Project "Jeep on the Cheap"

Sure, Jeeping is an expensive hobby. But in an economy where everyone seems to be tightening their purse strings, I wanted to see if I could build a trail capable truck without breaking the bank.

Now, I don’t promise it’ll be pretty. On a tight budget, paint and bodywork are the first things to go. In fact anything that doesn’t pertain strictly to trail performance won’t make it on this rig. So items like chrome hinges, monster stereo systems and other showy accessories are out of the equation.

This rig isn’t meant to be a daily driver either, so I’m not worried about on road drivability or emissions issues.

First thing’s first. I needed somewhere to start. I decided to go with a late 70’s CJ-7 because I like the longer wheelbase, I like the 304 V8 option and I like the glut of used parts people have lying around.

After looking at half a dozen Jeeps I ended up purchasing a 1979 CJ-7 complete with a 304 V8, hard top and full metal doors, very little rust and an extra set of rims—all for just $2300 bucks.

The Jeep actually ran great—good compression and lots of power. The seller had even changed the oil, plugs, wires and air filter the previous weekend (I verified all this).

The first thing I did when I got the Jeep home was list the hard top and doors in the classifieds. Like I mentioned, this Jeep isn’t designed for daily use. I won’t be using this rig in the winter and I’ll throw on a cheap bikini top to shade me in the summer. So I really have to use for the top and doors. I listed the set for $700 and they sold within a week. That brought my total price on the Jeep down to $1600—not a bad starting place.

TOTAL SPENT SO FAR - $1600

Since I’m tied to a strict budget I can’t be really picky about what order I do things in. Also, I’d like to get this project done by the end of summer, so I can’t wait around forever for exactly the right parts. If I’m going to make this work, I’ll have to make some compromises.

The things I must have are: stronger axles (the stock axles are notoriously weak), gears, lockers, tires, full roll cage (safety first) and suspension.

The things I’ll jump on if I see them for a good price are: better transfer case, beadlock wheels, CB radio, four barrel carb and anything else that’ll make this Jeep more capable at a bargain price.

My search started in the local classifieds. I began pouring over the ads for anything I could use. The first item I came across was a set of axles—bingo. They were somewhat expensive at $950 for the pair, but they were also just what I needed.

The front axle was a Chevy passenger drop 44 with 4.56 gears, a Lockright locker and Warn hubs. The rear was a GM 12 bolt with 4.56 gears and a mini spool.

Since they were coming off of a Jeep that was using a spring over conversion they would be perfect for my rig since that was my plan to save money on the suspension.

TOTAL SPENT SO FAR - $2550

Now that I had the axles, I could shop for tires and rims. I’ve always been a fan of Super Swamper, so when I came across a set of Super Swamper IROK 36 x 13.50 tires, I couldn’t pass them up. The set was a tad pricey at $650, but there was a ton of tread left and I knew they were worth the money.

Next were the rims. I ran across a set of used black beadlock wheels online and couldn’t pass them up. There was some surface rust on the wheels, but like I mentioned, this isn’t going to be a show truck, so the rust didn’t bother me. I paid $400 for the set.

TOTAL SPENT SO FAR - $3600

OK, I guess you could call this a luxury item, but wheeling all day with the sun beating directly on your noggen isn’t my idea of fun. That’s why I picked up a used bikini top. It came paired with a toneau cover for $50. Well worth it.

Can’t believe someone had these lying around. I ran into a guy who’d gotten rid of his Jeep last year and had a brand new set of Skyjacker Soft Ride Hydro shocks sitting in his garage—still in the box! I picked up the set for $100.

TOTAL SPENT SO FAR - $3750

Since I was doing a SOA suspension I wanted to do a shackle reversal as well. I picked up a Genuine Steel kit online for $200. It came with free shipping, so that saved me a bit.

The last item I had to have was a full cage. I didn’t need anything super fancy or elaborate, just something to keep me safe. I ended up purchasing a Kentrol Sport Bar kit online. It’s a good quality weld-on kit that can be bolted to the floor pan or tied into the frame. I think I’ll opt for the frame tie in. Total cost was $160.

TOTAL SPENT SO FAR - $4110

At this point, pretty much all that’s left is the assembly. (That’s where the fun begins!) I’ve included an additional $500 in my budget for those miscellaneous items you always need during the install process. Stuff like shop supplies, bolts, bushings, etc.

That brings the total build cost to $4610. At that price, you’d be hard pressed to find a more capable trail vehicle. Future upgrades could include a fuel injection kit or 4 barrel carb, winch, rock sliders, transfer case, etc. But for now I’ve got a trail-worthy rig with V8 power, bulletproof axles and plenty of ground clearance —all for under five grand.