Hello, my name is Cablesmurf...

[cablesmurf]

And I'm Jeepaholic. :roll:

There I've said it. :oops:

Alot of people here know me, or know of me.  I have owned, and built 8  Jeeps. Each one I have spent lots of time and money on. I build them, wheel them once or twice and then sell them. Why do I do this?

Well, it wasn't always this way. I owned my First Jeep (TJ)  for 2 years. I bought it new off the lot, and I said it would never go off road. Then my brother convinced me to follow him into a constrution site in Martindale (he was in a beat up Jimmy) and from there I caught the bug. I started slowly with the usual "new Jeep owner parts". Light bar, tail light guards, chrome bumpers etc. Then I moved to Ontario and out of bordom (I was unemployed at the time), took my basically stock TJ into, what I though, was a cool looking trail (remember, I was completely green). Long story short, it was private land, I got stuck, walked out and came back with a tow truck to find my Jeep chained to a tree with a ransom note on the windshield that read "be here at 5 pm sharp and bring lots of cash or, thanks for the Jeep...signed, us". As it turned out, the tow truck driver knew the owner and got my arse out of trouble. Now with all the confusion (and fear), I hopped in my Jeep and went to take off, not realizing that my e-brake was on. I was in 4 low and I blew the t-case to smitherines. I also damged the teeth on the rear gears, and the rear driveshaft. It was an expensive experience ($250 tow bill, $250 to the land owner for not suing me, and $40 for the caar wash to conceal the evidence). I got VERY LUCKY that the service manager felt sorry for me and had the parts relpaced under warranty. After that I decided it might be a good idea to join a Jeep club...so I joined the London and Area Jeep Owners Club. From there I did Bobcaygeon and the rest was History.

I ended up moving back to Calgary and sinking lots of money into my Jeep (lift, tires, spare top, winch, etc). I was evn there when the CJA was first formed by John Weisbritch, Lemon aid Jay, Milan and even Steve (the Jeep God) Waco. Inevitably, I had to sell it as the payments were too much for a single guy with a crappy job and no direction in his life.

I got my life figured out, met my wife and got a great job...thus, the Cablesmurf was born!

I was in need of a new vehicle because my 84 Bronco II was dying a slow and painful death. My brother offered to sell me his 91 XJ Laredo for $2500. I was skeptical because it had 280k on it but I bought it anyway as it was wayyyy better than my Bronco. Of course the Jeep bug was still in me, and over the years I couldn't shake it. I built up the XJ like there was no tomorrow. I owned that one for 2 years and wheeled it alot. I learned alot from guys like Milan, Crazy Davey, and Woolf. As my wife and I were trying to make a life for ourselves, I had to prioritize the things in my life, and the Jeep wasn't one of them. I sold it to Turbo (forum name) and missed it dearly. After that, I owned and built 6 more Jeeps and sold them for various reasons:

1989 Comanche - Sold to XJNick (was not practical...)
1992 Cherokee Sport - Sold to Cody (was not what I wanted)
1994 Grand Cherokee - Sold to a friend of my wife (she offered me double what I paid for it)
1999 TJ - Sold in the Bargain finder (Had to buy my work van)
1989 Cherokee Limited (Parted out to finish the renos on my house) This still brings a tear to my eye!!! :cry:
1995 Grand Cherokee - Sold in the Auto trader (wanted to build a Tracker...I know, I know.... :roll: )
1994 Geo Tracker - Sold to Ol Doc (wanted to pay off my credit card, and I wasn't driving it often enough)

[cablesmurf]

Now, I have gotten our family to a comfortable place in life and I have bought another Cherokee...well 2 to be exact. :roll: That brings my total count to 10 Jeeps!!!

