So...what do I do now?

[Muddy Beast]

Well my bike has sold, I'm just waiting for paypal to clear the check. Worst case, if the check doesn't clear...I have a local guy who wants my bike for $100 more than what the other guy just paid.

That said, I ordered a Rigidco winch bumper a week ago, I'll be expecting it in a month...maybe a little longer. This will set me back about $600. That being the case, I have another $500 I'd like to spend on my Jeep. I figure my options are fairly simple.

1) Buy a winch right away (like warn 8000's that are on sale, or maybe a superwinch 8500)

2) Buy a top hat roof rack and save up later for a winch (protection/function for the Jeep)

3) Buy accessories such as a hi-lift, spacers to make up for the weight of the bumper+future winch, recovery kit, and maybe some Hella 500 lights.

At first it's like, "Well duh, your getting a winch bumper, get a winch!" But the reason I'm not 100% sure on that is because I think it's possible I could save money if I wait it out till December-ish, and possibly find a nice one used, or one on sale. Not to mention I don't really NEED a winch till it starts to snow. As far as the top hat goes, I know I WANT one eventually...and I'd rather protect stuff before it goes. And then obviously the accessories I'm going to need eventually in ANY route.

I have a steady job, I'll save about $50-100 from that every 2 weeks (I don't have many hours right now). So I know, no matter what I do, I can always get the other stuff later. But I want some thoughts on what I should do first and foremost.

Thanks.
~Scott

P.S. If you have any of the above mentioned items you'd like to sell, PM me. :eyes:

[NW-ZJ-SCOTT]

i understand your logic, but i really think you will look back and think "should of bought a winch when i had the money back in september"

the winch, is a self recovery item, that you will never regret owning. a roof rack or fog lights will never prove they're value like a winch will!

thats why you dont see many forsele on craigslist.. theyre not worth selling. once a wheeler/always a wheeler, and that winch is your #1 asset that will go on any rig!

[Muddy Beast]

i understand your logic, but i really think you will look back and think "should of bought a winch when i had the money back in september"

the winch, is a self recovery item, that you will never regret owning. a roof rack or fog lights will never prove they're value like a winch will!

thats why you dont see many forsele on craigslist.. theyre not worth selling. once a wheeler/always a wheeler, and that winch is your #1 asset that will go on any rig!

Ya kinda what I've been thinking. But you guys would know better than me...do they ever go on sale?

~Scott

[Ba-Riedo]

Yeah but the only times I have ever needed to be winched out of something, both times the Warn winches that were going to be used on me didnt work... Food for thought. :D

-Alex

[noutlawjeeper]

My .02

Get the top hat and a hi-lift and whatever else you can afford. If your going wheelin' chances are your going with somebody who has winch. I beleive your open/open so it's not like your going to be doing anything too stupid until you get gears/traction aids. Don't wheel alone and you shouldn't, key word, NEED a winch to go wheel. I have been alot of places locked/locked and havn't been winched once(knock on wood). Use good judgement, take the easies line if there are no winches or don't do trails beyond your vehicles limits.

What good is it to recover your jeep only to have smashed it to peices? I wish I would have invested in more protection first. My doors will show you they do too.

[CanMan]

What have you done to your Jeep so far Scott?

I wouldnt of spent the $600 a winch bumper costs you, and bought one cheaper that doesnt have a winch mount. You can always add a winch mount later. Might not look as 'cool', but it all functions the same in the end.

I would start off by doing basic small upgrades.

Steering box plates.(JKS, C-rok, ect..)
Upgraded steering.(ACRO 1 ton, Currie)
Steering box brace.(M.O.R.E.)
SYE.(PORC, AA)
1 or 2 lockers.(Aussie, lockright)
HD trackbar and bracket.(RE)
Trackbar brace.(RE)
Skids.(stock or aftermarket)
Diff cover(s).(Solid, RuffStuff, Riddler, Crane)
More spare parts than just axle shafts.(engine electrical parts, steering, driveshaft, u joints, wheel bearings, list goes on)
Basic recovery stuff.(straps, D rings, jack, ect..)

I would worry more about getting situated for the trails than spending money on the big stuff now, that you may never use, or use an a rare occasion.

