1998 Jeep Wrangler TJ - Penny Pincher

[@strawzinthewind]

As a TJ owner, I promise no matter how cheap you got it there’s nothing penny pinching about driving one of these.

[@Dynmawr]

This is exactly the type of builds I like to see. Real people not dumping their entire back account on builds.

[@ashermartin4945]

I love the Forrest green and copper/tan combo. So beautiful

[@TrailRecon]

Agree! I love the copper with the dark green!

[@jondecarbonel8158]

Sahara colors. Sweet!

[@westcoast3595]

Penny pinching is building it yourself. Fabricating yourself. Getting used stuff and fixing it yourself. I do like the jeep. Glad to hear the cummins swap.

[@calebberglund53]

that's what I was thinking, lots of "i had the shop do this and i had them do that" not really your build anymore when someone else is doing all the work. Also paying a mechanic to work on it isnt really penny pinching : /

[@RubiconUnlimited]

for a penny pincher that green and copper is money! what a score on those axles, great story and build. thanks for sharing

[@TrailRecon]

LOL! It's money well spent!

[@SteveJud43]

It's like a high end pincher, lol.

[@bobsaget4546]

Is it just me or did the dent on the grill bother you whole time

[@nicparker3809]

yup

[@sublime929]

I couldn't stop staring, and I'm not one to be picky about that stuff either.

[@hockeydad6211]

If a dent or a scratch on a jeep bothers you. You should not be allowed to own a jeep.

[@SR-cp1eo]

It's a jeep. If its pretty, you're doing it wrong.

[@YoungboiG19]

Sean R but it’s like the only dent

[@TragicJawnson]

keep the TJs/LJs comin. more character in the older rigs

[@TrailRecon]

Wait, 1998 is old? Okay, maybe I'm getting old! haha!

[@JeepTJWheelin]

Imo, the TJ and LJ are the greatest Jeeps with apologies to the MB of course.

[@ivanfromtheeast4709]

Jeep Beach Wheelin' I love my lj I just need a bigger lift now, 2” just doesn’t cut it for a lot of trails

[@zososldier]

When i think penny pincher/ budget build i think of junk yard springs, carbed small blocks and full size truck axles.

[@AZjdog13]

this gives me hope for my 98 4 banger! this is exactly what i dream for mine to look like! Time to start saving up!

[@TrailRecon]

Good luck with you 98 build!

[@benjaminhampton1533]

Im 17 with an 05 TJ, really trying to get the money saved up to do the upgrades i want, all while trying to stay at a low but quality budget. Great video, love watching all these builds and adding things to the list that i want to do.

[@antonioserrato2121]

How'd your build go?

[@Spudwellington]

so glad my stock 98 tj has d44 rear and 4l I6 engine. still going to spend a pretty penny but im already on my way! the jeep looks great!

[@ZephyrRandD]

Finally!!! A TJ 👌

[@TrailRecon]

More to come in the future I hope!

[@MrTR0uBL3]

Zephyr R&D exactly if i ever get out of my xj i would love to go to a tj

[@JeepTJWheelin]

The best Jeeps of them all, nothing like a TJ. Got rid of my '08 JoKe X 3.8 mini van engine farse jeep. Going to test drive a Rubicon & X TJ's tomorrow. Psyche! Can't wait to finally getting my 4.0L I6!

[@strawzinthewind]

Last of the best!

[@briancallahan3588]

I think it would be great to see more TJ build s

[@Redsand187]

So how much does he have into this? New long arm lift, new bumper, new winch, new trucklites all around, new fox shocks, custom powder coating and 3 different shops doing work on it.... I wish I had a few of his "pennies"....

[@brendanjeans4423]

a jeep penny is different from a real penny

[@baileynourse931]

@@brendanjeans4423 I WISH they were the same

[@-kaster--kaster-6090]

It’s cheap when you compare what you would’ve spent if everything was bought brand new .

[@tremerefury]

Didn't he say $1500 (other than purchase price)?

[@rudyroman5192]

@@tremerefury 1400 for only certain parts. that doesnt include wheels, seats, tires, engine mods, shocks, all the other parts and labor since it was done at a shop. he payed much more than 1500

[@cashmeer216]

I bought my 98 Tj 4.0 sport for 1100 with 150k on the dash only repaired exhaust and floor pan ... steal!!

[@nonyabusinesss3025]

Tip: If you change to the diesel, I'd recommend a video from the channel "The Fast Lane Car" on how diesel exhaust fluid reduces NOx emissions. You go from a dirty polluter to basically a hippy with just an exhaust additive called UREA mixed 32.5% and 67.5% water. It's all sciency, but, that video explains it very well. I love what you've done to the Jeep.