Because we can't get by with my wife's van and my work van...she needs hers for her day home, and my daughter can't come in my work van due to it only having 2 seats... I bought a 1997 XJ Country off Tripz, with the intention not to modify it. It was to be used for going to the mountains to go Snowboarding, mountain biking, and camping. But, in true cablesmurf fashion...I couldn't wait to start tearing into it. I figured a small lift and 31's wouldn't hurt anybody...so I was going to buy the RE 3.5 kit and some MT MTZ's...then I saw Wiaporous man's Jeep (1999 XJ) for sale. It had the parts I was looking for and he had dropped the price so much that the wheels were turning in my head...buy the Jeep, take the parts, and sell it. So now I have 2 Jeeps here and plans keep changing. I took the Altezza tail lights, the Stereo, the FIPK, throttle body and spacer...and was going to take the lift, when SPOT got back to me and, of course...I'm buying his 4.5" RE lift.

So now I'm selling the 99 XJ to Toyman76 with the lift in tackt. I put my bored out Tb, K&N and stereo in it.

So the final plan (ya right :roll: ) is this:

- RE 4.5" SF lift
- 31x10.50R15 DC Fun Counrty II's
- 15x8 DC Classic II's
- Bored out TB (62mm)
- Poweraid TB spacer
- K&N FIPK and air filter
- MSD Coil blaster
- MSD 8.5mm wires
- Upgraded wiring harness w/ 14g wires to run 90/100W with Cibies Housing
- Banks Knock off Header
- Dynomax Super Turbo Exhaust
- Remotte start
- Kenwood CD/MP3 player/amp/10" sub
- Optima RedTop battery

I would really like to say that is it, and that I am keeping this one...but the truth is, I don't know that for sure. I want to, and right now my intentions are good...but I have a history of changing my mind....

In fact, I would go so far as to say I have a serious problem. I CANNOT shake this Jeep thing...and your right, I don't understand. It's like crack...it only takes one and then you're hooked...

This may be a funny read, but I really DO think I have a problem that needs professional help. To the best of my knowledge, I seem to be the worst of the worst around here for this terrible habbit. But if anyone else would like to share thier story, please do so i don't feel so alone and helpless. :shock:  :shock:  :shock:

Signed,

Your friendly neighborhood cablesmurf.

BTW, I have never named any of my Jeeps, but this one is getting a window decal the reads..."Number 9".

[RUBI]

My 2005 Rubicon is the first Jeep I have ever owned, Also the first new vehicle I have ever purchased...... It started out as my daily driver, to and from work. Then I hooked up with the CJA and a couple guys and we went out wheelin to Waiporous. I had been going out to this area since 1982 and know a LOT of trails and switch backs. Dirt biking, wheelin in the Old Yota...camping you name it. But even on the first outting...this little Rubicon took me places I had never gone before..WOW !!! I thought...these JEEP things are the ultimate wheeling machine !!!
  I have a ton of projects underway, started, or planned...but TIME is not always plenty...but bit by bit, piece by piece. Maybe this winter...........................
  Thanks for the spacers Dan...hopefully I can get them on soon before there is too much dust on them..........

[01sahara]

Great thread Dan

You should come back and join the club. We could create a new executive position for you as Addiction Councilor. You could teach lots of us newer guys how to be more addicted to our jeeps and spend more time and money on them. :lol:

CJA Meeting is tonight (WED). We will accept your membership fees for 2008 if you come to the meeting tonight.  Join for the year quick while you still own a jeep. :wink:  

Blair

[fug]

My addiction is not Jeep specific but just motorized vehicles in general.  Started back when I was 18 and I bought my first car a 1975 Ford Granada rust bucket.  Since then I estimate I've bought and sold over 50 vehicles (cars, bikes, trucks).  Over the past 10 years I don't think 6 months has gone by without the purchase of a new vehicle of some sort.  Right now I have in my possession a total of 12 vehicles... 6 of which are licenced/insured and road worthy.

