Excuse the long-winded intro. I need to give credit where it’s due. If you want to get to the meat and potato’s jump to the next post. I waited until now to start the thread because I wanted to be sure I could actually pull this off before embarrassing myself.
First off I need to give some well deserved credit to BJ’s Offroad.
http://www.bjsoffroad.com I got lucky enough that I can easily drive to BJ’s from where I live and bug Brent on a moment’s notice. Seriously, without all the help, knowledge, willingness to price match, and willingness to get non-FSJ parts from Brent this project NEVER would have made it this far. If anyone is doing any kind of project they should seriously consider contacting BJ’s.
Some other notable mentions:
Clover Park Technical College rebuilt both differentials, transmission and transfer case. A lot of the time schools won’t install aftermarket parts. Wayne, the instructor in the Drivetrain Program, jumped right onboard when he heard where I wanted to go with the project. Kurt and Greg, in the Auto Body Program. They painted the frame and did the sheet metal work on the cab. Note- This is an academic institution and the students needs come first and foremost. If you approach them don’t be surprised if they turn down your work. I got VERY LUCKY.
Neil at Arm & Hammer Fabrication, in Tacoma, for all the welding of critical components (things that can kill you) and other work. Neil is also an old time Jeep fan with a few neat rides of his own.
Justin and Dennis at Metal Supermarket on 100th , in Lakewood.
Ron at Hi-Strength Bolt on 100th , in Lakewood.
Also, some others that have treated me right:
4 Wheel Parts, Tacoma and Portland
Discount/America’s Tire, Tacoma and Portland
RE Electric, Tacoma
Tacoma Speedometer
All the craigslister’s that bought, sold, and swapped with me
And others I’m sure I’m forgetting at this time
A Special Note:
Ballistic Fabrication- After placing my first order in November, 2011, I learned that Ballistic had developed a bad reputation. After learning this I basically thought if I get screwed I just won’t use them again. Let me tell you that they’ve been making huge efforts to correct the problems they were having. I’ve now ordered from them 5 times. Every order has been correct and shipped immediately. The one snafu I did have(minor) I sent an email on a Sunday about getting it corrected. Dave replied within 1 hour from his iphone saying it would be fixed. The little replacement part was in the mail before 10AM the next morning. I’ve spoke with several of them on the phone. They openly admit that they did have troubles and are doing everything they can to “earn customers trust back” (their words, notice earn). I’m a pretty good read of people and I believe each one of them are sincere in this desire. Just my take on them so far.