[@AW-xv7dq]

Love it! I am currently in an FJ Cruiser and it's got great hwy manners in stock form. Don't really want to lift it. So I settled on a used TJ and your timing is perfect! for some ideas. Thanks! BTW my definition of penny pinching is a little bit different. :)

[@bikesyo6343]

this is far from a penny pincher but definitely nice

[@velouric]

And green!, come on!

[@landonfortner9543]

bikes yo for a Jeep, this is definitely a penny pincher

[@gamesofcontent]

probably doesnt have $15,000 in it. That is pretty cheap

[@Shabec2982]

I like this guy. He tells you prices so if you wish to go down the rabbit hole as he did, at least you know what you’re up against.

[@mariodesmo]

I love my TJ. I've thought about a new JK a few times but I just can't bring myself to getting rid of it. With all the mods I've put into it and at a reasonable cost, it just makes too much sense to keep it. And it's also just too much fun. LOL

[@TrailRecon]

TJ's are a worthy trail rig and if built like this one, no need to rush to upgrade to a JK.

[@oregonjeeper7977]

+TrailRecon Upgrade?

[@NayNayNV]

Only reason why I am driving a JKU is because my TJ was stolen. I loved my TJ. If I could, I'd buy a TJ in addition to my JKU.

[@observer4322]

Suer super super nice TJ. I love it. I'm happy for you to be so excited for it. You seem like a really nice guy too. Nice video.

[@jwalters9743]

This is awesome. I built volkswagens for the past 22 years and finally traded one for a jeep tj. The build is great, really similar to what I am working on. 👍

[@AdventureDarin]

I love this. I have a 2001 Jeep Wrangler I bought brand new and I have kept it stock, but now I think I'm going to start making mods.

[@jman1863]

Penny Pincher. Great idea, nice build.

[@jordanlaskowski]

Awesome build! Love the fact that he used Craigslist for a budget. Great video Brad!

[@corvelli]

what brand are the fenders cause i want THOSE fenders on my tj so badly. and ive watched this video so many times. i love this build and i finally have money to do more upgrades so i want those fenders.

[@tna2me197]

Prayerful purchase. Appreciate that you didn’t edit that part out.

[@rickolivasone4790]

wow your story sounds just like mines. two weeks ago i pick up 97 tj 4cyl with a procomp 2.5 lift out from the police auto auction. it only cost me 2k but once home and test drive the death wobble. i already replace rotors, pads, calipers and wheel bearing asembly, but im stuck at the deat wobble trying to find out where and what can be causing the issue. but your story its pretty inspiring to bring this thing back to life..

[@joshuabutler1555]

Yea I was Gonna build the TJ over a couple years, but the death wobble made expedite my process. I got new axles and drivrtrain... No more death wobble. LoL. Good luck with your build! That's a great price!

[@rickolivasone4790]

Joshua Butler , what up bro. Well funny thing I just saw your reply as I just got done with my jeep death wobble issues..lol I replace just about everything with the front suspension and steering. I found out my jeep came with a 3.5 inch lift not 2.5 like I thought it did.also a Dana44 in the rear and front Ox locker. Many parts were different manufacturers, like jks, high jackers and procomp. Now I'm waiting to do a trail run hopefully next weekend. Hope all goes well..

[@joshuabutler1555]

Sir One yes, sounds like my issue. The lift that was on it when I got it was comprised of mix match parts! No wonder it had the death wobble.

[@jeremiahhebner8593]

Thanks for this add, definitely an inspiration for a new 99 tj owner

[@jbkibs]

I just bought a 98 TJ and I love it!

[@camerongill101]

Nice rig, similar colour to my '99 TJ. I love JKs too but looking forward to seeing more TJs on TrailRecon.

[@TrailRecon]

More TJ's, JK's and other types of rigs to come is my plan.

[@Greengulchleaves]

"Penny Pincher"...Fox Shocks...lmao. still a badass TJ though

[@shane9464]

I love the 4 banger lifted and geared. I also have 4 banger tj with 5 inches of lift and 4:88 gearing. Locked in the rear and still saving to lock the front. lol. Wish i cccould say i pinched pennies but thats not the case. I am always surprising everyone i wheel with of where the little 4 banger can go. I feel when its locked up front too, it will go anywhere. Unlike this fellow im gonna keep it 2.5 litres of raw power! Lol. Love the build man, its an awesome jeep. Thanks for the video

[@aggrex]

Awesome TJ build Dane! Definitely inspiring

[@angelsuarez17]

Awesome build.... Great interview!!!!

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you! We had a great time filming this!

[@hughjasoul7698]

Just bought a 97 all stock for 500, cant wait to upgrade. Hope I can get it pimped out like that.

[@jimhovater8755]

My '98 4-banger had 251K miles on it when I sold it in 2013. I replaced it with a 2012 Unlimited. It currently has 84K miles on it.

[@jarhead6153]

Brad...thanks for covering this Jeep TJ. A lot like my 1998 SE, original owner, some great ideas...

