We don't know about you, but we can't tell you how disappointed we were the day we realized that money didn't really grow on trees. As a matter of fact, we still can't figure out how money grows. Most of us think it's magic, for every time we have a little bit it disappears! The "times are tough" talk is probably getting pretty old to you by now, and it's beginning to wear on us too.
So what better way to stimulate the economy than spending a little money on your hobby? No, we're not asking you to break the bank, or even bruise it. Think of this as an investment in your sanity and a cheap way to keep you immersed in the thing you love the most, four-wheeling. So please take a gander at some of the more inexpensive widgets and DIY tricks that won't put you on a strict PB&J diet.
Retainer Clips
All you new Jeep Wrangler JK owners looking to upgrade from your factory wheels, be sure to remove the disc brake retainer clips before sliding on your new dubs. The stock JK wheels are designed to accept the raised surface of the clips, and while a few thousandths doesn't sound like much, it will prevent your aftermarket wheels from sitting flush and creating a safety hazard.
Tarp Top
Jeep soft tops are not exactly the cheapest things to come by. While not the most stylish way to cover your head, tossing on a tarp or a thick shower curtain is an affordable way to keep you out of the elements on those rainy trail days.
Child's Play
Making homemade widgets for your truck is a blast. Unfortunately the price of metal has made making mistakes expensive. For those of you who still love to fab but who need to get the first cut right, try cutting out cardboard templates and double-checking that the dimensions you think you need are exactly right.
Under Cover
Long before all those heavy-duty aftermarket differential covers, OEMs actually made covers out of beefy material from the factory. An inexpensive trick for those of you running Dana 44 axles is to find a set of early-model 3/4-ton covers. The old diff protectors will bolt right up to most modern 44s and are made twice as thick!
Wire Tie
Running wires can be a real pain, especially if you need to run more than one along the same spot. To make life easier, place one end of your wire bundle into a handheld drill, and with your buddy holding tension on the other end, pull the trigger. The rotation of the drill and the tension will deliver a tight and easy-to-work-with wire bundle.
PreWrapped
If your truck's engine is equipped with an open-element filter, then K&N has a smart upgrade to help protect the air filter and not rob performance. The K&N Drycharger prefilter slides over your existing filter and works to keep debris from sticking to the filter. The Drycharger is available for a variety of filter sizes and is that little bit of added protection that gives you more peace of mind behind the wheel. Information: K&N, www.knfilters.com
Strapped
A basic towstrap is a must-have. With dozens of aftermarket recovery straps available, it's hard to say which one is best, but easy to say that most aren't cheap. We've found that cruising the aisles of local hardware and military surplus stores has netted us great deals on all sorts of straps. Remember when searching for a strap that the more weight it is rated for, the safer and stronger it will be.
Mall Crawler
Don't have the time or money to work on your 4x4, but still want to show the world that you're into trucks? Well, try looking cool in one of Off Road Evolution's Ultimate Z71 tees, available in any color you want as long as that color is black. Here is your chance to own a piece of Ultimate Adventure history and look cool doing it. Information: Off Road Evolution, 714.870.5515, www.offroadevolution.com
Space Age
A suspension lift kits is not always the most affordable option for those building on a budget. But if you are dead set on getting a little more height out of your coil-sprung off-roader, then a set of Daystar coil spacers might be the budget boost you've been looking for. Daystar has a huge line of spacer lifts that will easily raise your 4x4 that little bit and will cost you less than dinner and a movie for two. Information: Daystar, www.daystarweb.com
Quick Turn
Steering a fully hydraulic steering system off road can be quite the workout if you have an orbital that requires more turns of the steering wheel from lock to lock. A trucker knob is an easy bolt-on solution that will save a little energy and maneuver the rig easier off road. The knobs are available in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes and can be picked up at most tractor supply stores. Information: Tractor Supply Co., www.tractorsupply.com
The Skids
Underbelly protection is a vital defense for keeping your 4x4's expensive drivetrain components protected off road. Though a nice selection of skidplates is available from the aftermarket, another affordable avenue is to search your local junkyards for trucks with factory skidplates. Generally the junkyard jewels will require a little modification, but that's still cheaper and less time-consuming than replacing a transmission pan with a new drain plug provided by Mother Nature.
Get Hitched
If your ride is equipped with a 2-inch hitch receiver but lacks a solid rear tow point, then a basic hitch minus the ball just might be the answer to your rear recovery problems. Using the hitch's shank opening as a clevis mount, you no longer have to search for a good place to hook to. Available almost anywhere car parts or tools are sold, it's a cheap investment that you'll be glad you made the next time you need a backwards pull.