My .02.

[Ba-Riedo]

I think I would say that around here Eli has built the best budget rig that goes anywhere and is extremely capable, listen to him Scott he knows whats hes talking about.

-Alex

[Muddy Beast]

What have you done to your Jeep so far Scott?

I wouldnt of spent the $600 a winch bumper costs you, and bought one cheaper that doesnt have a winch mount. You can always add a winch mount later. Might not look as 'cool', but it all functions the same in the end.

I would start off by doing basic small upgrades.

Steering box plates.(JKS, C-rok, ect..)
Upgraded steering.(ACRO 1 ton, Currie)
Steering box brace.(M.O.R.E.)
SYE.(PORC, AA)
1 or 2 lockers.(Aussie, lockright)
HD trackbar and bracket.(RE)
Trackbar brace.(RE)
Skids.(stock or aftermarket)
Diff cover(s).(Solid, RuffStuff, Riddler, Crane)
More spare parts than just axle shafts.(engine electrical parts, steering, driveshaft, u joints, wheel bearings, list goes on)
Basic recovery stuff.(straps, D rings, jack, ect..)

I would worry more about getting situated for the trails than spending money on the big stuff now, that you may never use, or use an a rare occasion.

My .02.

I don't want to bother explaining why I bought a winch bumper, but I will say I disagree with your views on why I shouldn't have.

I also believe I don't need a lot of the things you mentioned with my 31's and small lift...eventually yes, but right now, no. It would sure be the "proper" thing to do though, I agree.

My Jeep so far...
-BFG Mud Terrain 31's on 15x8 rims
-3" RC lift with Nitro shocks, quick disconnects, and RE 1.25" shackles (full leaf)
-2 50w reverse lights in the bumper
-all new gaskets on the engine (oil pan, timing cover, valve cover)
-timing chain + gears
-T-case skid, Gas skid, engine skid, and JCR Stage 2 sliders
-Fender trimming
-Brand new battery, hoses, sensors, alternator, wiring harness.
-CB Radio
-Tow hooks front
-Hitch rear
:wave:
Hopefully you understand where I'm trying to go with this. I'd like to slowly build my Jeep, as I still drive pavement more than anything else (unfortunately). What's everyone else's thoughts!? The more opinions the better!

~Scott

P.S. Let's not talk about what I could have/should have done, let's talk about what I should do now with knowing what I have.

[Ba-Riedo]

I drive mine on the pavement and I bet its nicer then yours because of the SYE. :D But seriously everyone needs steering box reinforcement, I mean your subframe is already cracked right?

-Alex

[bluejeepkid]

Well my bike has sold, I'm just waiting for paypal to clear the check. Worst case, if the check doesn't clear...I have a local guy who wants my bike for $100 more than what the other guy just paid.

That said, I ordered a Rigidco winch bumper a week ago, I'll be expecting it in a month...maybe a little longer. This will set me back about $600. That being the case, I have another $500 I'd like to spend on my Jeep. I figure my options are fairly simple.

1) Buy a winch right away (like warn 8000's that are on sale, or maybe a superwinch 8500)

2) Buy a top hat roof rack and save up later for a winch (protection/function for the Jeep)

3) Buy accessories such as a hi-lift, spacers to make up for the weight of the bumper+future winch, recovery kit, and maybe some Hella 500 lights.

At first it's like, "Well duh, your getting a winch bumper, get a winch!" But the reason I'm not 100% sure on that is because I think it's possible I could save money if I wait it out till December-ish, and possibly find a nice one used, or one on sale. Not to mention I don't really NEED a winch till it starts to snow. As far as the top hat goes, I know I WANT one eventually...and I'd rather protect stuff before it goes. And then obviously the accessories I'm going to need eventually in ANY route.

I have a steady job, I'll save about $50-100 from that every 2 weeks (I don't have many hours right now). So I know, no matter what I do, I can always get the other stuff later. But I want some thoughts on what I should do first and foremost.

Thanks.
~Scott

P.S. If you have any of the above mentioned items you'd like to sell, PM me. :eyes:


smittybilt XRC-10000
less then 500$ shipped from winch depot.com

[CanMan]

I don't want to bother explaining why I bought a winch bumper, but I will say I disagree with your views on why I shouldn't have.

