Shops n Budget

[ikecruiser]

For my Plan-B (backup) of being a 80 member, I am doing budgeting & shop-listing for 80s though still trying to find a mod'ed rig.

Once I have to mod a job from a base model, the list specs I need are
- 2.5(or 3") lift : $900
- F & R bumper replacement (ARB or Slee) : $3000
- Skid plate for transfer case : $150
- Sliders : $900
- Lockers(if not) : $2000

The ballpark number reaches to $5K~7K without the labor cost.

Additionally, the basic baseline maintenance(hose & fluid replacement, AC, etc..) should be performed.

How much do I have to consider for the installing labor & baseline maintenance? For example, $2K each?

If possible, I want to do that job at the same shop nearby Irvine where I locate.
Do you have any shop recommendation?

ps: my wife insists on buying an mod'ed one regardless of the price though... she doesn't want to fill up the garage with more stuff which is already full of woodworking gears. *hew*

 

[SOCALFJ]

I dont know of a shop in Irvine i'd send it too. Maybe some south county guys will.

I think $2,000 is a bit high for baseline maintenance... you could get away with much less.

The install labor is what kills you. Sometimes that can outweigh the cost of the parts.

I'd spend all the money on parts and do all the bolt ons yourself. Maybe just have the shop do the baselining.

 

[Brentbba]

Baseline fluids, etc. if you don't want to take it to Yotamasters in Corona...so far Hanlon Automotive in Lake Forest has been real honest and upfront. They are the guys that have done the HG on my truck. Owner Ken, head service writer Travis and the mechanic Kyle have all spent time talking to me about what's been going on. Kyle owns a very, very beat up Yota truck from offroading and his dad owns 4 cruisers.

Let me check my coolant level and see if there's still any residual moisture in the oil from the blown HG to triple check their work and I'll let you know.

 

[Bluetribal]

I think you are low for the price of a lift and I would tack on $300-$400 for installof it. The bumperi would say you are high n price unless you are including a winch. But you have Avery capable and good priced vendor in Hawkeye (warfield offroad) who could take care of your bumper , slider & skid plate needs and cut out the shipping.

 

[cruiserruf]

with the suspension it'll be very easy to put on. if you're sticking with 2.5-3" then you won't need things such as new panhards, rear upper control arms, dc driveshaft, etc. the castor bushings or plates is where you would have a little trouble. installation of bumpers should be easy and you could do it all by yourself. you can save a lot of money on labor.

 

[ikecruiser]

Hmm the labor cost would be the killing pain surely.

Installing susp.(gears) by myself means I have to buy some heavy hardware tools and gears like elec. torque control wrenches, jack lifts, etc...

 

[VCCruzr]

Alot of the things on your list you can do yourself (or, invite fellow mudders and have an install party, just provide pizza and beer )

1. Lift - springs, shocks, steering stabilizer, and CC bushings shipped to my door for $800 from TRDParts4U - Installed myself with friend.
2. New high clearance Crossmember & Skid Plate from Bump It Offroad for $350 - Installed myself.
3. Sliders by Bump It Offroad $575 plus shipping - Installed myself.
4. Rims & Tires - Ebay & CL

Next will be bumpers, rear first then front, as soon as funds allow.

If you find a clean locked stock 80 for the right price, pounce on it! Then build up yourself....it's part of the fun.

 

[murphy744]

Buy a FSM.....like haven't done yet! And do the fluid, belts and hoses yourself.

I just picked up an OME 2.5 for free, and plan on doing it myself...its not that hard. Plus like what was said above, invite some others over for beer and more beer and call it a meet and greet wrench party!

 

[ikecruiser]

You guys comments try to trigger me to turn Plan-B over in my mind.

Anyway, thanks for comments.