The Jeep is by far my biggest money pit though.  The weekend I bought it I put 31"s on it.  Then it was custom bumpers... then a winch.. then a short arm kit... then 33's... then a body lift and motor mount lift... then a 4:1 transfer case from a rubicon... then 35's... then 4.88 gears, arbs and the Vanco big brake kit... then anti-rocks front and rear... a Poly outboard shock mod with 14" travel Bilsteins in the rear.  Next weekend the plan is to install a Poly Perf extended front shock mount and 12" travel Bisteins and RE Long arm kit.

So rest assured you aren't the only one with a serious addiction/obsession.  LOL and I don't want to be cured!  I love it!  I'd rather drop my cash on my vehicles than in the bar or on a golf course or something!  

My Current list:
04 TJ
97 Chev 1/2 ton
02 Ford F350
99 Suburban
67 Cougar
66 Ranchero
6? Myers Manx bug
6? Fiberglass buggy
67 Baja Bug
85 Shadow 500
2-82 Yamaha Visions

[RedApe]

Mmmm...I like this concept.

First car:
79 Mazda GLC.

Second Car:
64 Bug (kinda un-stock). Adjustable front end, lowered.  Headers out to a Stinger, baffle removed (I was 18).  Wheels widened by 2 inces in rear by Leguene Engineering.  165x65x15 front and 215x60x15 rear for tires.

First rig:
Well, I've been actively wheeling since 94, when I bought my 82 Toyota LWB.  I owned the truck until 05.
It started stock.  When I sold it (didn't want to inter-Province inspect it), it was "mostly" stock.  :wink:
List of this build:
Drivetrain:
   -22R long block
   -ported and polished head and intake
   -Weber 32x36 DGAV Carb (Euro Ford -- Caprii)
   -Hedman Header, 2.25" exhaust and FloPro muffler
   -Centerforce III Dual Friction clutch
   -4.11:1 R&P
   -Fozzy Locker rear
   -33x12.5x15 Interco Super Swamper Radials
   - 15x8 Eagle Alloy 589's
   Front suspension:
   -'77 CJ5 rear srpings,
   -1.5" CONFERR shackle
   -2" BEERbilt custom drop hanger
   -Ford F250 shock towers
   -Rancho 9012's
   Rear Suspension:
   -rear ' 81 Grand Wagoneer Limited leafs
   -Rancho 9012's, inboarded
   -custom DAVEbilt crossmember
   Interior:
   -89 Honda Prelude buckets
   -Panasonic Rebel Gear CD
   -JBL 4.5" and 1" separates
   -Realistic TRC 487 CB
   -military ammo/tool box
   -Autometer tach
   Extras:
   -Larsen 4' whip antenna
   -custom bumer jack mount in box
   -48" Jack-All
   -plastic storage truck box
   -14" blade Craftsman chainsaw
   -rock lights
2nd Rig:
Met girlfriend (now wife) who was driving 97 TJ, BB lifted and 31 MTRs.  Found out she wheeled it, married her right QUICK.  :wink:  
Theodore (TJ) now has:
                - 3" BDS coils
                - sway bar discos
                - 1" Pink Barn Body Lift
                - AA SYE, DSI long slip shaft
                - 33" TRXUS MT
                - 15x8 Pro Comp RC
                - dents from 2 flops, multiple encounters with Spruce, Fir,
                Granite etc
3rd car:
OMG, I'm gonna be a Dad.  Gotta get a 4 door.  :wink:
92 Mk II Jetta.  Tear drops, custom bent exhaust, rear disc conversion....

3rd rig:
Got my head about me when daughter was 1 month old.  Sold VW, bought 94 XJ Country from Vlad I on this site.
Since purchase:
                 - 3" Sky Jacker coils from Dom
                 - Shackle and AAL (by PO)
                 - JKS Quicker Disco's
                 - Sportrack Roof basket
                 - 30x9.5 BFG AT KO (by PO)
Mods to be done by XMAS:
                 - RE 4.5, with spacer and shackle
                 - 33" TRXUS MT, Pro Comp RC 15x8
                 - AA SYE and DSI shaft
                 - 4.88's (**Maiy-ahz-wayall**)
                 - Sawz-All as necessary

Current:
Wifes TJ, AND my XJ.  Yes, 2 Jeeps, one household.


