From 1 To 850+ Jeep Cherokees: My Journey To My Massive Collection! (My Life Story)

Feels like just yesterday I had my first ever Jeep Cherokee, and now I have woken up with over 850 of them. This is me telling the story of basically my last 20 years of business along with childhood raising. Hard to believe where it started to where I am now with my collection. I do the best to remember every step of my journey, but I had to leave many details out and just cover basics. Hope you enjoy, I do think it's an epic story for a person of my age!!

[@brandonstokes5029]

The fact that you still have the 1st one out of all of em is just awesome.

[@SWAMPHOUND-ld3kn]

i'm 60 years old been a mechanic for 40 yrs. marriwd 41 yrs. raised 5 men , 13 grand children. And you are one of the of the men any father would be proud of . Drive on , drive on DEX, the more you stand the less you fall.

[@ADHD.Garage]

Man I’ve owned 9 Cherokees XJs since I got my license 8 years ago. I could never explain the love for them to anyone I’ve met. I came across your channel it damn near touched my heart because it was everything I enjoyed about them! Keep bringing the best Cherokee content on earth. You have a life long viewer!

[@aaron___6014]

It's because you're young. You'll get old and buy cars that will never mean anything compared to your early vehicles.

[@HeresMinx]

@@aaron___6014 its true, i just got to the point in my life where i was basically forced to purchase a new practical vehicle, can't hold onto the old junk forever

[@MaybachDay]

@@aaron___6014 29 years old here and am very successful. I've owned cars with heads up displays, 400+ HP, you name it. I got rid of all of it and bought myself an XJ. I agree with OP... These vehicles are fricking awesome, so rewarding to work on, and look bad ass! I've done everything myself so far, getting ready to outsource after a year of owning it. If anything, I can tell you grabbing an old XJ is better than having a car payment. Grabbed it for 2k and I've put 600-700 into it, that's about as much as I'd pay in two months for car payments. I wont be going back. Going to get me a TJ here soon too

[@user-uo9cy2ep2h]

9 vehicles in 8 years. I'll stick with GM

[@ADHD.Garage]

@@user-uo9cy2ep2h owned and what we drive everyday a little different!

[@Davenportdiesel89]

Man that was me!!! This is the coolest thing I’ve heard in a long time I’ll never forget that jeep I drove that ragged sucker everywhere I still remember y’all buying it!!

[@humboldtpicker]

FAMOUS SIGNATURE ON FIRST CHEROKEE IS GLENN BECKET CHICAGO #18 (played for Chicago Cubs)! I'm a picker/flipper so this is one of my superpowers.

[@HeyItsEmilyLove]

I was searching the comments, hoping somebody about this lol. Thank you!

[@user-oh9ew5jo2k]

The story of one man’s quest to find a Jeep that runs.

[@Martin-yi6py]

hahahaha :D

[@ingots4353]

Have 3 zjs. Happy to finally get to hear the full story. Even if you can't get to all the jeeps it makes me happy that someone is saving them from getting scrapped.

[@rocknhardspotcherokeexjres5959]

You run a hell of a channel and are an inspiration for a lot of us! I got bit by the Jeep bug back in 2003 and I've turned over 40 xjs myself, with a little bit of help of course! Don't ever question why you're doing it and don't pay any attention to the haters. Keep up to awesome content and maybe touch on a little bit of troubleshooting every now and then as well. Just bought a set of connecting rods and pistons from you and can't wait to dive in to my 4.0. Have a good one!

[@alale923]

Really inspiring dex. Im a 33 year old construction worker and daily wish i was doing something similar to you. Just purchased my 9th jeep in my lifetime. Comanche thats been on my bucketlist for what seems like forever. Would love to get away from construction and get into your type of work. Gave me alot of ideas! Gotta keep hustling doing side jobs to fuel this addiction we both have. I have a 5 year old son thats well on his way to being an old jeep lover like ourselves and i hope to leave him plenty of cool old jeeps. Blows my mind how some of my coworkers justify their 1k a month truck payment and its junk that you cannot even work on. I currently have two xjs one mj and my wife drives my 06 4runner thats also a bullet proof 4.0. No car payments but gotta keep up on maintenance. Currently live in the city but when we move to the country hopefully soon, i plan on filling some fields with jeeps that deserve a second chance at life. Love your videos!