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you! Lot's of great ideas can be taken from this TJ project for sure!

[@smokethirteen]

Yes definitely do the R2.8! Excellent Jeep

[@tinman2230]

Who makes those fenders? I already have the AEV high line kit and those would be a nice upgrade

[@novaman3509]

Found a TJ in surprisingly great condition for $4,200. Very much considering purchasing it.

[@TrailRecon]

$4,200 here in CA is a great price for a TJ!

[@TASCOM44]

I can't find a TJ worth buying around me for less than 9, go for it

[@duo02]

For a project called penny pincher all i hear too much "bought new"

[@bigospig]

And paying shops to do the work. ;)

[@PowerlineRider]

Duo02 penny pincher for me is a $2000 ranger with lockers and a hockey puck lift

[@quandale8505]

its called a penny pincher because its a tj and not a jk, lol

[@ajfromca]

Lots of optional mods like the grinding the wheel wells and powder coating the rims also. It's also bothering me how light they were on pricing details of everything.

[@joracer1]

Well ok he's has about 1/2 of what someone would put in without pinching pennies...

[@Stormtrooper-iy5ld]

Awesome build!

[@spartan8185]

Great video. I am right there with this guy on a budget friendly build. I have been very satisfied with some "off-brand" manufacturers. I love Smittybilt and Barracade bumpers but I wasn't prepared for the cost associated with them. I found several other manufacturers that offer relatively high quality alternatives for much less. Lighting is another place where I have found cheaper options that perform quite well. I have bought and sold parts on Craigslist and Ebay and been happy with the used/refurbished parts I have gotten. Just goes to show that It can be done. I love the "Penny Pincher" concept . Great build!!!

[@TrailRecon]

Building on a budget can be rewarding especially when you come across a great deal on a place likes craigslist. Thanks!

[@Mike_The_Hog_A_Nator]

I bought mine which was red but kinda like this one at auction but from an old Man. Super clean Jeep w/ 33’s, Dana 44 front & rear, 4cyl, 4:10 gears, soft top, 97. I put a 6 1/2” long arm kit w/ 35 Super Swampers, Detroit Lockers front & rear, Hella Lights, Stinger, 8k lb Warren Winch, DVD player premium sound, etc. for an extra $14k. So I had around $20k invested. It was great on the trail. Named her “Ballz Deep” she led the pack but it sucked on the highway & in town. Just no power. Looking back, I would’ve never done what I did w/ such a small engine. Never pay more than $4k for a 4cyl Jeep. IMO Sold her for $9k cash less than a year later to a Lawyer. He tore it up. She won many car shows also

[@landerwyoming9720]

Awesome rig and awesome review!

[@OVRLNDX]

Another awesome video!

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you sir!

[@onlyoneromeo]

I would like to know how much a difference the exhaust and intake mods made from stock and if it was enough to keep him from wanting to swap in a bigger motor or selling and buying a jeep w a 6 cylinder.

[@ApostolicITTech]

sweet build- not a jeep guy anymore but this is awesome!

[@randalllawkin]

New to off roading and looking for a starter Jeep or truck on a budget. This looks very inspiring...great job

[@oldchicago3216]

Great video and really cool build.

[@gorillahd9247]

Good solid build! Scott

[@jondecarbonel8158]

This build is a beast! I love it.

[@antoniocorpus8014]

Just picked up a little 2.5 liter tj on 33s. Any recommendations on what size gears I should upgrade too. Thing is big time lagging on 4th and 5th .

[@timperryman5222]

488's are the answer.

[@joshuaschrantz6773]

"Penny pincher" to me is more like making 2k in upgrades/repairs happen with 800. This is just another build that someone says is a "budget build" then fails to mention that budget is 30k

[@Gunmetalbluejeeptjs]

Does the vented hood affect the distributor with the rain

[@davidjessee7701]

I love your Jeep. Very inspiring!! I have a 98 same color. 4.0 mine cost 5k with 130k mi. No rust..

[@richfisherman2664]

Nice video. I have a 2006 LJ and I was wondering where you bought your front fender flares. Thanks

[@maximilianopreciado8710]

Big inspiration for cost wise

[@ProjectXJ]

I paid $4,100 for my 97 XJ (stock) and have about $5,000 into it so far. Long arms, lockers, trusses, sliders etc!

[@DanTaff41]

I want to meet this guy! I have a 98 Sahara and he's doing everything I want but I can't find anything for the prices he is, amazing build for sure!

[@NathanGilmer]

Very cool build!

[@kaminarikatuhstrofik9534]

I bought my 99 TJ for $2000. Has the 4.0 and it runs perfect. Owner needed the money and didn't want to fix the exhaust/brake lines.

[@briansolliday1117]

What a good build. I loved it

[@ronniemontemayor4358]

It's a really sweet Jeep TJ! I would love to hear how much you actually spent on it. Whatever it is, definitely worth it.

