Help me plan my "down" time

[nitehawg]

OK I admit it, I'm a JEEP freak. I just gotta have one of those open top toys. This will not be any type of primary vehicle, but just something for me to run around in. My question is should I buy something used and modify it to my liking, or should I start from scratch purchasing a new frame, body, drivetrain and all the other little things and build my own. HELP please.

[Diesel]

well to start what era jeep are you looking for, a mil style older jeep, or a newer style? Depends how much free time u have, and how much you enjoy working on things.

[nitehawg]

Probably not gonna be much help here. Probably a newer style, although I wouldn't pass up a mil style. I'm retired, free time is 24/7 (with appropriate spousal approval). Really enjoy wrenching. Leaning towards longer wheelbase (over 100"), might even mess with dropping a diesel (no pun intended, but you would be welcome for a ride/drive) in it.

[Diesel]

If you're in TX here's a deal on a 92 renegade, i remember i liked this when it came out in the early 90's

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-Trucks___1992-JEEP-WRANGLER-RENEGADE-FOR-FARM-RANCH-OR-HUNTING_W0QQitemZ230292700626QQddnZCarsQ20Q26Q20TrucksQQddiZ2282QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item230292700626&_trkparms=72%3A727|39%3A1|65%3A12|240%3A1318&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245

[nitehawg]

Thanks for the link Diesel. Right now we're still stuck in Chicago until the house deal is closed upon, hopefully next week. At this time just trying to get ideas and researching. Right now, nothing to do but bench wrench.

[Diesel]

Thanks for the link Diesel. Right now we're still stuck in Chicago until the house deal is closed upon, hopefully next week. At this time just trying to get ideas and researching. Right now, nothing to do but bench wrench.

that being said maybe invest in a benchtop cnc machine and have some fun making cool projects, survival and not survival stuff, and if u get good at one particular item you could even make and sell it for fun

anything from custom light/otrch housings, to gun parts, to adapters, fittings, etc etc.. sky is the limit really

[nitehawg]

SMF1971,

At least in this state (Illanoy) you can title it and if you use approved parts it is street legal. All you have to do is show up at the DMV with your receipts and they issue you a V.I.N. I'll have to check out my new state.

Good thought Diesel, have to look into that!

[TheUnboundOne]

Nitehawg, If it was me, if I were to have a Jeep, I would want something lower to the ground than some of them. The one my Dad has could flip over very easily if you turn too sharp a turn.

[nitehawg]

TUO, I agree.

I don't like the way high lifts. I don't believe they accomplish anything other than causing vehicle stability problems. Most folks are looking to gain ground clearance with those lifts and forget that ground clearance is measured at the lowest point of the vehicle, normally the bottom of the differentials. That being said, if those folks like the looks of their tall vehicles, God bless them. They have added a lot of drive line technology to the industry.

I think there are only two ways to raise the diffs.: taller tires and/or portal axles (think UNIMOG). Portals are way too $$$$$, so taller tires are the route for me. I'll probably also go with some wider axles, nothing that sticks out too far but something to add a little stability. I don't want a lift any taller than 3" (these old bones just can't climb as high anymore), easier to accomplish with minimal drive line mods. If I want to get taller tires than
3" allow, I find it easier to modify the wheel wells than lift any higher.

And if all else fails that's what they make roll cages for :) In my younger days, I've been wrong side up a coupla times. Not fun, but not terrifying either. Just a pain picking up the contents of the cooler. Alas, age has changed my attitude. No more rock crawling or racing, just easy trail rides and pleasant cruising

[Ulath]

New Jeep vrs Old

I see this is an older post or if you have not made your mind up yet but I'm a Jeep freak myself and I would say that I would go with the new JK style jeeps. I am a member of a local Jeep Club and all of the older models in the club cost about what mine does payment wise in just maintaining them. I have a seven year warranty on mine and it was relativly cheap out the door. I know the picture is small but mine is set up with cross country trails in mind. No extream rock crawling or anything. It has a 2.5 inch lift with 33 tires. I love it.