[@russellsalvador1620]

In 1988, I bought a 1988 Jeep Comanche, new $11,000 ,had it 3 years, traded it to my brother for a 65 Chevelle SS, I still have the Chevelle, as the years past, I wanted another Comanche, could not find one, so I looked for a XJ, found one 4 years ago, it had 215,000 miles on it, I've put 40,000 miles on it, took trips to Washington st, Utah, just got back from trip to Kansas', my Cherokee is dang near bullet proof, I love it, and really like your channel.

[@dexjs]

They’re really great vehicles!! They do tear up though!

[@XxggxX8]

Life story much respect I’ve owned like 5 xj and I know I’ll buy another one . Btw congratulations on 100,000 subscribers you deserve it

[@jovesp]

definitely an inspiration. keep it up bud, it's an awesome background story and worth every minute and moment.

[@kris10tentin]

We have 5 XJs and 1 LJ, my whole family loves the Cherokees! We've had so much fun wheeling in a Sh*tbox. We just bought a 96 and my 12 year old daughter claimed it. We have: 01 5sp manual, 98 5sp manual, 96 auto, 89 auto rock crawler and a 96 2 door we're going to turn into a camp trailer. Keep up the great content, my family loves watching you! Congrats!

[@eat.sleep.wheel21]

I bought and parted out Toyotas for a couple years when I was in college, I think I had 26 in 3-4 years. I should have stuck with it.

[@Andrew-ed3zy]

I stumbled across your channel randomly while searching for "how to" videos on XJ's. I have a 95 and a 96, one is my stock daily and the other is for wheeling. I have an unusual obsession with these cars for some reason. They are somewhat rare here in Australia, especially in good condition. So I have this desire to buy more and keep them preserved. Love your content mate, keep it coming!

[@EricStrickland0724]

I love what you’re doing bud. Keep cherokees are one of the greatest vehicles ever to hit the road. I stumbled across your channel a few months ago and from watching you on learned to rebuild a 4.0 I blew up. Love the content and love the story bud. Keep up the awesome work.

[@jeepsblackpowderandlights4305]

keep buying em, i got to salvage yards for Jeep parts to sell on ebay and stuff and i have for like 15 years.. i noticed startign about 5-6 years ago that ZJ and XJ's which used to be in the like 15-20 range per yard.. and every 2 weeks crushed and replaceed by another 20.. and so forth.... now youre lucky to find an XJ, and the ZJ's only 1-3 usually in the yard. Its getting harder to find them

[@30AndHatingIt]

WJ’s are starting to get thrown in the crushers way too fast too. Something’s up…

[@josephmarkblack9570]

my son, Reid and I bypassed the heater core on my 2000 GC, he found your video on replacing a heater core and wanted to try it, so he did successfully with a little help from me. He is 14 and recently acquired a 2000 Cherokee that needs an engine. This is a great video of how you got where you are. Thanks for being a positive influence.

[@01beaterxj]

This is the video I needed for the past 2 years I decided to step away from working for someone and pursue my dream of doing basically what you're doing it definitely is hard work and constantly pushing to keep this going but this gave me alot more motivation to push harder keep up the video and I enjoy every one of them

[@glbaker5595]

Thxs,, nice seeing a nice young man set a goal and go after it,, in my job I see so many young men with great potential throwing it away, stay close to your family they're the backbone keep faith in yourself and may the Lord continue to bless you,,❤

[@robanderson2815]

Dex, I really admire your foresight and business sense in your present venture. My uncle owned a junkyard when I was a kid and I always wanted to take over that business and continue selling parts like he did back in the day. Unfortunately, he sold it and retired way before I could get the money together to try to buy that from him. So I just love what you’re doing, love your videos, and keep those wheeling videos coming because they are literally the best!!

