We TRANSFORMED our Jeep Wrangler, and BLEW the Budget: Cheap Jeep Challenge Ep.5

[@TFLcar]

How Good or Bad was this Cheap Jeep Off-road? We found our here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4DGZIJ6ic-Ah7M

[@Hey..._Nope]

Very good video

[@jeremy8715]

Its not hard to install a lift on the TJ.

[@jeremy8715]

Should of gotten 31x10.5x15. Would of been better.

[@jeremy8715]

Quadratec sells rebranded JW Speakers 8700 j2 evolution heated LED headlights.

[@thought1212]

needs a turbo kit. good project.

[@stimpyueediot]

I wish my cheap Jeep challenge involved getting free tires and a suspension kit.

[@glittery_ponies2035]

Get 750,000 subscribers on your youtube channel and you probably would...

[@jayro4113]

No doubt lol

[@vladimiralexander229]

Lmao made my day

[@hbrhodes1s]

Pretty sure they said they paid for the tires. I missed the lift info.

[@stimpyueediot]

@@hbrhodes1s 16:25

[@gkrcr882]

So far so good going into uncharted territory regarding mechanical work. Just a FYI, never use a tap in a drill, there are special T-handle or ratchet adapters designed for them. When tapping something slow and steady (with lubrication) is the key, if you go too crazy and break the tap you are in for a bad day as they are made of a very hard metal which is almost impossible to drill out.

[@guitarmuser6150]

I was thinking the same thing! Can't believe no one else (that I've seen so far) caught that. Roman, I think, got lucky doing it with the drill. I would never try that. lol.

[@travisbreaux2463]

Was gonna comment the same. Also to work it back and forth clearing the thread shavings. Keep it lubed.

[@michaelpawluk6791]

I broke a tap in the front trunnion of an AK rifle, I shattered the tap with a center punch

[@snapfish89]

We use a tap in a impact, all day every day.

[@black84z28camaro]

It's called power tapping

[@vinceclark6164]

Looks really good guys! A lot better looking from when you bought it. I would ditch those side steps though.

[@ryzen397]

Jeep looks awesome now, i like the bfg letters on the outside too on that wrangler.

[@johnmiller7682]

I would have used bed liner spray on the fender flairs.

[@chaseware3181]

I was thinking the same thing since they got lift and tires for free they could have afforded it and made it more durable.

[@jasonletzelter6863]

I get way too excited when I see a CheapJeep video come up on you channel, keep em' coming guys this is awesome!

[@Whiteandsonsgarage]

we all get a little exited

[@johntom9162]

Try leaving off the plastic front bumper pieces, gives it a way better look and costs nothing. Also, painting those chrome headlight trim rings black ties it all together and is another cheap, easy thing to do.

[@TrueNomadSkies]

I really like how you guys mentioned the importance of NOT cheaping out on tires or suspension. Spacer lifts and what not make sense when you're lifting something that's very new because you're retaining parts that are still new, but with a project that already has warn coils/shocks the extra few hundred bucks is well worth it. Another avenue that one could take (had you guys not had a sponsor or time constraint) for wheels/tires would be to look at JK take offs. There are always tonnes of brand new or next to brand new tires and wheels for sale in my area that people have just taken off of their Jeeps and are selling for considerably less than what that tire/something comparable would sell for from the tire shop.

[@takayama1638]

Looking good boys, mighty good.

[@ThomperBeThompin]

I been watching you guys for years...you're just good people. Keep up the honest, real world stuff!! It's the most beneficial to us all.

[@colind9638]

Think the Jeep would look better again if the hard top colour could be changed to black too

[@billwilmington8284]

They have a budget constraint and it's not that bad. From factory it would've been black bumpers/trim with a tan top so I think it's fine.

[@daphlavor]

I’ve seen a two tone Jeep similar to this model running around, the top is aqua blue, looks nice, not typical though.

[@WeekendWarrior604]

Broken Fuel Gauge i think they are way past that budget now 😂

[@bpeeps00]

Black would be sweet I was thinking the same thing.

[@carlsmith4767]

Maybe look better but when your in the sun,

[@number1heatrocka287]

Can’t wait to see this rig in action! Good job TFL 👍 plus those red recovery hooks are a nice touch 👌

[@skunkhollow1]

@ 6:55 Tommy come on my guy, you know the difference between an open end wrench and a crescent wrench! Im gonna give you the benefit of the doubt and say it was probably the paint fumes. Good video guys! That thing is sparklin now!

[@theactivist7]

I used to have that exact jeep. Miss it greatly.

