Dave and Jordan....What's your advice on a Brute "Candidate" TJ?

[imajeepnut]

Hey Dave...Jordan. It's been a while since I've had time to talk with you....and the last time was 3 yrs ago or better I guess. But I've been keeping up with all you're doing and like everyone else, I enjoy it.

If you will remember.....we talked about converting my Rubicon back before your kits were ready to ship......maybe even a year before they shipped. I still have that Rubicon. It has only 2500 miles, and my intent was to put it thru the conversion. But since then and since the new JK platform and the retired 4.0L, I've been giving thought to my options with this particular Jeep. From where I'm sitting, it seems a shame to molest such a clean low mileage example of one of the last TJs. Maybe I'm hoping it will show up on the Barrett Jackson auction in 20 yrs for around $100K....! But knowing how the early CJ's have increased in value, I'm thinking this TJ that I have might do the same if I keep it put up and maintained over the years. It's Shale Green which is nice.....but not my Brute color choice.

So I lean towards starting with a nicely used TJ to lower my initial investment and ease the pain of cutting in to the tub!.

Would either of you care to comment on what "you" might to with this '03 that I have? In the scheme of things.....it's just a Jeep I know. But at this date, I'm sure it's pretty rare to find one this clean and new....so knowing you enjoy Jeeps as you do...I'll ask what you think.


I have a few design questions next, so I'll probably start a thread on those questions soon to follow.

Great site....glad to be here.

Jeff in GA.

[AEV Kent]

We're in Moab right now with limited web access. I'm writing from Kents computer and hence his acct. If looking for a TJ, it kind of depends what your end plans are...no reason to look for a Rubicon if you're wanting 60s...that sort of thing makes the decision for you. Rubicons are great bases for most people, it just depends on how far you plan on going. As far as TJs go, the 99-00 is probably the best in terms of power and reliability.

dh

[imajeepnut]

I guess the first question I need to address has to do with my '03 Rubicon with 2500 miles.

I like the Shale Green color...but my Brute Green preference would mean a total repaint in the new color. I want a Brute that I can work out of. Pull stumps, drag logs, haul landscaping media, firewood.....etc. I need to use it. I would like the highline kit with 37's. The stock Rubicon axles may be a little weak for 37's. I have a set of Currie 9" that may be OK....with regearing. I want it capable to handle what I throw at it, and still be a daily driver. I just don't know if I need "built" 60's.

So....

1. Since I've kept the '03 "as new" for so long, would I be better off to keep it if I have the wherewithall to do so....as a lasting survivor TJ....maybe appreciating in value in a few years?...and buy another Brute TJ candidate?

or

2. Should I sell it and start off with a 99-00 to reduce my initial investment?
(and this depends on what I could expect to get for my '03 today)

or

3. Should I/you cut it and do the full monty? Either repaint or settle with the current Shale Green for a cost savings?


I know you can't make my decisions for me(as they say), but I do respect your/everyone's input. I'm on the fence here. My wife wants me to sell it or send it to you...and I'm wanting to build "my" Brute myself. I think she would prefer my time be spent in other "home" projects this summer! I guess I have too many Jeep projects.

Thanks,
Jeff

[butcher_block]

if $$ allows get the beater to cut up as most of the drive line will be replaced
me hell you could dam near go to a junk yard and find a 99-00 that was busted up but not rusty and start from there
mostly straight frame and some what nice cab
im betting high line and heat reduce hood all in the plans

all you really need i the frame dash+ alittle as a V8 or CRD would be backed by nv4500 nv241 and 44or 60 front and your 9 inch rear
but thats just me

[imajeepnut]

I had a perfect example of what type Brute I wanted today. I use my '88 Cherokee like a truck. It's a 2dr, and I have the Conferr roof rack. I removed 10 or so trees today by pushing them with the bumper first to loosen the root hold...then pulling them up by the roots with my straps. The XJ is heavy enough to pull a good sized tree up and out. Then, I used the rear winch to "bundle" the trees and drag them to the chipper. I'll climb up on the roof rack to get closer to the limbs I need to prune.

Chips flying and oil from the saw splattering...and limbs falling. I probably don't need a pristine '03 like mine for that type of work. And that is why I'm having a hard time letting go of my '88 XJ. I can use it and not worry. I thought about all sorts of options that I could use in my Brute build today. I need to build one that I can use and not feel too badly about scratching up or getting the insides dirty. I need the rear winch still. The rear rack would be great. If I can determine the correct spring rate for the rear for hauling purposes, I'll be set.

A '98 just sold for $2000 here in my town. Motor was bad, but a $1400(Dealer cost) Mopar long block took care of that, plus it has warranty. My Currie axles in it and I would have been set. But it seems I can never find those deals when I need them. Would it be terrible to have a "loafin'" Brute that stays clean....and a cheaper "workin" Brute to use? That would be the best of both worlds I guess!