[@mattdutra3389]

Man bud what a video! I just subscribed to your channel. Long story short my younger brother and I haven't spoke in 3 years and he messaged me not long ago and we forgave each other. Well he just messaged me your channel and seeing how me and my brother mainly my brother is into JEEPs and we use to go out on trails having a Blast he sent your channel and this is the first video i watched. I gotta say it hit me, bought back all those good memories of me and him heading out with his Tj then he upgraded to his 2006 Rubicon. And i pushed a 1998 ZJ 4.0L. I appreciate the video and your channel brother. Your definitely living the Dream as my brother put it. Wish I could go back in time and do the same thing with my younger brother.

[@chadmcarthur5652]

got my first xj when i was 15, 1996 2wd with the 4.0 painted flame red. it was my first vehicle and my daily driver. i loved that thing so much. I’m 18 now and 2 days after i graduated highschool and lady came across the road and hit me head on and totaled me 96. I had restored basically everything on this jeep easily 15k in just parts as i did all the labor my self. It was my absolute pride and joy i was devastated. Still am. now i’ve got my next jeep a 2000 with 111k miles pretty clean but doesn’t compare to my first. i think all of us here can relate to that first love and bond with the first vehicle. I’ll always love Xjs and i probably will always one… maybe 5😂

[@braydonxd3968]

over the past 4 months i have been fixing my zj and your videos have been my #1 source of knowledge and now i have a perfectly running 94 zj aside from the newley discovered death wobble. thank you dex.

[@Gofishjeff2]

Great inspirational story and I’m glad you’re sharing your knowledge and still being you! Love your videos! Looking forward to your next one! Debt kills so many small businesses!! Sacrifice and hard work… you’re telling your secrets!

[@GarageWorx]

XJ was one of the greatest all around vehicles ever made. I had a 1993 Country. Long live the 4.0!

[@hughwolfe1176]

Be proud of yourself Dex. Just do what makes you happy and you’ll get by… Subscribed

[@lifewithjohnny2019]

You completed the american dream man!..plus, you're a good person, so it makes the entire story even better. 👍

[@MangScoots]

ah brother, you have such an amazing life. i dont say that to make ya feel bad for others, but man wow. family storys like this seem to have faded away in the modern day, makes me happy to still see some faith in the so many ways, family, storys, memories and a legacy. so swag

[@BMFFRESH]

Thank you for sharing your story bro! It was very inspiring. You have got to be proud of yourself! I’m sure you already know this but be proud of what a good job. Your parents did in raising you. They absolutely need to get recognized and get credit for this as well. They did a good job. Congratulations.

[@adamfrench8735]

This video reminded me of myself and my journey. It’s awesome to hear someone find there place in life. You are a inspiration to many and have been blessed. Thanks for sharing your story.

[@cherokee3938]

I completely understand why you are so into jeep cherokee I have had mine for 21 years and love it wouldn't sell it for anything great video brother keep up the good work would love to come and just visit your place looks awesome

[@dexjs]

I love it!

[@ericswope2879]

I sadly just traded my 3 Cherokees off and instantly regretted it I was just starting to try KZbin out and making videos because of this channel! Only posted a few small clips of the jeeps but they brought a lot of joy

[@dexjs]

Sorry to hear that!! I’m glad I am an influence though!!

[@trail-wolf4x4]

Dude I think your just a guy whose enjoying his hobby and his passion. I think you are an inspiration for the amount of work youve put yourself through and for your family. Makes me really want to get my business going soon. Id personally love to see most of those jeeps worked on, sold to good homes to maybe ignite anothers passion. Keep rocking on Dex & Co one day id like to stop by the shop to chat and maybe walk around. Im a big history nerd and really love all the trivia on the packages and options

[@carykennedy9467]

Good Ole hard work and determination! Gotta love.

[@MrFixer7]

Awesome Story of your life and Jeeps Brother!!! Always was my Dream vehicle the Cherokee XJ. Bought my first one back in 2005. Currently have my second one a 99 Cherokee XJ. Built it the way I wanted it. I Turn 59 this year and I still do my own work on my vehicles. Great job you have done Dex. Love your channel. Kudos

[@dexjs]

Right on!