[@michaelfallen1564]

Just a tip if you ever re-do the bumpers and fender flares again, try the spray can truck bed liner. It gives them an awesome powder coated look and is extremely durable. I've never had much luck with normal spraypaint on Jeep parts

[@RKmndo]

I'd have started with just anti-swaybar disconnects, 31-33" x 10.5" siped mudders, a lunchbox locker or 2, and a winch. You might need a 1" bodylift to clear 33x10.5s, but the stock rubber body mounts may need polyurethane replacements by now anyway. 35s could then potentially fit by tubing the fenders and installing adjustable control arms, but 31s would be best for that 4cyl and stock gears/axles. I like keeping the COG low, and lockers will generally get you further than a lift...while a winch will get you home.

[@Hopey1231000]

Awesome build and appreciate the insight. Gotta love a cheap build. Happy Trails!

[@aukula1062]

I have to stop watching this channel. Jeeps and AR 15s are big boy Legos. I can't resist either.

[@Whiteandsonsgarage]

hahaha its addictive

[@GriffinEarle]

Great series. I love Jeeps and I love seeing the father and son content. Please make as many videos as you can with this TJ.

[@REDZ28won]

Great job but the jeep is going to be even more gutless with those taller tires without a gear change.

[@manillafresh57]

JazzedHellcat the tires and only an inch or two taller. Don’t be a dick.

[@REDZ28won]

@@manillafresh57 I guess you dont know how under powered the engine is. The only Dick I see here is you!

[@CoveringFish]

JazzedHellcat just you

[@ChrisGramm]

I added an Aussie Locker to the rear-diff on my 215,000 mile YJ and it's a Billy Goat now! Under $300 bucks and it goes almost anywhere

[@travisbreaux2463]

I think the best part of this video series is watching father and son working together. I wish I could just wrench on one more random project with my dad, while just joking and spending time together again.

[@conracewhatever5224]

I like this father-son time! Awesome!!!

[@ricwestdoesitwork]

The cheap Jeep is looking good guys.

[@theonecalledgr]

Im happy to see someone else suffered through removing the stock fenders as I did. I recently though about upgrading them, then I remembered the job of re spraying them. Over my dead body am I doing that again.

[@rockymountboy]

That rotor did not need to be replaced. You could have had the rotors resurfaced at an auto parts store for $10 each, and just replaced the pads. You might have been able to find a matching rim at the junkyard (pull-apart, etc.). You've done a great job on improving the looks for cheap. I think you have made the perfect choices on the lift & tires. And the red tow hooks.

[@purplejwhayes]

Great work guys. Thank you for this series. I love it.

[@brv002]

That's a good looking Jeep right there. Simple yet trail worthy.

[@mscornwell]

Very nice job so far. but I have to agree with one of the earlier posts, you take that rig out to Moab with out lockers you're going to be spending a lot of time at the wrong end of a winch.. But looks great so far!! Im doing a 2005 LJ right now myself.

[@johnganshow5536]

Fantastic, and still under $10,000 total?

[@WBOS72]

Excellent job guys - love the budget approach.

[@ADirtyScrub]

If you had the option from Teraflex you should've done 3-4" of lift. You can keep stock control arms and run bigger tires. 33" at least if you have the gearing for it. 3.73 is a good gearing for the 4.0L and 33's.

[@khabra90]

Good job guys. KO2s are the bomb

[@sho942000]

I honestly cant believe this Jeep was only $6,500ish. This is an awesome series, nice find and nice upgrades!

[@Whiteandsonsgarage]

6.5 with a hardtop is so cheap

[@jeffreycordle6084]

Should have just left the bumberettes off. It looks better and performs better off road.

[@interpol007]

jeffrey Cordle not legal

[@halfchocolatecow3501]

@@interpol007 Yes it is

[@redpillthreads645]

Cool vid. You guys are lucky to have such an awesome father/son relationship. I'm jealous!

[@donaldmaclean4842]

I love that new POWER DRIVER Tommy. Works good.

[@tjshine8022]

Love watching you guys fix this up. If you had gone to 265-75R-16 you would have gained almost 2" of width and only 1" of height. I hope you replaced that hitch pin with a locking one, or else you're going to loose that recovery hitch at Walmart!

[@derekwiley8521]

Man, that’s looking nice especially with BFG tires. It looks more like a proper Jeep now.

[@andrewbyor3198]

Looking forward to seeing the upgrades work on the trail. Drive safe guys! ✌🏼😎

[@hmp17]

I love this series. The fenders bothered me when you guys painted the bumper. haha so I was glad to see the fenders finally painted.

[@bkrgi]

A cheap Jeep for sure and rust free to boot. Beats losing the same amount of coin in depreciation driving a new one off the lot. Time to put that jeep to work offroad Well done TFL

[@LukeEdward]

I am so disappointed. 33x9.50 or 33x10.50 would have fit so, SO nice even though it meant that you would have had to use 15” wheels. They would have even fit under the flares if you used an OEM Jeep wheel; like the spare you had. It looks nice, but, dare I say it, common. I am glad you guys went with the quality lift, though. Quality isn’t cheap.

