I posted a few weeks ago for thoughts on selling my stock 07 2-dr JK to buy one that's already lifted with wheels, tires, etc. Seemed like a logical way to go. Let someone else take the depreciation on the modifications and so forth. I got several responses...all saying to skip that idea and modify it myself so that it's how I want it. This is going to be my 16 year old son's daily driver starting next month and he wants it modified so he can keep up with his buddies off road. I want to get him what he wants without breaking the bank. Here's what I'm thinking with a couple of questions afterward:
1 - Keep the stock 17" Moab wheels and have them powder coated black ($75 per wheel x 5 = $375).
2 - Add Nitto A/T's in 295/70-17 (Best price I can find is $184.30 each including shipping x5 = $921.50 at Discount Tire Online).
3 - Old Man Emu 2" lift kit = $669.95 w/ free shipping from Northridge.

This comes up to $1966.45

Questions:
1 - Do I need wheel spacers for the stock wheels with 295 tires?
2 - Is $75 per wheel reasonable for powder coating the wheels in black?
3 - Are adjustable traction bars necessary for the 2" OME lift?

Thanks,
David
Kearney, MO
2007 2-Dr JK w/ "S" Pkg
White
Electronic Locking Diff and Sway Bar Disconnect
4.10 Gears
Cruise Control
Hard Doors
Fogs and Tow Hooks

 

Your key phrase is, " he wants it modified so he can keep up with his buddies off road".

If you're thinking it is a throwaway vehicle then do as you said. If not then I'd go for a good set of rock rails, front and rear bumper, a winch, CB and some tools.

Most kids at 16 when cut loose with unearned wheels will "really" enjoy their vehicle, so expect a lot of damaged sheetmetal, broken axle's, possible locked up engine and so on. Sounds like what you want to give him is a mall crawler.

 

Wow.. I bought myself a $600 dollar car when I was 16... I really don't know what to say...

 

I understand where you're coming from. I probably didn't give the right impression. He's a smart kid. Straight A's and #1 in his class of 230+ kids. He's ridden off-road motorcycles since he was 4 years old and does all of the maintenance on his 4-stroke KTM 250. He definitely has respect for vehicles and the Tread Lightly program. He's done some off roading already in The Mark Twain Forest and at Taylor Park Colorado as well as a little bit in Moab last summer. Doubt anyone who know's him would describe him as the "mall" type. He's already got an investment in the Jeep as well. He's going to be responsible for insurance payments, maintenance costs, and fuel. That should keep him honest.

Thanks,
David

 

Yeah I hear ya, and that is totally cool. He is lucky dude!

 

That's a hella nice deal for him.
wish my parents woulda done that!!!!!
you rock


I would forget the powder coating and use that money towards a winch and winch plate.

 

We have a Warn winch already. I agree, I think the powder coating is a waste, but he's paying for it out of his football and basketball refereeing money. He wants a set of black Pro Comps but doesn't want to spend that much money for wheels. He saw a set of stock wheels here on JK Forum that had been powder coated and thought that would be a good alternative. I gave him kudos for finding an alternative.

Thanks,
David

 

Do you really want to saddle a 16 year old with $300.00 plus in payments a month? The poor kid will be working all the time just to pay for the Jeep and insurance, not to mention the gas and mods. Unless the First National Bank of Mom and Dad are open for business, and giving a great intrust rate. My wife wanted to get our kids newer cars during their Senior year in high school and have them pay for them, but that would have left Mom and Dad paying for them if they lost their job or any other thing that could have happened, and Dad did not want that!!! My kids are now in College with newer vehicles, and both are happy that they did not have to worry about making a car payment or the higher insurance that comes with a financed car ... Good Luck with what ever you do.

 

I spent the last two years of highschool working so much to pay for gas and insurance that I missed out on a lot of fun, and wound up being the taxi. I sort of regret it to be honest.

 

Cragar Soft 8's $40 each plus $11 shipping from summit racing!=$211 for 5

Nitto Dune Grappler 33x12.50R15 $146 x 5including shipping and valvestems = $745

Rough Country 2.5" Coil Lift- $329 + shipping = $354

Total $1310 This leaves $650 to spend on skids, or other mods! OR, you've saved yourself $650! Either way, it's a win win.