[@georgefletcher9314]

I would be a kid in a candy store just to walk around the salvage yard to see all the XJs you have… I absolutely love the video of the changing of the cam bearings and see it correct the oil pressure. The down side is I think that’s what mine needs.. And I can’t afford to shut it down and do it right now. So I am unfortunately going to have to run it and pray.. It’s got 362,568…and climbing..

[@HawkeyeMobileAutoRepair]

Heard that, run the rotella t4 15-40. I can attest it helps, put motor has 260k on the clock in my jeep and it had low oil pressure after warming up (about 5-10 after a 30 minute drive, actually when I first bought it after a 200 mile drive home it had 0 oil pressure), I changed to rotella t4 after the second oil change and it went from 10 to 20-25 psi when hot. At 2000 rpm it shoots right up to 45 like it should be, instead of 30-35 where it was before. Good luck with it!

[@kush101ism]

Love you Dex ! Stand up guy !!! Keep putting these beautiful machines back on the road !!! Love to see the grind

[@Swifty_007]

I just bought a 1999 Jeep cherokee XJ and you've been a massive help and inspiration. Your videos have helped me build confidence to continue working on my XJ!

[@janetbrowder6685]

That’s quite a story. Most people don’t understand how hard you have actually worked to get where you are. Lots of loooong workdays. Example of hard work paying off. 👍👏👏👏👏👏

[@brandonzeiders5273]

Dex i love your story. Reminds me of my friend's and I when we were younger. Buying 50$ beaters and ripping thru the junk yard. I almost envy you. You made smart choices and did very well. Thank you for making people aware of how stressful mechanic life is. Really appreciate that!!! Thank you for all the great videos. Keep it up!

[@chrispurzer9461]

Awesome story. Left me short of breath seeing so many jeeps all all all ...in one place.😊

[@colbyjohnson9372]

Wrangler people hate on em, but man.. these jeeps are awesome. Incredible story Dex, thanks for sharing.

[@glbaker5595]

I really love your story, I did not really know much about the Jeep Cherokee until one day I was just clicking the internet three or four years ago and came across Matt's off-road recovery and it seemed to be his chief of choice for sand and the type of recovery he was doing out in the desert,, I was wondering had you already discovered the joys of the Jeep Cherokee and the secret to help before Matt,, I'm glad you guys are getting it figured out cuz it does seem to be a phenomenal vehicle,, God bless and stay safe and keep having a blast,😊🇺🇲

[@1993MAZDAMIATA]

Man not gonna lie I’m pretty jealous. I wish my childhood was like this haha. I had a good childhood but this is a dream of mine

[@hydragaragebullheadcity]

Ya you going to have to do more videos like this you have some good memories to share

[@savage22bolt32]

Thanks for posting this vid. What a great childhood you & your brother had ❤

[@bassinshankles]

Dex you are living the dream. My love for XJ come from growing up in northeast AL about 50mile from Rusty's off road and even though every Jeep on the road was modified the XJ was the one that I'd eye most.

[@KyleCarpenter.]

Awesome video! I refer to you when i describe your channel to others as a "jeep cherokee mad scientist" The content is great! Keep it up man we are all here for it

[@tylerbuhite5432]

I absolutely love the channel and the down home wholesome content, been a jeep guy since I was 16, and have had the times with no cash trying to chase a dream, hardwork is def a MUST! You do give me inspiration to go the extra mile wrenching and using my rigs whenever I feel overwhelmed. Sure appreciate what ya do, keep em coming ! I woulda liked to hear why you got outta wranglers tho!

[@E36tyler]

Super inspiring, thanks for sharing! Please make more business oriented videos like this. It’s tough starting out and your perspective especially starting from a young age would be so helpful to hear more of. I have a load of questions that hopefully would be answered if you continue making more stuff like this. I’m a BMW guy myself but love everything automotive and have been flipping/parting out for years on a small scale. I just recently decided to scale it up so this video was super motivational to watch. Thanks!

[@WilleCoyote223]

You are one of the most wholesome people I've watched grow. I've got you on Facebook and tik tok and it's been great seeing you grow and be known. Stay exactly who you are man!

[@TheStanleyWay]

I just bought my first XJ four months ago and I have been doing a lot of work to it and enjoying it. I loved this video and your story so I am a new subscriber. I can’t wait to look through your playlists for ideas as I work through my project. I have always dreamed of having a shop like yours and I hope one day I can. God bless you brother, you are living my dream.

