Grand Cherokee Junkyard Treasures and Cheap Swaps

MyZJ98 · 09-10-2009, 07:40 PM

So I've been doing a lot of reading through threads in other forums, and noticed that all the other vehicles like the Wranglers, CJs, and XJs all have a thread for the neat and interesting Junkyard Finds, Cheap Swaps & Upgrades, and Cool Budget Tricks that they've been able to do to their vehicles. All of their threads are great to read through, but as a ZJ owner, most of their threads don't really help us much, so I decided we GC owners need a thread for all the awesome little things we do. So many of us are on tight budgets, still in school with only part-time jobs, and just can't afford to make the big upgrades some people can, so we're always looking for the cheap/free mods that help in any gains, are more useful than what the GC run stock, or just look sick. I'm looking for everything you guys can come up with that you've done that didn't break the bank to do, or had to be professionally installed. Post up pictures, instructions, DIY how-to's, links to build threads, what ever you got to help us have a sweet threads like the other Jeepers. I know a few things i've done for fun, like home-made CAI's, DIY paint jobs, bed liner uses, and I've seen some other things lately, like MoonyJohns simple Mesh Grill install, etc., but hopefully, this thread will help bring all those ideas together. So Post away, let see what every ones been doing!!

-Derek

**tsconver** · 09-10-2009, 08:01 PM

easy, quick, cheap and great mod for extra storage space

drill out the pins holding the rear seat bottoms on and replace with clevis pins

**tsconver** · 09-10-2009, 08:02 PM

paint your cladding, cheap and makes it look much newer

before

after

**squashman702** · 09-10-2009, 09:05 PM

Here's a couple:

-V8 ZJ steering if you have a 4.0
-Tow hooks/skids off an upcountry
-1999+ intake manifold for 93-98 4.0

BigE3 · 09-10-2009, 09:23 PM

You can find alot of cheap stuff at military surplus stores. I've found bolt on D-rings and hooks for old 2 1/2 ton trucks for like $1. Fold up shovels for $5. Hi-Jacks for $15. I even found (but very hard to find) old 3" brass shells that can be used as exhaust tips (very nice sound). You can buy huge bumpers by the pound that can be converted into running boards or skid plates. Go to a store and let your mind wonder.

gmp211 · 09-10-2009, 09:32 PM

Mesh grill mod. $20 with a lot of material left over to do more

Write-up:
http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f96/mesh-grill-mod-pics-784840/

MyZJ98 · 09-10-2009, 09:48 PM

Great ideas guys, keep 'em coming! Definitely gotta get to the mesh grill mod...

gmp211 · 09-10-2009, 09:50 PM

Oh yeah, and for storage containers and stuff you can use ammo cans.
Military Ammo Cans, Crates, and Boxes From IMS-PLUS

BigE3 · 09-10-2009, 09:55 PM

Surplus clean Jerry cans for $10 a piece. Old military cargo crates for storage. GP medium tents and cots for camping. And of course my prized possession. A $2 poncho with tent sticks for tailgate bbq's. You know for shade. If its there you'll want it.

MyZJ98 · 09-10-2009, 10:35 PM

Any pics of these put to use? I never realized how cheap military surplus stuff was, we have a depot not far from here...I'll have to go check it out soon.

BigE3 · 09-10-2009, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MyZJ98

Any pics of these put to use? I never realized how cheap military surplus stuff was, we have a depot not far from here...I'll have to go check it out soon.

nah, Ill keep you in suspense