(**Maiy-ahz-wayall**): verb.  Eng translation - Might as Well.  Defn: "Wella, since I'm in thar swappin dem der gears, I **Maiy-ahz-wayall** puts in a Deeeeeeee-Troit."   :lol:



Disclaimer: sorry, in a chatty mood this eve....

[cLAY]

Well I started with a '73 Dodge 1/2ton 4X4 when I was about 18. It got me hooked. It needed a lot of work and was parked almost as much as it was driven for the first few years.

So I got a 1980 Grand Wagoneer, probalby one of my all time favorites. Had a winch and 31s. Only got out twice with it but had great fun. Sold as the fuel was WAY too much money.

Had numerous AMC EAGLES. Loved them for DD and used the 73 Dodge offroad.

Then I got tired of trying to find parts at the wreckers for the Eagles so after one got hit and written off I bought my '89 XJ. It was to be the DD.

That lasted for about 2years, then the truck broke. I was tired of fooling with the carb on it, the ride was horrendous(RANCHO SUCKS!), and it was HEAVY!!! Even with being locked front and rear and 35" I still couldn't keep up to jeeps on the trail with open diffs and 33s.

So the truck got parted out(very sad day) and we started wheeling the XJ, first stock with 235s then a home built 3" lift and 31s, then bumped to 4.5"(still 31s) and added a rear locker, then a winch. Wheeled that setup for quite a while.

Then went big, 8" lift, 36" tires, D44 front(posi), D60 rear(welded) and all the bling bling that goes with it. Tweaked it over 2 years then took it to Moab and had a blast. But it was clear that it needed long arms. Right after getting back from Moab(last May) I installed long arms, first trip out I rolled it.  :evil:

In the meantime I've spread the Jeep bug to my family.

My sister wheels a '93 ZJ.
My dad wheels a '90 XJ
His DD is a '96 ZJ.
Mom's DD is a '98 ZJ(5.9L!)
Father in law drives a '93 ZJ.



So what next? Well I've got a '93 ZJ for a winter DD. Was going to build it up but then found a deal on a nicer '93 ZJ with the upcountry supension. So we'll see where that takes us.....

[midnightcowboy]

i got a ways to go, but started with my 89 YJ 9 years ago when i turned 16. started building it up....

86 golf....haha, for going back and forth to college

bought a 90 MJ and was gonna build it up,but didnt have the room i needed.

bought dans 92 XJ that he sold to cody. got it for good deal, had the room i needed, but lacked some of the extras i wanted

95 civic to save some gas money to build up for the real DD i wanted for a few years...

now own my 04 Grand Cherokee and love it. wasnt gonna do anything to it but thinking 4" lift, 265s, evo bumper....and a kenne bell supercharger got my attention...its still practical i swear.


good to see you back in it dan.....i was trying to get that lift of SPOT but he said he was gonna build up another XJ...oh well, atleast went to somewhere good.

[NUXJR]

Good to have ya back Dan.  Never thought ya really left...what'd I tell ya

Yur right, was a good read.  Wait....HOLY SMOKES.....yur not just a cablesmurf/uberwheel anymore yur a CJAMEMBERSMURF now :!: What the hack's with that :?:   Oh well, if ya can't beat em gotta join em I guess :lol:   Have often wondered how they would feel 'bout havin a Kia hanging out with em :shock: .

So far it's been fun following yur journey.  Can remember when ya posted up about Kendra being born.  Make sure those footprints yur leavin' behind are worth following....remember :?:  

Kinda wish I had a similar story to tell.....NOPE, WAIT A COTTONPICKIN' MINUTE....I take that back :!:  :lol:

Seriously....yur good people....hope yur around fur a while :wink:

Thanks fur your help with all my questions & challenges .