[@ExecuteInStyle]

Awesome story Dex. One thing that crossed my mind is that I have not seen one Wagoneer!

[@dougdeel2046]

Thanks for your passion for the jeep glad to see someone saving theses things I’m from VA an need to get down there for some parts for my jeeps

[@erikwallace2560]

It is an awsome story. If only more people would have the same ethics as you. Congrats and good luck on your future endeavors.

[@calebmcbride1483]

Love the longer videos! I knew 0% about cherokees before getting into them recently. You're my go to for information a good 90% of the time. Keep up the good work!

[@scottjohnson2326]

Just happened upon your channel- this is my first of your videos - AWESOME story - I'm 60 and really appreciate seeing a younger hard worker - I own 3 Jeeps and I'm sure I'll eventually need your help and meanwhile, BEST WISHES !!

[@dh2360]

Your story is inspiring, thanks for saving vehicles that gives society an option of not having to buy and drive the new crap. You can still work on these Jeeps and the 4.0 engine is a work horse. Any cars and trucks pre 2010 will be missed as they are crushed because you can’t work on the newer stuff.

[@jaaxxone]

This was a blast! Thanks Dex.

[@scottrhoades7678]

Awesome video, very good job 👍,good family did this

[@jakegorman7121]

Living proof that good old-fashioned hard work does still pay off!

[@JBM802]

Inheriting land helps too.

[@loki.hav0k]

Having parents that hand you everything helps

[@SWResto]

Great story Dex enjoy your adventures! Keep up the your youtube vids I wish you well in all adventures!

[@ronaldbruzan9646]

Great job at telling your story! Thanks for sharing

[@dexjs]

Thanks for listening!

[@bobeverhart8231]

carry on dex you are one of the most down to earth person on youtube with a very strong ethic i worked out of a toyota hilux in the early 70 s from so calif we drove that truc t to maine new york washington all i ever did was keepputin gas in it we hade a jeep cheokee in the 80 trans started to go south

[@Reeds_adventures]

Hard work pays off. Keep up the good work. I can only dream to be where you are. Hope to see you on the trails someday.

[@dunskidoodle]

Awesome story Dex! Thank you for sharing. I have always been a firm believer that hard work pays off, and you are a testament to that. Keep on keeping on!

[@michaelrichards669]

33:21 Good none went to scrap. Like you said... fix them up and put back on the road. Really cool your mom searched Marketplace and Craigslist for you. Really helps out having family look for ones that were being Sold.

[@koreywilliamson3737]

My first jeep was a 91 and it was one of the best one had almost 400,000 miles when I sold it

[@shaneherman8906]

We need more Dex's in this world.

[@xlandscaper]

Congrats on the 100K. Been here since the beginning. I learned a lot from you! Keep it up

[@Professorbrap]

Love the story, and so happy your saving them from scrap including the onces your putting them back on the road and spreading knowledge.

[@chrismarsh9978]

Just had to let you and Justin know , I was working in Stanton Tn a few weeks ago and didn't have anything to do on Friday evening so I drove by I sure wish Y'all would have been there but I got pictures to prove I was there be back soon as my folks are up in the Jackson Area and the job in Stanton will be going for a while !!! Keep up the good work LOVE IT ALL , see ya soon !!!

[@TheMainLead]

Don’t do that

[@biesbas]

Never heard of your channel before and although I'm a car guy I don't particularly care for Jeeps. But wow what a great story and I really admire what you seem to have made off your life. I watched from beginning to end and will definitely subscribe! I've always dreamt of living a slower life in the middle of nowhere, to me this is the American dream. Where I live (Netherlands) a life like this would never be possible unless you're born with a silver spoon in your mouth.

[@pattman96]

Hell yeah brother!!! Congratulations on the Business and keeping it afloat!!

[@christophertaylor2464]

I have seen this video come up on my phone 3 or 4 times and I finally watched it. I liked and subscribed to your channel. Keep up the good work and saving them from being destroyed. I loved your story I read a bunch of the comments and it looks like you have helped a lot of people by passing on your knowledge to other people. GOD BLESS YOU AND ALL WHO READ THIS AMEN.