I also believe I don't need a lot of the things you mentioned with my 31's and small lift...eventually yes, but right now, no. It would sure be the "proper" thing to do though, I agree.


Hopefully you understand where I'm trying to go with this. I'd like to slowly build my Jeep, as I still drive pavement more than anything else (unfortunately). What's everyone else's thoughts!? The more opinions the better!

~Scott

P.S. Let's not talk about what I could have/should have done, let's talk about what I should do now with knowing what I have.

I never said you shouldnt of bought it. All I said was *I* wouldnt of bought one. Lets hear why you disagree with my views on having one or not.

I gave you a list of what you should do now.

Just becasue you have a small lift and only 31's, doesnt mean you wont break on the trail. You never want to be 'that guy'. All those upgrades can come in time. You dont have to do them all at once. Being that it is a daily driver, wouldnt you want the peice of mind that something isnt going to fail on the trail and leave you stranded without a vehicle to get you back and forth to highschool and work?

But since you seem to know it all, Im not going to bother anymore. Dont take the advice of the people who have been around the block a few times, who have built their rigs already, and know what works.

[Bruno™]

Previously I said to you either a winch or other trail accessories, but after some thought it makes more sense to gather up more basic trail tools rather than jump to a winch, ie: tow strap(s), hi-lift jack, etc. Theres nothing wrong with having a bumper w/o the winch mount spot being filled. A winch cant get you out of every situation, but if you have the basic gear for common trail problems you can get things straightened out, and be back on your way. If your riding with a club run they always have atleast one rig around you that has a winch to aid you if needed, so until your leading a group quite often one isnt totally neccesary. If Im not mistaken, Alex is winch-less and he has just about any piece of equipment on his rig youll need to go wheeling, and then some.

-Lyle

[mud1059]

While a winch is always important, it's really just for lazy people. Get a come-along and a hi-lift with straps and chain and call it good. Even with a winch, I carry these items just in case. You'll be in it less than a hundred bucks.

Steering es #1. Did your bumper second as steering box reinforcement? If not, you wasted $600. You can't steer, you can't move. Bottom line. Ever have two guys trying to turn your tires for you? Highway or offroad, whether you're tugged, dragged, towed or winched, it's going to be a MFer of a day.

Reliability is your #1 priority.

Lastly,
Don't be a punkass. Eli is/was trying to help and you came off as a douche.

[Ba-Riedo]

Thanks Lyle, I've seen what alot of guys around here carry and I try to have everything I should need to fix a trail break.

Heres what I thinks are some good things to carry, but I am nowhere near an expert in this area.

-Basic first aid kit
-Spare food, water, blankets/ jackets (weather depending)
-Spare fluids, distilled water, oil, ATF
-Hi-lift and bottle jack
-Socket set with rackets and a breaker bar, also the axle socket 32mm I think?
-A set of open ended and box ended wrenches are also nice to have
-Tow strap, at least 2 shackles, and a snatch block
-Spare nuts and bolts, (especially a centering pin and U bolts for your rear axle)
-Jumper cables, seriously why does nobody carry these anymore?
-Flashlights, gloves, knives, zipties bungee cords all have come in handy for me
-Various hose fittings and clamps
-Spare TRE's
-Tire patch and plug kit
-Fire extinguisher
-Spare radiator cap
-Test light and extra wire, spare fuses too

-Alex

[Ba-Riedo]

You can't steer, you can't move. Bottom line. Ever have two guys trying to turn your tires for you? Highway or offroad, whether you're tugged, dragged, towed or winched, it's going to be a MFer of a day.


Thats the truth, last october when my buddies nissan cracked its drag link in half we were up a creek, took multiple trips between Woodinville and Reiter all night long and until the next morning to get it fixed. Great learning experience.:roflmao:

-Alex

[GinisKratos]

Being that I'm in a similar boat as far as my rig. Daily driver with basically just a 3 in lift and 31's. While upgraded bumpers are really needed, you could have made one for about 1/3 of the cost and half the time. but what's done is done.

