Hey all.
Just bought a green/spice, 98 SE 5 speed, power steering, no AC, Supertop, with 149,000 miles, and no offroad use.
I used frequent flyer miles to travel to Salt Lake City,Utah, to pick it up.
The front rotors were so warped that I stopped, bought, and installed new front rotors and pads. I did it in a parking lot next to an Auto Zone. The jeep had original discs on it (the lug/disc retainer clips were still on). Part way home, I stopped to have a Big O tire change the oil, check all fluids, and balance/rotate the tires.
It has original shocks and springs. The shocks are so bad that the tires are cupped. The 560 mile drive home felt like I was on the bumpstops with every highway dip.
The stock front swaybar links are separated/broken at the tops.
The original stock steering stablizer probably does more harm that good.
The no-name 30x9.50R15 all terrain tires are noisy as crap. Being cupped from the bad shocks probably doesn't help at all.
The driver seat is the most worn I have ever seen in a vehicle.
Budget build plans:
Used BDS 3" lift to install on it.
Used JKS disconnects
Hand throttle, seat risers, and steering stabilizer purchased for a different project but never installed
Used Instatrunk
Used tow hooks
Used winch and winchplate
Used sound bar
Used OR-Fab front bolt on roll cage
Used 4.0L throttle body
CB
DIY CAI with tubing and filter from the local O'Reilys auto parts store
Bestop Spice seat covers
Cut front bumper to a stubby
Remove carpet and bedline the tub
I am trading an old bumper and winch for 5 new JK Rubicon tires/wheels. With $200 for 4 Spidertrax wheel spacer/adapters, they will fit. They are full 32x10.50 BFG MT tire--almost as tall as a 33x10.50R15 BFG AT.
Deciding between a TC drop and 1" BL/MML to avoid driveshaft vibes. Would like to keep my eye out for a used NP231 with a Teralow 4:1 already installed. So, I'm waiting on the SYE/DS for now.
I know I will at least want 4.88s. Hopefully, I can sell/trade the stock axles with 4.10 gears to someone with a 5 speed 4.0L TJ looking for an upgrade from 3.07s for 3.73s for trade plus cash.
Our family also has an 04 TJ 4.0L Rocky Mountain Edition on 33x10.50R15 Toyo MTs, with a 3" lift, belly-up transfer case skid, and other mods. So, the TJ thing isn't new for us.
I like the idea of doing a very light, 4 banger budget build with mostly used or traded parts to keep costs down.