[@DieselSgrass]

Glenn Beckert is the signature..MLB player..passed in 2020 he wore #18 his whole career.

[@heatonext]

Living the dream Dex. Thanks for the story, great video 🤙

[@colubrinedeucecreative]

Awesome story. Looks like you just kind of knew and one thing lead to another and you still have that theme which is awesome! You knew how amazing the XJ was, and the market was always there. I didn't ever even consider that. Matt's off road recovery like 3 years ago was the first I heard about how good those XJ's really were. I think a lot of us have similar stories with things that didn't survive to be legends like this. Your story is much more in depth than that, so kudos. Subbed to see what is next!

[@marshalljvanderhoofphoto]

Really enjoy all your videos and the knowledge you are sharing. Thanks for the back story of how you got to where you are. Totally respect the no debt piece. I built my house and now working on a garage and workshop with no loans or debt. It's a great feeling not to owe anyone anything. Thanks for saving all these Jeeps. FYI - I'm working on a 2 door project XJ and once I get to the interior I will definitely be asking you if you have some replacement parts.

[@Kdjeepzj]

I appreciate all the jeep info, I’ve always loved jeeps and to get the tips and tricks from u on working on them has helped a lot. I’ll always support the channel!

[@jamesvoracek4992]

I've owned almost ten different jeeps n only gonna have more your great inspiration!

[@MacsSpecialitiesProperties]

Dex talking to himself in the Third person

[@rebekahklemm1210]

Good for you Dex. Love to see the passion and dedication to your craft. Keep on keepin' on good buddy!

[@williamtaylor1327]

The true American way!!! Hard work pays off!!! Awesome story and family values!!! Long live the XJ's

[@FattommyDrives]

We appreciate all the info and all the experience you share. I still want your cherry picker/ engine puller

[@dexjs]

I’m enjoying myself. And it’s awesome no doubt! Use it daily.

[@2dollarrip571]

This channel keeps me from blowing my brains out thank you

[@jmurk138]

Man this is fuucking awesome your living the dream bro This is the channel best channel on youtube by far

[@DBNEBMUSICGROUP]

We hear of success stories, but none of them like yours! This video is #UltraFabulous! I'm from NYC and been rebuilding my1991 xj! I feel like I found a new consigliere for parts!

[@dexjs]

Wow, thank you!

[@JuanRamirez-rb6lo]

This story is awesome brother keep on JEEPING AROUND 💯

[@SIPI3.]

Growing up my parents had numerous Cherokee XJS. I now own 2 of them myself. One will soon to be a trail rig and other will be a daily, awesome video and love all the content you put out. Thank you.

[@1unkn0wn]

Thank you for the story, your efforts to keep these great Jeeps alive and for sharing your knowledge with us. I can't tell you how helpful all in info on the 4.0 has been esp your series on tracking down the oil pressure issue with worn cam bearings.

[@emmersonbigguns7808]

Mad respect for what you have accomplished

[@Skiridr22]

I’m happy you started your channel I have learned allot from watching you work

[@adamnowakowski2611]

Awesome video , great to hear all the awesome stories behind each jeep🎉 me and my brother are around the same age as you guys and grew up very similar, we have a total of 4 xjs and 3 zjs. Love your channel and keep up the great content🎉

[@Truckinup266]

Never heard of you before but what a success story, you go hero and get that money!! They made that bodystyle for ever too great choice and good luck with your journey aswell

[@HawkeyeMobileAutoRepair]

Your a real hometown hero.

[@dexjs]

Thank you! That means a lot!

[@Naveandlaen]

Love the raw passion here! You’re cool as hell

[@moejr14]

Dude you my idol. I’ve got 2 cherokees and a Comanche and working on a 3rd Cherokee. Hope to have much more in my day

[@SPLFREAKZSD]

A buddy of mine showed me your page and I've been hooked ever since. I own a WJ my first jeep and you have inspired me to fix my own stuff! I enjoy your videos and thanks for sharing your story!

[@dexjs]

Welcome aboard!