[@josephwhiskeybeale]

Agreed, I’d have ditched those Rubi rims on Craigslist and gotten some factory 15’ 5 stars

[@garyblatt8925]

The 33X9.50 was the perfect tire for my 4 Banger TJ. Off road, it was unstoppable.

[@CaptainCooter]

33” tires on a 2” lift with a 2.5L engine and Dana 30s is an awful idea. I guess you don’t wheel your Jeep huh? These tires are perfect for what they installed...

[@josephwhiskeybeale]

You can always regear , plus Dana 30+35 will do pizza cutters all day long.

[@garyblatt8925]

@@CaptainCooter I had no issues with BFG AT/KO 33X9.50 on my 1998 Jeep TJ with a 4 Cylinder and 4.10 gears. But I also had a catback, bored out 4.0L throttle body with a smoothed intake manifold, and a cold air intake. Plus, to get better burn in the cylinders, I swapped out the stock plugs for a fresh set of Champion Copper Plus as these work the best in this style of motor. Perhaps my Jeep would have been "rocket fast" if I had not added the bigger tires, but I had a C4 Vette if I wanted speed and this TJ for my off road adventures and this combination worked very well.

[@scottjgillishere]

Great job.. I have had those tires , Terrible in mud and snow .. they pack up And go no where... good in rain tho..

[@Hellguy76131]

A product made by SEM is made to “dye” plastic parts back to black. One light coat turned my JK bumper from light grey to black.

[@jimquigley2382]

I like the lift. If my math is correct, it was about 1600 for the lift and another 1000 for the new tires. So, about 2600. I'm including the lift kit that you guys got for 900ish. That's doable for the average Joe I think. Great video, great series. The Jeep looks great!!PS: Nothing beats the look of Tommy's Jeep though IMO.

[@JoseOrtiz_1416]

Tax write offs you guys will be fine

[@adamspencer6666]

Looks good guys! Only thing I would add is y’all should paint the grill black. Also please ditch this stupid end caps on the front bumper and chop the bumper up! It will give you much more aproach angle

[@thegmguy1]

Lookin much better!!! Be sure to paint the frame and axles they need it!!

[@josephwhiskeybeale]

LOL @ painting the fenders, they’ll look like garbage within a year, should have dyed them.

[@m1cajah]

@@thrrpt5955 good to know...my son's TJ needs a little sprucing up and he wants to paint them with a flat black, Krylon

[@daphlavor]

Remember to sand between coats

[@halfchocolatecow3501]

@@m1cajah Plasti-dip is matte too and it's easier to redo in the future. The key is to do at least 8 coats. Mine are still nice after a year and others have said it lasted them 5 years.

[@broncobros2022]

Tommy, I think you’d want a ratcheting boxed end wrench not a ratcheting crescent wrench. 😉 Keep up the good work. Love the videos when you guys fix up the older ones.

[@robertgowan8689]

It turned out real nice. Good job.

[@wrzl1675]

I bought a 98 TJ new and those fender flares faded out in the first year on all of them and didn’t matter what you put on them. That was the least of the many issues that Jeep had so I never bothered to fix that issue.

[@gen1c8rs88]

Instead of sanding(unless medium or worse scratches)/panting, should have blasted the unpainted fender flares with soft glass beads(under 100psi) and the result would equal a satin finish. Also new scratches won't be as big of a deal vs painted fender flares.

[@rigormortis08]

Looking good! I'm looking forward to the Moab video. Before and after!

[@sergiocastro588]

That Jeep is beautiful stock as it is! You made a good work of course with the cosmetic dress up

[@KMT15]

Wow that impact driver looked real nice for Harbor Freight. I’m a Dewalt guy but when you pulled it out I for sure thought it was a Milwaukee

[@sarge27271]

Looking real good. Goes to show, ya don't need a $50K rig to go and have fun. Cheers and keep 'em coming.

[@konnerS3]

I have 99’ 2.5L TJ, really liking what you guys are doing! Do you by chance have links or a list of everything you’ve done?

[@stvargas69]

It went from a mall crawler to its orignal how God intended form. Looks good!

[@luky61]

Great father son projects!

[@lucasxavier3564]

Looks like a heck of a fun father and son project

[@spookykittty]

This looks dope! I love it. Nice work guys!

[@williamschroeder6928]

Awesome series!! Excellent idea!

[@jameshall4385]

great looking jeep.