While you should upgrade the steering eventually, I'd go with all the general recovery equipment. I'm willing to put money on that you'll get stuck and need those before you need to replace steering components. But still, you can get all the recovery stuff for cheap used and still in good shape. Also don't forget some tools you need but don't have yet. Other then that, a cheap locker would be nice.

It seems like you should make a list of what you think you need and them put those into 2 other lists, necessities and niceties. Get what you NEED then get what you'd like to have or would be cool. Mine is my DD so getting back home from the trail is first and foremost. I can get a winch and better steering later.

[GinisKratos]

lol alex, i love that list, especally since about 1/3 of those are things you needed at NWFest and didnt have, good to see the kiddos learning from their mistakes ;)

-Ed

[Ba-Riedo]

lol alex, i love that list, especally since about 1/3 of those are things you needed at NWFest and didnt have, good to see the kiddos learning from their mistakes ;)

-Ed

Did I mention I based about half of it on what Michael, Hans, and the rest of that our group carried. :D

-Alex

[GinisKratos]

You forgot radiator cap ;)

-Ed

[Ba-Riedo]

Nice try Ed, but re check my list, second from the bottom.:read:

-Alex

[GinisKratos]

Crap lol, ok fine =)

Ed

[Ba-Riedo]

Yarp? :D

-Alex

[macs97XJ]

My .02

Being mostly DD:

- Reliability (fix or upgrade items that are known to be weak)
- Armor (Skid plates, rock rails etc)
- Trial items(recovery, extra parts, etc..)

Take your time and ask the questions like you did from other people. But remember, some people have been there and done that and are just trying to keep you from making the same mistakes they did. And some people do not use there rigs like you(I Do also) do as a DD, so you need to find what you think is needed in order for you to feel 100% comfortable and trust your rig.

Important note: Rome was not built in a day, and neither should your rig, until you find out what you want it to become or what you expect out of it.

mac

[supsa]

You guy forgot about engine parts. Alternator, starter, plugs, fuel pump, steering box, NSS, map sensor, and crank sensor. All this is in the 92 and has been used on several trips. Most of this was not for me but for -That Guy-

[Muddy Beast]

I never said you shouldnt of bought it. All I said was *I* wouldnt of bought one. Lets hear why you disagree with my views on having one or not.

I gave you a list of what you should do now.

Just becasue you have a small lift and only 31's, doesnt mean you wont break on the trail. You never want to be 'that guy'. All those upgrades can come in time. You dont have to do them all at once. Being that it is a daily driver, wouldnt you want the peice of mind that something isnt going to fail on the trail and leave you stranded without a vehicle to get you back and forth to highschool and work?

But since you seem to know it all, Im not going to bother anymore. Dont take the advice of the people who have been around the block a few times, who have built their rigs already, and know what works.

Look, I wasn't trying to be a dick. Just saying that I think a bumper is a good idea in my case. Your right though, I don't want to be that guy...and that's why I only go on trails I'm capable of (although I'd like to go on harder ones).

In a nutshell I bought my bumper because...
1) It's one of the more expensive purchases I'll have, so saving up isn't realistic for me. (cheaper pricing then most winch bumpers...the $600 is my guess for the price after shipping)
2) Looks and function are important (if you can make it look good for only a little more, why not? It's a DD). They may not be for you, but I want to like my rig for more than it's trail capabilities.
3) The steering brace was the big plus for me (the whole side plate is exactly the same as a C-rok). And I knew I'd buy a plate eventually, so now I'm just going to have to order the inner plate. And the winch mount acts as a cross brace for the 2 frame rails.
4) It's strong, and I bent up my stock bumper pretty good in a combo of Walker and Evans (so front protection is obvious).
5) And lastly, I've always wanted a winch bumper since I was a (younger) kid...so I'm a little bias here, but this rig is becoming a dream rig for me. Working on it and building it up has made me happy (as lame as that sounds) , and is slowly becoming all I have to look forward to in the day, so everything I put on it is more then just trail capabilities.

Yes this rig is my DD, but I have a back-up car (between my rents and my 3 other siblings we have 8 drive-able licensed cars) in a worst case scenario (not saying that's my only plan). When I'm saying I don't think I NEED all that stuff, it's because from what I understand a 1 ton steering unit isn't necessary to turn the wheels, an SYE is only required if you have DW, lockers are good when you have the cash to re-gear and get a good rear axle all at once, etc.

