Decisions Decisons
06-21-2012, 08:20 PM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Flagstaff, Arizona
Posts: 609
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6
Decisions Decisons
Mods please feel free to move if not in the correct section.
Well folks today I realized a few decisions i have to make soon.
I showed my dad the list of all I want to do to my Jeep and he suggested keeping mods low because i'll never get that money back if i choose to re-sell.
Heres a copy of my list:
A-Pillar Light Mounts $40.00
KC Hilites Day Lighter 100W Pair Black $118.99
Smittybilt MOD Front Bumper $399.99
Smittybilt MOD Bull Bar $99.99
KC Hilites Fog Lamp 100W $116.99
Smittybilt XRC-8 Winch $299.99
Smittybilt D-Rings $51.96
Smittybilt XRC Rear Bumper $399.99
Smittybilt Beaver Step $49.99
Smittybilt Reciever Tow Hook $14.99
Bushwacker Flat Style Fender Flares $459.99
Daystar Front SwayBar Bushing 25mm $24.99
Old Man Emu 3"Lift w/Ubolts, bushings and Steering Stabilizer $1,219.70
Old Man Emu 10mm Front Spacer $21.98
Rubicon Express Adjusable Lower Control Arms Super Ride $219.99
JKS Adjustable Track Bar $216.99
Mamba Offroad Type MR-1 Machined 16x8 $699.95
Cooper STT 265/75/16 $1,325.00
Tomken Gas Tank Skid $184.99
K&N Fuel Injection Performance Kit $247.99
Magnaflow 49 State Legal Catalytic Converter $131.99
Magnaflow Performance Cat-Back Exhaust System $499.99
Mean Grean Alternator $399.99
Mean Green Starter $299.99
Optima Yellow-Top $199.99
PlastiColor Jeep Logo Front Mats $42.99
Rear Slush Mats $44.99
$7,862.34
As you can see its quite extensive, and the total is a little hard to swallow.
I dont plan to re-sell. But i do want to make smart decisions with my investments. My XJ has 199,000 miles on it now, is rust free and runs great, and I know these engines will go forever, but along with that i know that at some point it will break and I will need a re-manufactured engine or a junkyard engine.
I guess my question is, should i save and continue to make these upgrades with the expectancy of dropping in an engine and plan to never get the money i spend back. Or should I wait to buy a newer Jeep.
I told him I would rather spend less than 10K and keep this Jeep and make it my own with upgrades than make a car payment later on.
Any opinions would be much appreciated. Im 17 working for close to minimum wage, so modifying my Jeep is slow going. But I love it and wouldnt trade the experiences ive had with it for anything.
Well folks today I realized a few decisions i have to make soon.
I showed my dad the list of all I want to do to my Jeep and he suggested keeping mods low because i'll never get that money back if i choose to re-sell.
Heres a copy of my list:
A-Pillar Light Mounts $40.00
KC Hilites Day Lighter 100W Pair Black $118.99
Smittybilt MOD Front Bumper $399.99
Smittybilt MOD Bull Bar $99.99
KC Hilites Fog Lamp 100W $116.99
Smittybilt XRC-8 Winch $299.99
Smittybilt D-Rings $51.96
Smittybilt XRC Rear Bumper $399.99
Smittybilt Beaver Step $49.99
Smittybilt Reciever Tow Hook $14.99
Bushwacker Flat Style Fender Flares $459.99
Daystar Front SwayBar Bushing 25mm $24.99
Old Man Emu 3"Lift w/Ubolts, bushings and Steering Stabilizer $1,219.70
Old Man Emu 10mm Front Spacer $21.98
Rubicon Express Adjusable Lower Control Arms Super Ride $219.99
JKS Adjustable Track Bar $216.99
Mamba Offroad Type MR-1 Machined 16x8 $699.95
Cooper STT 265/75/16 $1,325.00
Tomken Gas Tank Skid $184.99
K&N Fuel Injection Performance Kit $247.99
Magnaflow 49 State Legal Catalytic Converter $131.99
Magnaflow Performance Cat-Back Exhaust System $499.99
Mean Grean Alternator $399.99
Mean Green Starter $299.99
Optima Yellow-Top $199.99
PlastiColor Jeep Logo Front Mats $42.99
Rear Slush Mats $44.99
$7,862.34
As you can see its quite extensive, and the total is a little hard to swallow.
I dont plan to re-sell. But i do want to make smart decisions with my investments. My XJ has 199,000 miles on it now, is rust free and runs great, and I know these engines will go forever, but along with that i know that at some point it will break and I will need a re-manufactured engine or a junkyard engine.
I guess my question is, should i save and continue to make these upgrades with the expectancy of dropping in an engine and plan to never get the money i spend back. Or should I wait to buy a newer Jeep.
I told him I would rather spend less than 10K and keep this Jeep and make it my own with upgrades than make a car payment later on.
