Cost for SFA

the1jferg · **Posted:** Thu Aug 16, 2007 10:26 pm

So, its fair to say this is not as cost effective as buying a "real" jeep?

Kinda like a "funny" car if you will.

Its kinda like me and my eccentrics. No matter the cost, this is what I want?

I didn't coin that term "not real jeep" in reference to the KJ so keep off me!! If it were a formidable foe, there would be no SFA project :lol:

chefdab · **Posted:** Thu Aug 16, 2007 11:34 pm

Judging from what I've read of the others who have done it, I would say upwards of $10k in order to do it right and work out all the bugs. Of course the more of the work you could do yourself would save money but I personally wouldn't trust myself with something this potentially dangerous (don't want something breaking off going down the highway).

tjkj2002 · **Posted:** Thu Aug 16, 2007 11:37 pm

$10,000,heck that would barely pay for my axles :lol:

!

JJsTJ · **Posted:** Thu Aug 16, 2007 11:42 pm

Cost effective? ok, my KJ is paid for so I suppose I could sell it and use the probably $11,500 I would HOPE to get to buy/build the following:

Buy a "real Jeep".... lets say a 2003 TJ, same year as my KJ =$14,995 based on Auto Trader search w/ similar miles and same color blue, tinted windows, hard top, etc.

Note: No power windows, no power door locks, no up to 5k lb towing capacity, possibly other options I'm missing ..... why not? Cuz it is a TJ and they didn't have that stuff.

Now just for kicks lets say it doesn't have the D44 but instead, YOUR favorite, a D35.... Can't have that!

Lets add a D44 to it and regear it w/ 4.56's so it can run Real tires of at least 33".
Then lets add in a locker, alloy shafts, new bearings, rear disc brakes and assemble it all and install it. Lotsa money right there eh?

Now on to the D30 front..... ugh. it is a Low pinion!? (IIRC) can't have that so lets get a Real D30 w/ high pinion from an XJ and add in the same goodies, 4.56's, ARB locker, alloy shafts, CTM joints, WJ brakes on WJ knuckles w/ high steer, new tie rod, new drag link, bearings, hubs, etc. etc,
MO money Mo money mo money....

Lets move onto the transfer case....
Somehow you gotta mod it. YOu can't live w/ the 2.75:1 gearing and new angles you will create w/ the upcoming lift so lets just pull that stock 231 (w/ no SYE) out and grab a Rubicon case w/ 4:1 gearing and then add in some new drive shafts to the mix.
Your wallet can feel the burn now eh?

On to the lift...
Nth Degree 6" long arm lift w/ tummy tucker, stinger, etc. 10" coil overs for the front, cut, grind, weld, bolts, nuts..... $$$$$$$

Tires, 305/70-16's on Rubicon Moabs (to keep the cost down).

well, My KJ already has a custom front & rear bumper so lets add those to the TJ as well, now a rear tire carrier on the bumper to carry the 33" spare.
How about that towing capacity? Hmmm..... still can't tow much w/ the Tj but add in either a hitch or make sure the custom rear bumper can handle at least 1500 lbs or so so we can tow the camping trailer so the family can go camping...... UH OH!! Family? Camping?! Crap!
HTH am I now going to fit my family of four into my 2 door TJ ("real Jeep") to take them camping and what about all that gear we have too?!

UGH!

In the end, add it all up and figure in any cost difference between my KJ's sale price and what I would probably pay for a TJ and it is a wash and I have 4 doors, more creature comforts, better ride, wheelbase advantage, towing capacity, etc. etc.

Anyhow, I could go on but I am growing tired and just thinking about it all is giving me a headache. I don't care if my SFA is a "real Jeep" or not in anyones eyes. When it is done it will fit my needs and wants and that is all my wallet cares about. And yes it is a funny car. :wink:

JJsTJ · **Posted:** Thu Aug 16, 2007 11:46 pm

Oh and Thanks ferg! Thinking about this again really made me feel bettter about my decision to persue this project. Heck, I think my budget might even get a boost now too. :twisted:

Rush345 · **Posted:** Fri Aug 17, 2007 1:15 am

Here's to you JJsKJ, the real Jeep reminds me of years ago when the REAL SPORT CAR was an MG. Yes it was the quintcental sports car 2 seater rough riding, was fast only because it was so stripped it had no weight. No bells or whistles, then when the Japanese decided to give a little more Datsun Z, Mazda Miata, Toyota Supra. All sports cars but better built and more creature comfort. don't get me wrong the little british raodster were classics. But most Americans want some bells and whitles. The KJ is the same more toys more comfort, yes Mama can go buy the grocerys with it. But from what I've seen of the KJ compared to the TJ, our Libbys are more comfort. You want to go play in the mud go to it, then take it to the car wash and take Mama out for the night and still be stylin". . If you really want to go hard core start with an old surplus Jeep and rebuild it and drive it hard and put it away wet. It's what it was made for the KJ is just trying to instill a little class to a more well rounded Jeep.
I now step off my soap box before someone kicks it out from under me :roll:

Tokyojoe · **Posted:** Fri Aug 17, 2007 1:34 am

tap! tap! tap! tap!

:lol:

the1jferg · **Posted:** Fri Aug 17, 2007 10:26 am

Hey,

There ain't nothing wrong with pursuing eccentrics, especially if it suits your needs.

I flew halfway around the world one time only for a bowl of clam chowder.
That was the most tame of my eccentric aquisitions.

I hate to say what I did one time for a cup of "rot gut" coffee, but I'm forgiven.

AZScout · **Posted:** Fri Aug 17, 2007 11:46 am

JJ...

Nice comparison. I think you just sold me.