I'm working on spare parts already. Hints why I have a thread about getting shafts...and I'm trying to get spare parts from junk yards, etc. And I'm saying I'd like to purchase recovery gear...that's why I put it on my list. I have a tow strap right now, that has been used on everyone else's rigs but mine (twice I've had to pull it out because no one in the group had one close by)...granted it's basic, but I feel a winch or a recovery kit is a MUST no matter what. As I can get by with a winch right away, but a recovery kit I'll always need.

~Scott

P.S. All of what I said was the short way of explaining things, I don't want to get into a huge debate I just want some help is all...and I'm trying to understand everything. If I wanted to be "that guy" don't you think I would have not made this thread and just bought random crap? Nothing I say here is to intentionally piss people off!

[supsa]

Scott- Just remember that this is your first rig and there are people on here that wheel differant ways. I do think agoodbumper is a good idea but 600$ is alot. My rig has been built over two years and the body has been replaced. With that being said armor is your friend and you can make it or buy it used for alot less. Dont rush things they will happen. Winch's are on CL 400$ new. Lots of parts and armor. If you have the $$ spend it If you dont then find a good deal. Also a SYE is not for WD its for vibs in the DL

[IXNAYXJ]

Scott, I think you need to determine what it is you want to focus on, protection or performance. Ideally, you do both at the same time, but like the rest of us, I realize the funds to do it all aren't there.

Here's what I mean. If your first priority is to keep the body as straight and clean for as long possible while running the moderate trails, get a Top-Hat and THOR guards. Those (in addition to rock rails) the two best bits of armor you can get for the NW, and far more important than having a bumper.

If your goal is to get to the harder trails and you're willing to sacrifice a few dents, scrapes and dings to do it, throw an Aussie locker in your D30 and go wheeling. You'll be shocked at the places it'll allow you to go.

Now both of those things I mention are secondary to the things that Alex mentioned in terms or preparedness, and everything Eli listed is something you'll want to have sooner than later. I personally will always have a winch when I go wheeling, but I also do some pretty aggressive wheeling and in places where I probably shouldn't be. You're not to that level yet, so let someone else in the group you're in loan you their winch if you should get stuck. In the meantime, scour CL and wait for one to come up for sale on Timbercrawler, PNW and here.

-----Matt-----

P.S. Paul does have a point here:
Don't be a punkass. Eli is/was trying to help and you came off as a douche.

[supsa]

Way to put it Matt

[Muddy Beast]

Well I probably could back out of my bumper order...but with the ways metal keeps going up, I don't see the point. I know that the bumper I ordered is the one I want, and it's $450 before shipping...so it's a good price for what it is. And I not only don't know how to weld, but I don't think I'd trust myself enough to weld up a winch bumper just yet. IMO there is no point to buying a bumper if its not a winch bumper.

As far as everything else goes...I have the essentials...they're the first things I bought. (First aid, survival kit, jumpers, bottle jack, fully stocked craftsman tool box, tons of extra bolts + nuts, lots of straps + bungees, flood light, charged battery jumper, duck tape, pry bar, hatchet, fire extinguisher, food, space blankets, jackets, motor oil, pb blaster, 5 gallon jug of water, tow strap, bug spray, etc.) and I'm working on my spare parts (currently have an alternator, oxy sensor, old u-bolts, center pins, tire levers, lug nuts) and just need some shafts and a few more sensors to cover the basics.

I'm leaning towards a tophat, again because metal prices will continue to go up it seems...and it will protect things before they get TOO damaged. I figure a tophat with a c-rok inner plate (for the bumper) and lift spacers up front should be the way to go...but more discussion on this is welcomed.

~Scott

P.S. I know what I want (for the most part), more protection and enough performance to get by for now. This is again, why I decided to get a bumper. So far I've found my driving habits make me hit my front end more then anything (flame suit on).

[cherotron]

And I not only don't know how to weld, but I don't think I'd trust myself enough to weld up a winch bumper just yet.