[@Offshore1977]

That lift and tires are perfect 👌 for the TJ

[@o2boutdoors]

Good to see you working on stuff! I think it will help you in evaluating the new vehicles as well. BTW, Roman shouldn't be making the executive decisions on things like painting the hooks red or putting the white lettering facing out. Teasing...sort of.

[@piledriveroffroad3743]

Could've definitely went bigger on the rubber. Looks like it skipped leg day at the gym. Spray painting the step....it'll suffice for the interim but how long do you think that's going to hold up before it starts chipping and flaking? It's going to get beat up on the 1st obstacle you do. Since you're wheeling it, should've ditched the step and opted for rock sliders.

[@jaysfiveohhh]

Don’t forget to paint the Harbor Freight shackle in the back RED too!

[@markkennedy4055]

Hit that Top with some Meguiar's Cleaner paste Wax, It will bring out the deep color again. I did mine and it still looks great almost Three year now.

[@NordicNevs]

If you ever need to tap a hole and don’t have any tap fluid, WD40 would be just fine as well. Make sure you have some oil or you could break it. Good work guys.

[@MrMechanus]

man that POWER DRIVER is great!

[@jayro4113]

Did he really say 245/75r16s were a odd ball, hard tire size to find? 😂😂😂😂

[@mtbpirates]

Letters in, bumper ends off, and get a winch.

[@chuckrf1502]

I am so impressed with the upgrades! Paint makes all the difference on the trim pieces. What are you going to do with the diffs and gears?

[@thehuskybunch]

I repainted my fender extensions with plasti dip. 3 years and still holding up

[@dondanieldante]

Led pods on A pillar & front bumper.

[@edgardoroman9061]

Really good job guys.

[@rubicon4x4]

Btw Tommy you would've had a much harder time installing the flares on the wrong side of the jeep than trying to locate the L and R 😂

[@tmmsplace]

Dude, Just did this. Should check the forums first. They’re rusted on bolts. Break’em off, replace with new bolts.

[@sherri082772]

That is a beautiful jeep, ty for ideas for my tj

[@wolfdad1512]

I love the video. Gotta say though you know you aren't going to be able to resist upgrading a jeep. Should have gotten the 4.0!

[@joerockme7485]

GOOD JOB GUYS !!!!

[@bonavita5683]

you should have painted the fenders white, and the top white, make it look like a sahara !

[@kclamer]

So you put the Jeep on Jack stands but didn't take the wheels off? Would have made it a lot more comfortable to do. Looks awesome though, get some lockers on that jeep and it will be golden!

[@robifleming]

Best series ever!! Love it!

[@ejesoriginal]

Looks a lot better and will be far more capable at the same time. Now...paint that tag bracket.

[@Ali-Al-Amiri-123]

Should've painted the rear hook red as well.

[@kevin00714]

If you go off road, the paint won't stay on the flairs long. Satin black would have been a better color. Mine were faded to a light gray. I took 0000 steel wool and all the oxidation came right off. They were a nice satin black like when new. Put a coat of Mothers Back to Black on every couple weeks and their still like new...even in the Florida sun.

[@geoXedge]

Why no review on driving changes. Also how did it go on road compared to the lush michelin ltx that you removed. Or a ride impression of the teraflex suspension.

[@isaaccohen3961]

That exactly what I was waiting for!! A lot of us have stock TJ or JK and are on the fence whether or not to do the lift as it drives nicely on the highway. I'd like to see Roman and Tommy taking the jeep for a stroll after all lift and kabooda was done and compare the two rides in terms of comfort, agility and responsiveness both in city and highway driving. I think we're all know that offroad performance is improved which I believe was the purpose of these modifications. Great series btw and wonderful video editing....

[@montanaior7714]

When i saw the drill bit i was like noooooo. Then Roman fixed it and got super lucky. Use hand tools not a drill moter when cleaning up threads

[@jasonmartineau6441]

I was thinking the same thing. It's a larger tap, but taps break so easily despite that.

[@greg1268]

Please do a video on how you do the snap trick and get new tires please. :) Oh, and thanks for putting the letters out!

[@Florida_Man_Robb]

Will anyone ever develop black trim that doesn’t fade? There are cars I won’t even consider due to the amount of plastic. Our ‘14 WK has a windshield cowl you’d think was 30 years old.

[@CaptainCooter]

Consider cutting the stock fender flares to make them flat

[@dawnshields4134]

Letters in

[@Jimsranch]

oh yeah - red for sure - sorry Tommy

[@ferris_outdoors5866]

Awesome video! I'm in the process of building and recording my xj!! I'm doing it all on a budget.

[@thelakebar]

Now it's time to tackle the Samurai !

[@jmj267]

That dude probably regrets getting rid of that girlfriends Jeep. Looks awesome guys.