Jimbo, so pretty much what your saying is to buy whatever I see that may contain parts that ill need in the future and just resell the rest? I didn't really want to do that due to the fact its gonna cost, but if I can find deals like the one you posted then Ill probably come out ahead.
What Im saying is keep an open mind when looking at parts like axles, motor/
Transmission /TC combos and "project" jeeps.
Im kinda stuck in the same predicument as you with the off set rear. Im talking to a guy at the moment with a set of J-10 44 axles that already have a set of 4:10 in them for $400.00 The only part that Im interested in is the rear. I'm gonna try to get them for $300. Since I dont need the 4;10s I can resell the gear sets for a couple hundred. or set them up in the rear Im not using and sell them to some one with a waggy that wants a set of 4:10 and should be able to easily get my 300 back if not more.
The only thing is if your on a tight budget you may get stuck with these parts until you find a buyer so if you dont have the room it might not be a good option. you need to start looking up what parts cost new, for example a new set of 4;10's will easily run 200-300 each set so if you wanted 4:10 you can dish out 4-600 for the ring and pinion new or try to get a set of good used ones for 2-300. Also there are cut offs for carriers.. I think the 44's cut off at 3.73 so if you were upgrading from a set of 3:54's to 4:10 and buying new you would also have to buy 2 new carriers (the part that holds the ring gear) they run about 60-
AMC 150 depending if you get new spider gears with them. so your new set of 4:10s now will run you close to 900 and you havent even bought the install kits and paid some one to install them.
For motors,
Transmission and T-cases.. to find a running 360 your looking up to 5-600 a good 727 3-700 and a
Dana 300 2-300. I can normally find 360/727/208 together for 500-800. you already have the 360 so if you dont want to keep it for a spare you sell it for 400 just to get rid of it and the 208 for another 250 so now your 800 combo turns into a 727 for $
AMC 150
Buying projects/POS jeeps for parts. If Im buying POS or parts/project jeeps I look at what they are worth in parts more then the jeep as a whole. The buid Im doing for a friend started off as a $300 pile of parts and totes full of stuff. No body and looked like sheit. with the exception of the boddy every thing else was there, every bracket, handle, hinge, linkage.. every thing. It also had a set of brand new 33's on it we sold the same day we picked it up for 400, then turned that 400 around and bought a complete body and all the sheet metal. I was ok with shelling out the Money for Johns project because I new the
Dana 300 was atleast 200 and the tires would get 400... so even if it was the piggest most rotted POS out there I still wouldnt lose money on it
Heres the devil advocate part of my methods
#1 - takes alot of time and searching/listing. Im on at least 5-6 different forums along with craigslist. luckily both of my jobs allow me to spend a stupid amount of time on the internet.
#2 - you have to be willing to put up the investment. this isnt a quick turn around process. If you blow a
Transmission dont try shopping around to get one.. just man up and buy/repair. but if you have a 999 and you come across a good deal on another grab it and stash it. remeber the price of parts will always triple when you have to have it.
#3 - you have to know what to look for in a part. if your buying a rear make sure you pull the diff cover and look at the gears. rotate them and check for damage, missing brake parts, etc.. If your going to by a motor bring the tools need to atleast pull the valve covers, spark plugs and turn the motor over by hand. If some one wont let you go through a diff or turn a motor over walk away from it. If Im selling axles or motors I make sure to open them up for the buyer be fore we exchange money.
#4 - deals that are too good to be true normally are. My $1000 waggy was an exception.. I only started it and never looked at the axles or any other parts.. between the new 37's and running 360 I knew I would be ahead of the game if the rest of it was garbage and broke.
So to recap this long post.. yes dont be afraid to buy whole parts for little expensive pieces but be careful not to get screwed. Im also on an acre of land with a 1.5 car garage and 8x12 shed to store jeep stuff in.
If you have any questions on prices for parts and what to look for dont be afraid to post the question on the forum or give me a PM..