Spend the money on a welder and learn to weld.. then, when you are comfortable with your skills, tackle a bumper build.. and anything else you may want to build.

-Gus

[Muddy Beast]

Spend the money on a welder and learn to weld.. then, when you are comfortable with your skills, tackle a bumper build.. and anything else you may want to build.

-Gus

Believe me...I've tried. If someone wanted to show me at there house, I could do that. But my parents wont even let me weld until I take like a legit class (which I can't find as the local community college is undergoing cunstruction).

But yeah, I'm still up in the air guys, throw out some ideas!

~Scott

[DonnMcc]

no one has a used winch bumper for sale?I'm new to the forum but I've been wheeling fullsizes for years.Lol,the only reason I was able to build them was from classifieds,ebay,shopping around.600 for a bumper,yeah that's nuts.especially being on a tight budget.I'd check around if I was you,might find a used bumper cheap.might be able to find a few things used.Some things I wouldn't buy used,but a bumper?

[DonnMcc]

what kind of bike was it?

[Muddy Beast]

Well it's $450 before shipping. I'm guessing the shipped price will be $600ish.

This WAS my bike...built her up, got bike of the month from Deity.

http://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/355317/

~Scott

[rooneypower]

When you wheeled with us at Walker, you just about went everywhere we went without needing a winch line being pulled.

The ONLY reason I have a winch is because my dad bought it for me for graduation. I built the winch bumper knowing that I wouldn't be getting a winch anytime soon. (but I did :))

As for metal prices, it depends, if you build your own, prices don't matter because it cheap as hell. You probally don't have to worry about bumper prices going up for a couple of years.

I have never used my winch. Frankly its easier to throw a tow strap to someone than pull line.

Use the money for the winch to buy armor. OR you could start to save up for your gears and a locker.

Like many people that have already posted, Like Eli, Matt, etc. they know what they are talking about and I would take their guidance...

The way I look at it, there are two things you can buy for your jeep. The manditory and wanted items.

Manditory would consist of-
gears
armor
lift
SYE
Lockers
Tow points
etc.

Wanted-
Winch
Lockers
New Axle
Top Hat?? (I put it here because as long as you are careful, you dont really hit the top of the Jeep. I dono, I just don't see myself buying one anytime soon)

Keil

[IXNAYXJ]

Top Hat (I put it here because as long as you are careful, you dont really hit the top of the Jeep. I dono, I just don't see myself buying one anytime soon)

KeilI can't tell you how much I've used mine. I consider it to be one of the "must haves" for wheeling in the NW; it's not as useful where there aren't a lot of trees, but up here it's essiental. Check out the number of scrapes and how much missing paint I've got on my tree sliders now. There are a LOT of folks out there with crushed drip rails, and that's a tough area to repair.

Also, only running 31's, you can get away with 3.55 gears for a little while. I'd spend the money on a lunch-box locker of some sort before I regeared.

-----Matt-----

Some Top Hat/Tree Slider loving for ya:

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j160/ixnayxj/377.jpg

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j160/ixnayxj/402.jpg

Wang's rig:

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j160/ixnayxj/421.jpg

[ladywolf]

i think he was correct in buyin a winch bumper right off.

i didnt, and ended up forking over more money later to buy a winch bumper, because i dont have the know how, the time, or the space available to learn how to weld yet (one day).

yes, could other things be better spent right now than a winch? probably. Ultimately it is his money, he can spend it how he wishes.

[supsa]

If you like your doors being pinched closed then wait on a tophat :laugh3:

[Muddy Beast]

i think he was correct in buyin a winch bumper right off.

i didnt, and ended up forking over more money later to buy a winch bumper, because i dont have the know how, the time, or the space available to learn how to weld yet (one day).

yes, could other things be better spent right now than a winch? probably. Ultimately it is his money, he can spend it how he wishes.

See that is where I was looking...in the long haul. I agree I could have bought other things, but they would have been LARGE purchases that require more time/searching/general effort then a bumper. I know I'll get one eventually, but I think everyone is right now...a winch right now does not make sence.

I'm leaning now toward a tophat...continue discussing though. I appreciate EVERYONES input.