Dave

dynamike · **Posted:** Fri Aug 17, 2007 12:41 pm

YEA......what JJ said.......EXcellent comparison
an SFA KJ just makes ya smile.......

NOW.....if I could just have a SFA "SOFT TOP" KJ.......that would be the Ultimate
for us......
we luv runnin with the windows out, or the top off!!!

the1jferg · **Posted:** Fri Aug 17, 2007 1:17 pm

"NOW.....if I could just have a SFA "SOFT TOP" KJ.......that would be the Ultimate
for us......
we luv runnin with the windows out, or the top off!!!"

Build that too, probably easier than the SFA

It might be easier to put the KJ body on a Chevy Frame and make a Monster Liberty out of it?

0311_DoC · **Posted:** Fri Aug 17, 2007 3:21 pm

JJsKJ wrote:

Tires, 305/70-16's on Rubicon Moabs (to keep the cost down).

You wouldn't happen to be interested in some 305/70/16 Dicck Cepek Fun Country II tires with only 2K on them would ya? I had them on my F-250 which I no longer own, and I cant seem to get rid of them. I have pics when I tried to sell them on ebay and craiglist. They are currently mounted to some Mickey Thompson Classic Lock custom powder coated wheels.

USAFCOP · **Posted:** Fri Aug 17, 2007 5:37 pm

dynamike wrote:

YEA......what JJ said.......EXcellent comparison
an SFA KJ just makes ya smile.......

NOW.....if I could just have a SFA "SOFT TOP" KJ.......that would be the Ultimate
for us......
we luv runnin with the windows out, or the top off!!!

Have reciprocating saw and grinder with cut off wheels, will travel :twisted:

JJsTJ · **Posted:** Fri Aug 17, 2007 10:02 pm

0311_DoC wrote:

JJsKJ wrote:

Tires, 305/70-16's on Rubicon Moabs (to keep the cost down).

You wouldn't happen to be interested in some 305/70/16 Dicck Cepek Fun Country II tires with only 2K on them would ya? I had them on my F-250 which I no longer own, and I cant seem to get rid of them. I have pics when I tried to sell them on ebay and craiglist. They are currently mounted to some Mickey Thompson Classic Lock custom powder coated wheels.

Well, I just bought the tires so as of right now, No. But maybe in the future.... wheels aren't 5x4.5 bolt pattern are they?

Rush345 · **Posted:** Fri Aug 17, 2007 10:25 pm

USAFCOP wrote:

dynamike wrote:

YEA......what JJ said.......EXcellent comparison
an SFA KJ just makes ya smile.......

NOW.....if I could just have a SFA "SOFT TOP" KJ.......that would be the Ultimate
for us......
we luv runnin with the windows out, or the top off!!!

Have reciprocating saw and grinder with cut off wheels, will travel :twisted:

At this rate of discusion, I ask out of ignorance not trying to be a smart stupid, maybe I've seen too many of the car rebuild and customizing shows. But wouldn't it be easier to take a Dodge Ram 1-ton with the big deisle and just shorten and cut everything down and put what ever body KJ, TJ, CJ what ever. On top and then really scare some people???

chefdab · **Posted:** Sat Aug 18, 2007 3:11 am

Hey anything is possible if you throw enough money at it.

Tokyojoe · **Posted:** Sat Aug 18, 2007 4:31 pm

LOST Moab `06, there was a hugely lifted & 4x4 Mustang going around town. The body was of the late 60's Mustang. What a waste. It would be like taking a Corvette and doing the same thing to it. Blasphemy! :lol:

0311_DoC · **Posted:** Sat Aug 18, 2007 5:19 pm

JJsKJ wrote:

0311_DoC wrote:

JJsKJ wrote:

Tires, 305/70-16's on Rubicon Moabs (to keep the cost down).

You wouldn't happen to be interested in some 305/70/16 Dicck Cepek Fun Country II tires with only 2K on them would ya? I had them on my F-250 which I no longer own, and I cant seem to get rid of them. I have pics when I tried to sell them on ebay and craiglist. They are currently mounted to some Mickey Thompson Classic Lock custom powder coated wheels.

Well, I just bought the tires so as of right now, No. But maybe in the future.... wheels aren't 5x4.5 bolt pattern are they?

No the wheels came off my Ford F-250 and are the 8 lug.. oh well it was worth a shot to ask......

rubigade · **Posted:** Wed Aug 29, 2007 10:46 pm

"At this rate of discusion, I ask out of ignorance not trying to be a smart stupid, maybe I've seen too many of the car rebuild and customizing shows. But wouldn't it be easier to take a Dodge Ram 1-ton with the big deisle and just shorten and cut everything down and put what ever body KJ, TJ, CJ what ever. On top and then really scare some people???"

Actually, the October 07 Issue of Petersens 4wheel and offroad mag is doing just that! They are building a rig for the Ultimate Adventure coming to Texas (probly here now): Took a brand spankin JK, cut it to shreads and are putting a 1 ton Dodge chassis, running gear and Cummins under it! Check it out! It's no doubt gonna be incredible!

Rush345 · **Posted:** Wed Aug 29, 2007 11:03 pm

Tokyojoe wrote:

LOST Moab `06, there was a hugely lifted & 4x4 Mustang going around town. The body was of the late 60's Mustang. What a waste. It would be like taking a Corvette and doing the same thing to it. Blasphemy! :lol:

Bad news TokyoJoe about 3 months ago I saw your worst nightmare in Golden, a split window coupe lifted with 4x4 underpinning it was enough to make a grown man cry like a baby. Anything even an old Caady Hurst would have been more exceptable. It was truly tragic.

Cost for SFA

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