I wanted to start a thread where people can list those unexpected expenses of working on a Jeep/ vehicle. Aside from tools, as that is kind of expected, what are some of those other costs that while small on their own, add up over time?

I'll start up with:

Terry Cloths
PB Blaster
Nitrile Gloves
Paper Towels
Oil Spill Clean up (kitty litter)
Brake Parts Cleaner
Hand Cleaner
lock tite
Anti-seize


As I was adding up 'how cheap' a job was, I realized I had some of the above expenses that I needed to factor in. Anyone else have anything to add? Try to keep it to things that get used up over time and need replaced, stuff that can be used across many jobs.

 

Gas for the torches, nitrogen for AC work, welding gas, rods, and wire.

 

RTV
Oil / Gear Oil
JB Weld (who doesn't use JB weld?!)

 

i hate jb weld. I dont think its all name at this point. We use some stuff at work thats far superior imo..i dont recall the name, but it comes in a tube and is kind of putty like at first.

 

I would like to add to your list but be a lot more specific. You would be surprised at how many times you need to top things off.

- gear oil
- trans fluid (auto and manual)
- engine oil
- coolant
- ps fluid
- brake fluid (floor jacks use this too)
- rtv - grey, black and copper
- grease - moly, anti seize, dielectric, lithium, ect
- grease and tool for zerk fittings (for u-joints and such)
- assortment of wire brushes
- jb weld / epoxy / superglue
- brake clean and a squirt bottle of degreaser (superclean works good)

there is more but that should be a good start.

 

 

I just did the bushings in my track bar today ! What a PITA, till you learn the combination, ratchet strap !!! I threw away the valve cover torque spacer grommets !!! Thought new ones came with the Fel-Pro gasket !!! That one cost me $50 !!! Bent the flange ear on my passenger side axle doing a u-joint. Used a cheap press, I think the old fashion way of shock and awe works better and faster.! I lay the shaft in the grass,(no vise right now) grab a socket, set it on top, hold a small ball pien on the socket, smack it HARD the first time with a BFH. The quick force works much better. Anyways that too cost me $50 But, knowing my rig from one end to the other,,, priceless !!! Plus I've saved a ton of money and I even bought what tools I didn't have !!! Everyone makes mistakes, let's see who's man enough to admit it ? This would actually be a very interesting thread !!! Put these on the list, Lock- tite, red and blue. Silicone spray, White Lithium grease in spray form, replacement hardware, bolts, nuts, washers, clamps, clips etc, solder, flux, terminals, electric tape and heat shrink tubing !!! But, hey! When you finally get or acquire all of this stuff, you will have a very well stocked garage, ready for most any project ! I break my expenses down into categories, tools, replacement parts, upgrades, appearance and consumables.

 

-social life
-sanity
-credibility as a responsible adult

 

Skin and blood. Pretty much got everything else.

 

The whole thinking you can get away with not replacing or doing a part and then getting almost finished to find out ... yup need to do that and have more down time.

 

 

My whole Jeep is one big unexpected cost. And I blame all you guys for this. LOL. Picked up my '00 about 5 years ago. Was kinda running and not really driveable. I am older now and my days of thrashing around out there are long over. But I have owned a Jeep or some 4X4 since I was 16 years old. Figured with a little luck this would be the last 4X4 I would own in my lifetime. Was just going to be a simple little refresh. She is just a DD and I wanted to be able to get around in the snow if I had to. Then I made the mistake of coming around here looking for some insight in basic repairs. For instance what do you do when you bust your top shock bolts. Saw all the stuff that you guys were doing to your Jeeps. All the factory options mine did not come. Looking at some of this stuff and thinking I want that. Then I made the mistake of starting to cruise Craigslist and Ebay on a regular basis. Finding many of these factory options. Lots of things are simply plug and play. Adding cruise control for instance. And it is not helping that you guys do these awesome write ups on how to do this stuff. Always there to lend a helping hand. Simple little refresh my ***.

 

DITTO Ralph you nailed it !!! What you described above, is my exact scenario too ! And you're absolutely correct ! These guys sucked me in too !!!

 

I wish I had started a build thread in the beginning. Originally I got the Jeep up running and punched through emissions. Then it was just basic maintenance stuff. Was relatively solid but was a little neglected. Brakes, shocks, and the like. Then I figured well lets do what we can to improve MPG. It gets what she gets but at least I did what I could. So I did things like replace all the O2 sensors. Figured they were original and had about 150K on them. At that point I was cruising these sites but not registered. Really did not think I had much to offer. Then I see about 4 hole injectors. Thinking new injectors would be nice and if we are going to do that might as well up grade. So of course we get into the well while we are here thing. So I did a valve cover gasket. Then I started reading about that fuel rail dampner on the '00. What some people call the flame thrower. Was able to score a brand new Mopar one cheap. Now we get into the I want to go in once and never again. Considering how old I am and how little I drive that is very possible. Like when I did my rear brakes. I went as far as to buy new emergency brake lever bars. Who does that? But I also work at an auto parts store and get a discount so.... Then after that I found myself spending much more time here and registered. I see guy who put '98 Grand Cherokee 5.9 louvers on his XJ. Those looked so cool. Just so happened that I did have some surface rust on my hood and roof. Through the store I have some contacts. Got a guy whose does body work and paint. So I sourced some louvers cause I figured if I was going to do this let him handle that with taking care of my surface rust issues. Seeing other things like removable headrest seats, overhead consoles, and the like I got it in my head I wanted to build this Limited, Country, Up Country, European Orvis clone. That is when things really got out of control. LOL.

 

By now haven't you guys realized that some here (not me of course) like spending other peoples money? LOL