Any opinions would be much appreciated. Im 17 working for close to minimum wage, so modifying my Jeep is slow going. But I love it and wouldnt trade the experiences ive had with it for anything.
06-21-2012, 10:08 PM
#4
CF Veteran
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: SLC, Utah
Posts: 3,603
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
I've been building jeeps and wheeling for almost a Decade now over the years I learned how to save money and build a reliable rig on the cheap for the most part. I have less than $3,000 into my entire build of my XJ,
I would also seriously look into building your own lift kit Peice by Piece, It will save you Tons of Money. I saved over $400 piecing together my lift
15" wheels and tires are cheaper than 16" wheels and tires are too not to mention lighter so less rotating mass = easier on brakes and gas milage
31x10.50x15 Cooper SST's will be $925 where a 265/75/16 is $1,325 , A 15" wheel will save you $ 400 in tire cost Tires are only going up in price !
Mean green Starter and alternators are a ripoffs and not needed if you winch. You can save a bunch by getting a alternator for another mopar truck that puts out 130 amps for $100 and have a lifetime warranty over a 1 yr warranty. That will save you $ 700 JKS Tracbar is pricy for what it is , You can get a RE tracbar for $ 125 so there is another $90 in savings The beaver step is pointless an not needed so there is another $50 ,If your cat is still good no need to replace it Save another $130 , The Catback is over priced buy a magnaflow muffler for $100 and have a exhaust shop bend a tailpipe an weld up the muffler for $140 that will save another $260
So total I just knocked off your build would be $ 1,630. An I have not even picked apart the lift yet or deducted the savings of 15" wheels over 16" wheels.
With the amount you just tallied up from Quadratec, I could add 4K to my XJ Build an have it Long armed, Add a swing out carrier, Exocage, Regear, lock the front diff, and get some 35's . An it would be build one hell of alot better than yours with the same 7,800 total investment in the Jeep
Last edited by Tom95YJ; 06-21-2012 at 10:54 PM.
06-21-2012, 10:49 PM
#6
CF Veteran
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Maine
Posts: 1,173
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
2 Posts
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 inline 6
there's definitely some things that i would change. you can get that bill down 2000 dollars i bet. but anyways, mod it out. you'll be happy wen you have a nice jeep.
Trending Topics
06-21-2012, 10:52 PM
#9
Seasoned Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 362
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
06-21-2012, 10:53 PM
#10
CF Veteran
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Carrollton, GA
Posts: 14,553
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Year: 1994
Model: Cherokee
Engine: Inline 6 4.0L High Output
X2
I've been building jeeps and wheeling for almost a Decade now over the years I learned how to save money and build a reliable rig on the cheap for the most part. I have less than $3,000 into my entire build of my XJ,
I would also seriously look into building your own lift kit Peice by Piece, It will save you Tons of Money. I saved over $400 piecing together my lift
15" wheels and tires are cheaper than 16" wheels and tires are too not to mention lighter so less rotating mass = easier on brakes and gas milage
31x10.50x15 Cooper SST's will be $925 where a 265/75/16 is $1,325 , A 15" wheel will save you $ 400 in tire cost Tires are only going up in price !
Mean green Starter and alternators are a ripoffs and not needed if you winch. You can save a bunch by getting a alternator for another mopar truck that puts out 130 amps for $100 and have a lifetime warranty over a 1 yr warranty. That will save you $ 700 JKS Tracbar is pricy for what it is , You can get a RE tracbar for $ 125 so there is another $90 in savings The beaver step is pointless an not needed so there is another $50 ,If your cat is still good no need to replace it Save another $130 , The Catback is over priced buy a magnaflow muffler for $100 and have a exhaust shop bend a tailpipe an weld up the muffler for $140 that will save another $260
So total I just knocked off your build would be $ 1,630. An I have not even picked apart the lift yet or deducted the savings of 15" wheels over 16" wheels.
With the amount you just tallied up from Quadratec, I could add 4K to my XJ Build an have it Long armed, Add a swing out carrier, Exocage, Regear, lock the front diff, and get some 35's . Hell I could probably have some D60's under it since I always find them built for $1,500 online when people start parting their rigs
I've been building jeeps and wheeling for almost a Decade now over the years I learned how to save money and build a reliable rig on the cheap for the most part. I have less than $3,000 into my entire build of my XJ,
I would also seriously look into building your own lift kit Peice by Piece, It will save you Tons of Money. I saved over $400 piecing together my lift
15" wheels and tires are cheaper than 16" wheels and tires are too not to mention lighter so less rotating mass = easier on brakes and gas milage
31x10.50x15 Cooper SST's will be $925 where a 265/75/16 is $1,325 , A 15" wheel will save you $ 400 in tire cost Tires are only going up in price !
