So, I figured I’d start a thread I can add to.
Backstory
Where I live a basic, stock, entry level Jeep will run about $48k. ( in the US, this would be your standard basic $23k model). Parts cost US price + 65% import duty + 7.5% tax on the sales price + shipping + duty. Basically 200% what you pay.
The single ‘dealer’ we have here is allowed to then tack on *up to* 75% profit, so of course does.
For reference, a Mopar Sway Bar Link:
Quadratec: $30
Local dealer quoted me : $117
One. Link.
So, clearly a new Jeep was out of the question, but I came across someone selling a salvage/rebuild here. 2010 JKU Sport.
No front end (diff shot, axle struggling, steering wheel upside down, minimal right hand turn, rolled, so passenger side a mess)
They wanted $20k
I wanted (needed?) to get back into a Jeep after 5 years losing my soul in a Ford Escape.
I asked the owner to get quotes (knowing the would be stupid high) on fixing the steering wheel, turning curve, and a bunch of other small bits, I knew I could fix in a couple hours.
$10k later (which for here is a steal), I own a Jeep again.
A project, but a Jeep.
So, welcome to ‘Blue’. The name may change (my daughter won’t let me call him Groot - I thought it was fitting, as Groot simply regrows when destroyed)
To date, I haven’t done a whole lot, due to lack of funds, but have:
Recentered the steering wheel, which in turn fixed the turning curve. (20 minute job a shop quoted the seller $1200 to sort!!)
Added some cheap Quadratec side steps
Replaced tie rods -stock part
Replaced drag link -stock part
Replaced ball joints - synergy HD’s (had someone do that as beyond my skill level!)
Replaced radio with a cheap Kenwood head (needed Bluetooth for phone/wife, now have CarPlay - $350US)
‘Pretty stuff’:
Blacked out wheels & front hood emblem (my 12 year old daughter insisted!)
So much to do....
While I know it’s the most upsetting thing to many here, I’m desperately searching for a basic, stock, standard Dana 30 front axle with 3.73 gears... at the moment I have a slightly bent housing and no front drive shaft, so to me, stock will be an improvement (and remember the upgrade you pay $4k for will cost me 8-12k)
Then a small lift (island is 21 miles by 7 miles, so off roading limited!) and some 33’s
Then...
soft top....
respray...
upgrade bits here and there...
who knows.
At the end of the day I love my broken, battered and limping Jeep. (As does my daughter who cried for two days straight when I had to sell my red ‘99)
Might be the most unexciting thread ever for you all, but I want to keep track of things as I go. Sorry,
Sent from my iPad using WAYALIFE mobile app
Backstory
Where I live a basic, stock, entry level Jeep will run about $48k. ( in the US, this would be your standard basic $23k model). Parts cost US price + 65% import duty + 7.5% tax on the sales price + shipping + duty. Basically 200% what you pay.
The single ‘dealer’ we have here is allowed to then tack on *up to* 75% profit, so of course does.
For reference, a Mopar Sway Bar Link:
Quadratec: $30
Local dealer quoted me : $117
One. Link.
So, clearly a new Jeep was out of the question, but I came across someone selling a salvage/rebuild here. 2010 JKU Sport.
No front end (diff shot, axle struggling, steering wheel upside down, minimal right hand turn, rolled, so passenger side a mess)
They wanted $20k
I wanted (needed?) to get back into a Jeep after 5 years losing my soul in a Ford Escape.
I asked the owner to get quotes (knowing the would be stupid high) on fixing the steering wheel, turning curve, and a bunch of other small bits, I knew I could fix in a couple hours.
$10k later (which for here is a steal), I own a Jeep again.
A project, but a Jeep.
So, welcome to ‘Blue’. The name may change (my daughter won’t let me call him Groot - I thought it was fitting, as Groot simply regrows when destroyed)
To date, I haven’t done a whole lot, due to lack of funds, but have:
Recentered the steering wheel, which in turn fixed the turning curve. (20 minute job a shop quoted the seller $1200 to sort!!)
Added some cheap Quadratec side steps
Replaced tie rods -stock part
Replaced drag link -stock part
Replaced ball joints - synergy HD’s (had someone do that as beyond my skill level!)
Replaced radio with a cheap Kenwood head (needed Bluetooth for phone/wife, now have CarPlay - $350US)
‘Pretty stuff’:
Blacked out wheels & front hood emblem (my 12 year old daughter insisted!)
So much to do....
While I know it’s the most upsetting thing to many here, I’m desperately searching for a basic, stock, standard Dana 30 front axle with 3.73 gears... at the moment I have a slightly bent housing and no front drive shaft, so to me, stock will be an improvement (and remember the upgrade you pay $4k for will cost me 8-12k)
Then a small lift (island is 21 miles by 7 miles, so off roading limited!) and some 33’s
Then...
soft top....
respray...
upgrade bits here and there...
who knows.
At the end of the day I love my broken, battered and limping Jeep. (As does my daughter who cried for two days straight when I had to sell my red ‘99)
Might be the most unexciting thread ever for you all, but I want to keep track of things as I go. Sorry,
Sent from my iPad using WAYALIFE mobile app
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