Budget Build Jeep XJ Cost $10K. Can You Do It for Less?
This XJ is ready to tackle most of the off-road trails you are likely to encounter. Is this budget build Jeep XJ all you really need?
Unfortunately, most people do not have unlimited funds to build the Jeep of their dreams. That is especially true today as the prices for everything seem to increase by the day. But how much do you really need to spend to build yourself a Jeep capable of taking on most trails you are likely to attempt? Obviously, if you are competing in King of the Hammers, your budget might need to increase. But for the regular guy or gal that just wants to have some fun off-road what does it really cost? What you see here is a budget build Jeep XJ. The total cost came to around $10,000. That might not be pocket change, but it is a manageable number for most.
This week’s “Throwback Thursday” is all about this budget build Jeep XJ. And the broader question of what do you think of the build, and do you think you could do it for less money, or would you spend more? Would this XJ meet your needs as it is? It was built by Cherokee Ronnie and a video overview was recently posted to his YouTube channel. Let’s take a closer look and see if this is $10,000 well spent or money down the drain.
It Cost How Much?
Early in the video Ronnie explains that he actually only spent about $3,500 to get this Jeep roadworthy and able to take on at least some off-road antics. That includes the cost of the XJ itself. In the market today, that is a pretty solid value. But as it sits now, additional upgrades were installed to make the Jeep a bit more robust. Those upgrades have raised the overall cost to $10,000 for this budget build Jeep XJ. The money did not go towards making the Jeep look pretty. This was not about comfort, style, or luxury. The funds were spent on hardware to enable this Jeep to conquer most of the obstacles it is ever likely to encounter.
Build Highlights
Ronnie gives us a quick overview of some of the build highlights. This Jeep has a 1 ton steering upgrade, front locker, steel bumpers, a winch, a lift, larger 35-inch tires and new wheels are also part of the upgrade. In the rear is an 8 1/4-inch differential. The Jeep has also been upgraded with disc brakes. And while Ronnie installed all these parts in his backyard, they are all brand-new items. Nothing was pulled off donor vehicles or anything like that. He wanted quality, new parts to go on this Jeep and that of course costs money. He also admits he “broke the rules” with this build. Meaning, many told him to stay away from the 8 1/4-inch differential, don’t use a Dana 30 and so on. But he went with what he felt was right and he has a ton of faith in this Jeep.
WWYD?
That is what Ronnie did, but what would you do? Is a nearly 25-year-old Jeep XJ a wise place to start? Would you build up a Wrangler instead of a Cherokee? And do you think you could make something as capable or even more capable for less money? If so, how would you go about it? On the other side of the coin do you think you need to spend considerably more than $10K to make something that can hold up to off-road abuse? Watch the video below to see what Ronnie has built. Then head on over to the JK Forum forums and let us know your thoughts.
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