~Scott

P.S. Matt I believe I have 3.73 gears. So needless to say, I'm in no rush to regear. Saving my pennies though (gradually).

[IXNAYXJ]

P.S. Matt I believe I have 3.73 gears. So needless to say, I'm in no rush to regear. Saving my pennies though (gradually).I'd bet good money you have 3.55s. Check the tag on the diff to make sure, but you should have 3.55s.

-----Matt-----

[Muddy Beast]

I'd bet good money you have 3.55s. Check the tag on the diff to make sure, but you should have 3.55s.

-----Matt-----

There are a bunch of numbers on my diff...none of them say 3.07, 3.55, or 3.73...so what am I looking for?

Here's the list I've created for an overall view of what I want...
-Solid D30 diff cover
-Hi-lift jack
-Hi-lift isolator
-pair of shackles for my bumper
-Luber locker reuseable diff gasket (d30)
-Front and rear stainless brake lines (for 4-6" of lift)
-Hella 500 driving lights
-RE 1.75 lift spacer up front (compensate for bumper sag + a little extra due to the 1.25" RE shackles I added)

And since creating this thread I've gotten some spare parts as well...
-hose clamps for all sizes
-extra fuel and vacuum line
-Steering fluid
-Stop-a-leak for steering box
-Deluxe tire repair/fix a flat kit
-my old but still semi-functional TPS
-My old Fuel pump (got a new gas tank at the pull-a-part since mine was banged up...but keeping the fuel pump)

I may seem pretty thick headed/ignorant...but I'm learning believe it or not!

~Scott

[2xtreme]

There are a bunch of numbers on my diff...none of them say 3.07, 3.55, or 3.73...so what am I looking for?

Here's the list I've created for an overall view of what I want...
-Solid D30 diff cover
-Hi-lift jack
-Hi-lift isolator
-pair of shackles for my bumper
-Luber locker reuseable diff gasket (d30)
-Front and rear stainless brake lines (for 4-6" of lift)
-Hella 500 driving lights
-RE 1.75 lift spacer up front (compensate for bumper sag + a little extra due to the 1.25" RE shackles I added)

And since creating this thread I've gotten some spare parts as well...
-hose clamps for all sizes
-extra fuel and vacuum line
-Steering fluid
-Stop-a-leak for steering box
-Deluxe tire repair/fix a flat kit
-my old but still semi-functional TPS
-My old Fuel pump (got a new gas tank at the pull-a-part since mine was banged up...but keeping the fuel pump)

I may seem pretty thick headed/ignorant...but I'm learning believe it or not!

~Scott

Scott,
FWIW I think getting a front bumper was a good purchase, particularly with steering box reinforcement and tow points etc.
I think your "to get" list at the top here is an excellent start.
I would forget the re-usable diff gasket but the rest are good. I would also by all of those things before a winch, gears, locker, etc. The gutter protection is also very valuable and would be before a winch in my opinion. Steering is important, you can beef up the stock steering for next to nothing, you can care spare parts, or you can replace it with better stuff, but this also would come before the winch.
Just my opinion,
Michael

[Muddy Beast]

Thanks Michael...I think my list improved as well. And I'm glad someone see's eye to eye with me on my bumper purchase. A top hat is next on my list after all this, that's for sure now...everyone helped steer me in a good direction. I'm going tomorrow to get my frame welded (hopefully) and I'll be ordering JKS inside plates to be mated with my bumper mounts.

~Scott

[thethinginthewoods]

Hey dude, the best advice I can give you is to invest in a winch. I have a warn M8000 and it has saved my @$$ so many times, i would gladly but another. If you do a lot of back country exploring or wheeling without another vehicle, a winch can get you out of some pretty tough situations. After the winch you could start purchasing small stuff like lights, first aid, hi-lift, etc. My biggest problem with upgrading mine is that i am always spending money on small stuff and never have enough for larger purchases like lockers, racks, armor, etc. I then end up in situations where i could really use the big stuff, but I spent all my money on other things that are just as necessary, but don't get used as much. -Brian

[thethinginthewoods]

one of these days, I'll try and make it up north to check out your jeep after all the goodies have been installed since NWFest. We should try and do some trails in your neck of the woods!