself. Look up Rock Auto.com for parts
If steering is worn out get ZJ V8 drag link and new ends.
Tranny doesn't need flushed, just get some Dextron 3, not 4 or 5, pull drain plug, drain,fill back up, drive for 30 minutes, drain again, fill again, good to go.


Scour this forum and you will get all the answers you need to do it yourself.


That list of parts should be no more than a grand for everything. Shop rates seem right on that list, remember he has rent, ins, overhead, and such to add on. That's why you need to work on these yourself, otherwise it will break you.


Be ready with more info for correct answers:
mileage
lift brand/type
gearing
SYE?
241 or 242 transfer case


Good Luck, looks great so far.

Thanks for the advice. Bit of info:

148k, no death wobble. Drives fine - previous owner had it as his daily driver. Lift is Rough Country 4.5in suspension lift. Will have to check on other questions and get back to you.

Dig through the forums and post there, you'll find all the answers you need. You'll get faster responses and probably find someone near you easier that will help.


Everything you need to do is basic and there are tons of pics and info here, maybe too much at times.

Me personally, I wouldn't own a nearly 20 year old vehicle without the ability to work on it myself. I'm sure all that work needs done in time, and they are happy to take your money. There is nothing on that invoice that a mechanically inclined DIY'r can't do. You should consider a few classes at a local community college along with a Harbor Freight mechanics tool set if you have a place to work on it yourself. Autozone will loan many of the specialty tools you'll need as well. As said, the forums are an indispensable resource for working on things yourself.

If not, consider selling it and getting something newer with less miles and cutting your losses.

where are you located?
my buddy is a mechanic in far west burbs/trans shop in VP