JKU flopped on its side, whats it worth? $$
I'm 100% with the Ripper, Armor hides and upgrades the stock bodywork.
If this has a good title, and drives and stops fine, then a straight swap for your $10k equivalent Ford is a great deal IMO for you. Jump on it.
There's no need for you to have a bodyshop install the armor --- you can do it at home with a nutsert tool, and a rivet tool.
My 4-door was lightly T-boned, the rock rails took most of the impact, and I installed Evo side armor to hide the bodywork damage.

I've Warrior corner armor with frenched rear 6" lights on the rear. There's now plenty of manufacturers making JK corner armor to choose from.
If this has a good title, and drives and stops fine, then a straight swap for your $10k equivalent Ford is a great deal IMO for you. Jump on it.
There's no need for you to have a bodyshop install the armor --- you can do it at home with a nutsert tool, and a rivet tool.
My 4-door was lightly T-boned, the rock rails took most of the impact, and I installed Evo side armor to hide the bodywork damage.
I've Warrior corner armor with frenched rear 6" lights on the rear. There's now plenty of manufacturers making JK corner armor to choose from.
I have no issue with doing this, I just need to find the right shop willing to "straighten a tin can"... which is what one body shop told me yesterday. I understand where he is coming from, but he restores old muscle cars to be show room quality and I am not exactly looking for that.
What are my options for full cages? Ive found the Genright seems to be popular, but I want to weigh my options before I spend $2,800. I am going to be contacting Tony's Total Performance in Largo, FL and Mega 4x4 in Sanford, FL to see about custom cage prices.
A body shop would likely cut out the bent parts of the tub and weld in new panels, then repaint. Way, way, cheaper and easier than swapping the entire tub. I mean, WAY.
If you can't do it yourself, it's still worth it to go that route. For less than the cost you are looking at for the tub, you could likely have it fixed. Get an estimate. I can't imagine why the insurance would total this. There must be some hidden damage.
If you can't do it yourself, it's still worth it to go that route. For less than the cost you are looking at for the tub, you could likely have it fixed. Get an estimate. I can't imagine why the insurance would total this. There must be some hidden damage.
- Thanks you all for the replies, this is helping me with my decision and plans for this jeep. Keep them coming!
I was under the impression that cutting out the damage (rear quarter, b pillar specifically) and welding new in would be much more expensive than trying to straighten it/pull it? - Thanks you all for the replies, this is helping me with my decision and plans for this jeep. Keep them coming!
Its hard to tell from the picture but if you have the time you can fix it yourself. I Honestly don't think its that bad. Yes the OEM roll cage will have to go but you can purchase an aftermarket one and weld that puppy up. Get some Posion spyder rear quarters,Smitty, or River raider makes some too.. Pick the ones you like and your good to go.
Shoot I think I saw a picture of Chucks JK on it side... I think he gently put it there though... not slammed like what you described.
Shoot I think I saw a picture of Chucks JK on it side... I think he gently put it there though... not slammed like what you described.
Armor is a good idea to hide everything. Body shop as well -- true he didn't claim it on his insurance...Doesn't mean he can't take it to a solid shop. HOWEVER, food for thought...If the guy who owns this did that (donuts and hit a rut and tipped it) who knows how he REALLY took care of the Jeep. The engine could be thrashed...If it were me, I'd keep my eyes peeled for something else. And hell, since you're deploying, stack that deployment cash and come back and build something without fixing things.
I'll tell you right now from looking at the pictures: it would be absolutely dumb to swap tubs. Here's what I would do: Use a rubber mallet to beat the body/ body rail straight as possible and then Corner armor Rocker armor Fix/replace(depending on condition) window frame Get someone to build a custom cage Replace the damaged doors You'll have much less $ in it than replacing the tub and garbage oem *roll bar*, you'll have much less time and work put into it, and you'll have a MUCH more badass jeep in the end.
You might want to look into a jk8 kit .looks like the panels would replace the damaged jku panels. Also there is a company that makes replacement aluminum jku tubs you might want to take a look .
http://www.hardbody4x4.com/5400-jk-4-door-body.html
http://www.hardbody4x4.com/5400-jk-4-door-body.html
- thanks for all of the ideas!
I don't think I mentioned it, but I did actually end up trading the truck for the Jeep. I am excited for this build, now I just have to wait until I get home! I finalized the deal 3 days before I left so I didn't have much time to do anything to it other than put new (used) soft top on it. The frame for the original one was broke from the flop, but I was fortunate enough to find a used top and frame on craigslist for $150 that very next day.
This thing tracks surprisingly well on the interstate at 75mph. The front end was rebuilt 5k miles ago so thats a plus. I think I will leave the suspension how it is for now and put a new set of tires on it when I get back. I am leaning towards 37x12.50 17 Cooper STT Pros.. I had a set of STT on my old Silverado half ton and they seemed to perform well. Along with new tires, I will be installing a new tub ( I know, but I got it dirt cheap), having a full cage built, adding hard top and doing some interior work as well. I keep finding myself looking at MOTECH's LS swaps... I mean, I will already have the cab off so....
Anyone interested in a set of headers? Ive got no desire for them nor loud exhaust on this jeep.. the quieter the better. I will be looking for stock exhaust to put in its place.
- the picture at night was the evening I picked it up, and the other is how it sat for a day until I got the soft top put on, lol.
I don't think I mentioned it, but I did actually end up trading the truck for the Jeep. I am excited for this build, now I just have to wait until I get home! I finalized the deal 3 days before I left so I didn't have much time to do anything to it other than put new (used) soft top on it. The frame for the original one was broke from the flop, but I was fortunate enough to find a used top and frame on craigslist for $150 that very next day.
This thing tracks surprisingly well on the interstate at 75mph. The front end was rebuilt 5k miles ago so thats a plus. I think I will leave the suspension how it is for now and put a new set of tires on it when I get back. I am leaning towards 37x12.50 17 Cooper STT Pros.. I had a set of STT on my old Silverado half ton and they seemed to perform well. Along with new tires, I will be installing a new tub ( I know, but I got it dirt cheap), having a full cage built, adding hard top and doing some interior work as well. I keep finding myself looking at MOTECH's LS swaps... I mean, I will already have the cab off so....
Anyone interested in a set of headers? Ive got no desire for them nor loud exhaust on this jeep.. the quieter the better. I will be looking for stock exhaust to put in its place.
- the picture at night was the evening I picked it up, and the other is how it sat for a day until I got the soft top put on, lol.