[@joshuabutler1555]

Ronnie Montemayor total cost for everything with the cost of the jeep was 12,000.

[@TheBeardedJeeper]

Looks great! I wish I could find some deals like that!

[@chrisjan8]

great story and build. thanks for sharing

[@BigMac-uz1tj]

Jeez this guys finding the holy grails in used parts

[@CammieGee]

Sweet TJ

[@TrailRecon]

It sure it!

[@penderpartyof2700]

This Jeep is perfect!

[@patrickjan7896]

The dent haunts my perfectionism

[@lostsheepadventures]

What flat fenders are these? i need wide ones like this to stay legal here in NZ

[@BruceWayne-xu5bj]

It’s been 5 years and I still want to know too

[@michaelwilson9902]

really want to see that zj from a off-road trip you were on recently.

[@TrailRecon]

Working on coordinating with the owner... hopefully in a few weeks we can get our schedules to line up.

[@BKAGOSTO]

Very cool vid. Keep up the great work bro. Woooooweeeee👍👍👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you! Really appreciate it!

[@ustagivadambutnevagavafuk2675]

Not really a huge jeep fan. But this makes me want one now, just gotta make my 1970 F100 badass first.

[@konstantincamorra4999]

dope rig!

[@nickherrera577]

as an owner of an xj and an explorer, I can say jeeps are cheaper (modding wise) due to their aftermarket support.. The '3 lift kit etc. on my explo and tires all in all came out close to $5000 I spent half that on a similar kit for my xj sport

[@keithfreeman4015]

Badass rig.

[@TheVikingSailor]

I'm lookin at those kevlars thinkin, "Penny Pincher my ass." lol

[@tombrooks8565]

excellent stewardship! Awesome rig!

[@emt3417]

Good call man. Tubesock was a good rig.

[@hopefloats7573]

I went right by Aguanga on Saturday morning. Would have happy to take you guys to Pinyon Mountain Road. That Jeep is ready but the arm might not be. Another time?

[@TrailRecon]

We filmed this on Friday, so you missed us by 24 hours! Looking forward to doing pinyon mountain again, just not on the calendar just yet.

[@hopefloats7573]

+TrailRecon Actually I didn't. We did Pinyon on Friday. My mistake in first post. That Jeep had a custom dash display and please keep us up to date on those 2.8 Cummins plans.

[@kakarote2277]

Nice rig!

[@petelara6198]

tell me where to buy that steering wheel and the little red thing behind it ha

[@matadorprime]

Almost two years. I wonder how his arm and this Jeep are doing? Love TJs! Craigslist is for sure great, but as you said Brad, you just have to be patient.

[@timwilson8740]

I drove my TJ 1998 for 19 years it also had a 2.5 that jeep would go anywhere

[@davidjessee7701]

Great Jeep ... What steering wheel adapter and spacer did u use?

[@joserosario6081]

Very nice looks good

[@TheRobertsonLife]

Nice build!

[@oleroy4749]

Sweet budget build!! So what was the causing the white smoke??

[@TrailRecon]

A very sweet build and good question about he smoke, sorry I forgot to ask.

[@unmachinist]

This is super similar to where I want my jeep to be set up and color scheme, and he even wants the same engine swap as me omg!!!! This guy must be me 😂

[@joshuabutler1555]

Collin, feel free to ask any questions you may have.

[@alexvech4121]

I did a Rubicon on my 2.5l to without any issues.

[@AustinLWright]

3k for the base vehicle was a great deal. Did we ever hear if it actually had head gasket issues?

[@toddpalmer3507]

I'm into my 4.0 Lj for about 18.5k and can no doubt out wheel this dude any day, tally up his build and its sitting right around 25k. its a very nice looking jeep but I certainly question some of the craigslist #'s he threw out on wheels and tires and the axles. just saying

[@nicparker3809]

it isnt the jeep it is the driver. Dude cant off road and said it was for his kid to learn? PIFF and son you can have it SURRREEE!!! How about a new one DAD! only 60K......

[@cvuedoo9608]

Yeah, I call BS

[@kylependley]

Love this jeep! Who makes the fender flares and rear bumper/tire carrier? Those look great.

[@RebelR15]

Not one for power, but for reliability. Is a 4.0 less reliable then a 2.5? I love mine

[@AFcody16]

whats the phone app used for that's on the gauges??

[@Joe_Smo]

Looks great! What wheel offset and back spacing do you have?

[@sethwright]

What kind of wiper/turn signal levers did he have? They look custom

[@mightymikee]

@5:57 Did anyone else notice the tri-link bracket crack?

[@Owl566]

mightymikee is it a crack off a one piece item or is it two pieces, as in welded down the side of the bracket causing a step which is poorly welded? Not sure...