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Jeep Wrangler YJ
YJ General Discussion
Is 4K a fair price?
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<blockquote data-quote="dodgerammit" data-source="post: 441275" data-attributes="member: 21375"><p>This is exactly why I no longer let shops work on my stuff. The 'labor' costs have gotten outrageous.</p><p></p><p>My thought is this: They don't want to work on it, but will work on it if you're dumb enough to pay what they quote.</p><p></p><p>Had a reputable shop look at my 2000 WS6 for a top end noise. Quote was like 3K to replace a lifter. (Yes, I know heads come off).</p><p>They said it could be up to 5K for a cam if it needed it. WTF?! (This was about 3 years ago as well.)</p><p>I asked why their rates were so high. Their reply; "Well if it's a cam, you gotta pull the engine." Me; "NO YOU DON'T! You can stab a cam in with the motor sitting IN the vehicle!" Crickets on their end.</p><p></p><p>Ended up rebuilding the entire top end with new 'fun' cam, pushrods, lifters, head gaskets, timing chain, oil pump, etc. Never did it before. And I did it with my bad lower back not getting too mad at me.</p><p></p><p>Oh, and that noise? I broke a pushrod. Discovered it after I had already pulled the driver's head. It was passenger side. Had I started on passenger side, I could have fixed it for about $25. Not knowing for sure what was wrong, I had already ordered everything anyway, and had set my sights on having a slightly lumpy idle now. Spent $1900 and got a 40HP boost while I learned even more about my car.</p><p></p><p>There are plenty of how-tos out there on common motors. The 2.5 is VERY common. I'm not versed in it that much, but lots of youtube channels out there feature YJ-2.5 maintenance videos.</p><p></p><p></p><p>The rear main will be the fun job as it's a 1 piece on the 2.5.</p><p></p><p>Roll up your sleeves. Get dirty. If you don't have tools, now is the time to get you a small tool set started.</p><p>They don't have to be expensive. I'm still beating on the same 3/8" ratchet (very first tool I purchased), bought from auto zone 20 years ago.</p><p>Get you a small tool cabinet, or just a large tool bag to sit on a shelf. Buy a simple standard/metric 6 point socket set, and a set of metric/standard combination wrenches. Get a flat/phillips screwdriver assortment. Again, not snap on expensive. Think Harbor freight.</p><p></p><p>Then watch some youtube videos. Start simple. Tackle the valve cover first. </p><p></p><p>[MEDIA=youtube]NZiDpAQh5QE[/MEDIA]</p><p></p><p>Build your confidence. Than move to the oil pan, then timing chain, etc. Small steps. Get familiar with your rig. You'll love the confidence you gain from doing so.</p><p></p><p>You can always knock down the really easy stuff and let a shop (that isn't trying to financially rape you) do the rear main and motor mounts as those require a special jack and a hoist to be safe about doing.</p><p></p><p>Good luck!</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="dodgerammit, post: 441275, member: 21375"] This is exactly why I no longer let shops work on my stuff. The 'labor' costs have gotten outrageous. My thought is this: They don't want to work on it, but will work on it if you're dumb enough to pay what they quote. Had a reputable shop look at my 2000 WS6 for a top end noise. Quote was like 3K to replace a lifter. (Yes, I know heads come off). They said it could be up to 5K for a cam if it needed it. WTF?! (This was about 3 years ago as well.) I asked why their rates were so high. Their reply; "Well if it's a cam, you gotta pull the engine." Me; "NO YOU DON'T! You can stab a cam in with the motor sitting IN the vehicle!" Crickets on their end. Ended up rebuilding the entire top end with new 'fun' cam, pushrods, lifters, head gaskets, timing chain, oil pump, etc. Never did it before. And I did it with my bad lower back not getting too mad at me. Oh, and that noise? I broke a pushrod. Discovered it after I had already pulled the driver's head. It was passenger side. Had I started on passenger side, I could have fixed it for about $25. Not knowing for sure what was wrong, I had already ordered everything anyway, and had set my sights on having a slightly lumpy idle now. Spent $1900 and got a 40HP boost while I learned even more about my car. There are plenty of how-tos out there on common motors. The 2.5 is VERY common. I'm not versed in it that much, but lots of youtube channels out there feature YJ-2.5 maintenance videos. The rear main will be the fun job as it's a 1 piece on the 2.5. Roll up your sleeves. Get dirty. If you don't have tools, now is the time to get you a small tool set started. They don't have to be expensive. I'm still beating on the same 3/8" ratchet (very first tool I purchased), bought from auto zone 20 years ago. Get you a small tool cabinet, or just a large tool bag to sit on a shelf. Buy a simple standard/metric 6 point socket set, and a set of metric/standard combination wrenches. Get a flat/phillips screwdriver assortment. Again, not snap on expensive. Think Harbor freight. Then watch some youtube videos. Start simple. Tackle the valve cover first. [MEDIA=youtube]NZiDpAQh5QE[/MEDIA] Build your confidence. Than move to the oil pan, then timing chain, etc. Small steps. Get familiar with your rig. You'll love the confidence you gain from doing so. You can always knock down the really easy stuff and let a shop (that isn't trying to financially rape you) do the rear main and motor mounts as those require a special jack and a hoist to be safe about doing. Good luck! [/QUOTE]
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Jeep Wrangler YJ
YJ General Discussion
Is 4K a fair price?
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