4x4 shop in SW Denver

[madmike283]

Hey guys, so I think I've decided on an XJ to buy. It's an '01 with 4.5" lift on stock arms, adj track bar, disconnects, sliders, etc. Body/paint is super clean.

I'm looking at options for a shop near me to keep in mind for work that I can't do myself. I know of HCP 4x4 at Santa Fe and Hampden. I stopped by there today to talk about long arm upgrades. They like the BDS and said it would run around $1k for the kit and about $700 for labor. Are there any other shops around that I should check with? Are the HCP 4x4 guys good? I've been in there twice just to ask questions and they seem to be very nice and super knowledgeable.

What do you guys think about the long arm kit? This will be a dual-purpose rig, mainly town driving with 2-3 trail rides a month during the season. I understand that the LA route should be a much better ride than the 4.5" on short arms, stock ones at that. Drop brackets would be much cheaper, but are they a good idea here? Seems that they would get hung up on the rocky trails here.

Sorry again for the questions. Just a newbie trying to learn as much as I can.
:wave1:

 

[in4aride]

first thing, if you pay 700 to get long arms installed, i might kick you, too many guys in this chapter that would help out for pizza and beer.....

short arms with drop brackets flex fine...

but you would need to get the drop brackets, braces and all 4 control arms to make it a worthwhile investment. at that point you could have just bought a true long arm, 4 link setup, so that is the route i would go. BD and short arms are good when you are building over time, if you are just gonna drop the coin, do it right :thumbup:

 

[Kiefer316]

Agreed with mike. And great use of flex shot!

Or you could go even cheaper then that. Buy one of frankz's long armz setups and it'll cost way less. If money isn't a big issue at least. And with the money saved from buying local you can get gears, lockers, armor. If that jeep doesn't have them already. And saying you would take your jeep to a shop is a bad idea. Not saying the guys at hcp are bad guys but the xj is easy enough to work on yourself if you have the knowlege. I've takin the front suspension apart a few times now. believe frank also helps install his setup as well! Get some pics of said jeep.

 

[in4aride]

i thought it was a great shot to display what i was talkin about.
i agree tho, frankz might be your best option. he makes some killer stuff and is a damn good guy to know if ya have a question or need help, plus, youll end up saving close to 900....

 

[madmike283]

Thanks for the feedback guys, just what I was wanting. I've heard of FrankZs parts here and there in the forum and have obviously seen him posting around, but haven't had luck figuring out if there's a website or somewhere with info on what he builds.

The only reason I was thinking about a shop is that I don't know any of you guys yet and I don't have garage space enough to do it here. I have most of the know how, but not the tools or space anymore. I sold off most of my hand tools when I moved here from Virginia and currently only have a tight one-car garage.

And with the money saved from buying local you can get gears, lockers, armor. If that jeep doesn't have them already.

That's the next thing I was thinking about. I'd like to go with a front bumper relatively soon. I like the look of the JCR Stage 3. Also, do many of you guys run skids? Would the gas tank skid be highest on the priority list?

 

[DutchVDub]

Roughcountries new longarm setup is nice and only 600$ or so. Don't pay a shop to get installed either man, there are plenty of people here who would be willing to help you out for beer, pizza, or at least a lot cheaper than 700$.

As for shops, Crawlertech is the way to go. Josh and Dustin are great and very knowledgeable, plus their prices are a lot more reasonable.

As for bumpers, I know FrankZ makes a fairly wicked tube bumper for a good price and if plate bumpers are more your style I make a fairly sick looking one IMHO. Just go on COJeeps and look up flatgreen fab under vendors and you'll be able to see mine, or I can pm you a pic later.

 

[Frank Z]

This is the kit that I build and sell for $750.

Ridergoatee on Naxja.org

The kit is good for 4" min to 7.5" maximum lift height.

Lower arms (2"x.250" wall), uppers (1.25."x .120" wall).
TeraFlex Large and Medium Joints w/jam nuts.
Crossmember (2"x4"x.25"wall) with integrated 1/4" t-case skid welded to a 1.5" dia. HREW hoop.
All mounting hardware.


This is an upgrade kit and does not include any other suspension components.

 

[DutchVDub]

Here you go
http://www.cojeeps.net/forums/showthread.php?496-Winch-Bumpers-for-XJ-TJ-and-YJ

 

[Hypoid]

The only reason I was thinking about a shop is that I don't know any of you guys yet and I don't have garage space enough to do it here.

The next meet-n-greet is a good time to start changing that: http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1044717

Would the gas tank skid be highest on the priority list?

I've seen a lot of dented tanks, I've also shelled out cash for a NEW tank and pick-up assembly. I covered that newness with a beefed up factory skid. It's done a great job protecting something ten times it's cost.

 

[madmike283]

Hmm, maybe I'll have to consider the M&G on Saturday. I'll be picking up this XJ sometime on Saturday, so you guys can educate me on what I've got. lol

 

[Kiefer316]

Yes... Skids should be done before lift if your going to do any kind of wheeling.

Do you have an ad for this xj your looking at?

 

[madmike283]

http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/1967825887.html

I've actually already committed to buy it, though not at that price. Pick it up Saturday. The ad and pics aren't very good. The thing is super clean. I wanted something trail worthy and clean for cruising around town.

 

[Hypoid]

Wait a minute! Weren't you black just an hour ago?

 

[madmike283]

Wait a minute! Weren't you black just an hour ago?

Yup, decided to contribute and become a member before even having the XJ in my possession. Seems like it's worth it:wave1:

 

[Kiefer316]

Not a bad lookin XJ.... Come across it a few times just lookin at CL. Where are you located in lakewood? Im in SW littleton About wadsworth and bowls. If you ever need a place to work on the rig after you get it Ive got a garage and some basic hand tools. I am almost always down to wrench.

 

[Hypoid]

LOL Welcome aboard!!!

 

[90XJGirl]

Welcome! hey Kiefer isnt that the one we saw on federal?

 

[madmike283]

Not a bad lookin XJ.... Come across it a few times just lookin at CL. Where are you located in lakewood? Im in SW littleton About wadsworth and bowls. If you ever need a place to work on the rig after you get it Ive got a garage and some basic hand tools. I am almost always down to wrench.

Thanks dude. I'm at Wads and Hampden, pretty close.

 

[Kiefer316]

Welcome! hey Kiefer isnt that the one we saw on federal?

Possibly...

Thanks dude. I'm at Wads and Hampden, pretty close.

Yeah... not far at all. Wouldn't be suprised if youve seen my jeep before.

 

[madmike283]

Yeah... not far at all. Wouldn't be suprised if youve seen my jeep before.

May have. I did see a nice white XJ the other day at the CSK or whichever parts store that is just on the south side of Bowles from SW Plaza in where the Mexican joint and Bally's is. Looked real nice.