njxjallday

I'm thinking about building a crawler rig this summer. I'm 17 so price is my biggest issue. I have a good mechanical background and work with jeeps allot know them fairly well, kinda throwing this out as a feeler of there's anyone here who has built one or stuff any advice would help thanks

4x Junkie

the best advice would be to buy one that is close to completed already that way they have taken the hit on depreciation.

sandaddik2

this^

you will NEVER get your money back out of building a crawler, meaning take one from someone else who's invested their time and money.

4x Junkie

I had a dodge ram that I bought for 18K put at least 20 to 25k over 10 years then sold it for 5k

njxjallday

I'm not so much about getting my money out of it im more along the lines of the building it because I know where there's a frame for sale and I was planning on using a full cherokee drivetrain to start off. Like a roll cage on wheels not like a woods truck

sandaddik2

If u can't buy one already built then I'd say run a dana 44 rear or ford 9 inch in the rear.
Keep the front 30 if its a hp 30 non disconnect and put 35s with a 4 inch lift dont put drop brackets or a t case drop this will make you lose clearance,
relocate the shackles for a better ride and more flex.
Regear the axles to 488s and put lock rights in both,

lock right lockers are fine I run 39.5 inch iroks with a lock right and it holds up.

Last put otk steering on it and go wheel it.

Atmos

building a tube buggy is a lot of fricken work. it's not so much the money but having access to tools and know-how. it's very easy to get in over your head and now you're stuck with someone elses project that you couldn't finish either. 17 years old is young for a true crawler. what tech courses have you taken, welding, automotive, experience, your access to tools etc.

think about hidden costs. and finally when you're done, you'll need a trailer and tow rig to even take it to the trails

if you're not very experienced or rich, but have access to friends that will help and lots of tools, do like me. slowly turn your Cherokee into a full out crawler over the years

Atmos

do this. build your Cherokee to handle 35's. you will go a shocking amount of places on locked 35's and you can still drive it to work

Jeepineasy

I built this a starting when I was 17 and finished when was 18. Took 12 months. With the large chunk of my income going to it. I also have a metal fabrication and an automotive background.

I did all the work, paint, regearing axles, bumpers, everything and I still spend a huge amount of money.

Built it with the stock axles and 33s I think this is best because you arnt on the limit of breaking stuff and you still have a rig that will go anywher.


Also your jeep won't be down as long meaning you won't lose interest. Which will happen causing you to cut corners.

njxjallday

I've been working on cars for like 15 years I've do e a little of everything master of absolutely nothing my dad wired on cars for like 45 years I have connections for welders and mechanics if and when I need something but I consider myself very good with my hands I can fix or build anything set my mind to

Atmos

been working on cars since you were 2? nice

Jeepineasy

Then do it dude, people love my jeep. It turns heads like crazy and its a good feeling.

I'm hoping one day I can make a full tube chassis buggy. Sadly I had to learn on my own. My dad can't even change oil so I am learning the hard way.

On the bright side when I'm 40 I'll have a stupid amount of tools

Ianf406

Lmao!

TheCK4x4

I'm 17 18 in July, started this on Thursday and got this far now , hp Dana 44 and a big bearing ford 9"

njxjallday

Yeah lol as soon as I could walk my dad put a ratchet in my hand but I just looks at the frame and is a modified dirt track frame and I'm buying it next weekend for 100$!!!!!!! I can't believe it