Mean green Starter and alternators are a ripoffs and not needed if you winch. You can save a bunch by getting a alternator for another mopar truck that puts out 130 amps for $100 and have a lifetime warranty over a 1 yr warranty. That will save you $ 700 JKS Tracbar is pricy for what it is , You can get a RE tracbar for $ 125 so there is another $90 in savings The beaver step is pointless an not needed so there is another $50 ,If your cat is still good no need to replace it Save another $130 , The Catback is over priced buy a magnaflow muffler for $100 and have a exhaust shop bend a tailpipe an weld up the muffler for $140 that will save another $260
So total I just knocked off your build would be $ 1,630. An I have not even picked apart the lift yet or deducted the savings of 15" wheels over 16" wheels.
With the amount you just tallied up from Quadratec, I could add 4K to my XJ Build an have it Long armed, Add a swing out carrier, Exocage, Regear, lock the front diff, and get some 35's . Hell I could probably have some D60's under it since I always find them built for $1,500 online when people start parting their rigs
Last edited by 94XjSport94; 06-21-2012 at 10:55 PM.
06-21-2012, 11:08 PM
#11
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Flagstaff, Arizona
Posts: 609
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6
Originally Posted by 94XjSport94
If its OME that sounds pretty close
06-21-2012, 11:26 PM
#14
Originally Posted by Tom95YJ
A 3.5" Re kit with full leafs and bilstein 5100's is roughly $1100, Which is why I pieced together mine for $685 including shocks
OME is quality its not RC!
Your $685 isn't bad for everything
I'd also recommend looking at serious offload
Last edited by dogger15; 06-21-2012 at 11:29 PM.
06-21-2012, 11:38 PM
#15
Senior Member
X2
I've been building jeeps and wheeling for almost a Decade now over the years I learned how to save money and build a reliable rig on the cheap for the most part. I have less than $3,000 into my entire build of my XJ,
I would also seriously look into building your own lift kit Peice by Piece, It will save you Tons of Money. I saved over $400 piecing together my lift
15" wheels and tires are cheaper than 16" wheels and tires are too not to mention lighter so less rotating mass = easier on brakes and gas milage
31x10.50x15 Cooper SST's will be $925 where a 265/75/16 is $1,325 , A 15" wheel will save you $ 400 in tire cost Tires are only going up in price !
Mean green Starter and alternators are a ripoffs and not needed if you winch. You can save a bunch by getting a alternator for another mopar truck that puts out 130 amps for $100 and have a lifetime warranty over a 1 yr warranty. That will save you $ 700 JKS Tracbar is pricy for what it is , You can get a RE tracbar for $ 125 so there is another $90 in savings The beaver step is pointless an not needed so there is another $50 ,If your cat is still good no need to replace it Save another $130 , The Catback is over priced buy a magnaflow muffler for $100 and have a exhaust shop bend a tailpipe an weld up the muffler for $140 that will save another $260
So total I just knocked off your build would be $ 1,630. An I have not even picked apart the lift yet or deducted the savings of 15" wheels over 16" wheels.
With the amount you just tallied up from Quadratec, I could add 4K to my XJ Build an have it Long armed, Add a swing out carrier, Exocage, Regear, lock the front diff, and get some 35's . An it would be build one hell of alot better than yours with the same 7,800 total investment in the Jeep
I've been building jeeps and wheeling for almost a Decade now over the years I learned how to save money and build a reliable rig on the cheap for the most part. I have less than $3,000 into my entire build of my XJ,
I would also seriously look into building your own lift kit Peice by Piece, It will save you Tons of Money. I saved over $400 piecing together my lift
15" wheels and tires are cheaper than 16" wheels and tires are too not to mention lighter so less rotating mass = easier on brakes and gas milage
31x10.50x15 Cooper SST's will be $925 where a 265/75/16 is $1,325 , A 15" wheel will save you $ 400 in tire cost Tires are only going up in price !
Mean green Starter and alternators are a ripoffs and not needed if you winch. You can save a bunch by getting a alternator for another mopar truck that puts out 130 amps for $100 and have a lifetime warranty over a 1 yr warranty. That will save you $ 700 JKS Tracbar is pricy for what it is , You can get a RE tracbar for $ 125 so there is another $90 in savings The beaver step is pointless an not needed so there is another $50 ,If your cat is still good no need to replace it Save another $130 , The Catback is over priced buy a magnaflow muffler for $100 and have a exhaust shop bend a tailpipe an weld up the muffler for $140 that will save another $260
So total I just knocked off your build would be $ 1,630. An I have not even picked apart the lift yet or deducted the savings of 15" wheels over 16" wheels.
With the amount you just tallied up from Quadratec, I could add 4K to my XJ Build an have it Long armed, Add a swing out carrier, Exocage, Regear, lock the front diff, and get some 35's . An it would be build one hell of alot better than yours with the same 7,800 total investment in the Jeep