U.S. Marine needs help...

[kblguy4373]

I'm a U.S. Marine serving in Fallujah, Iraq...this is my second time here. Just recently bought my first jeep. I don't know what mods the jeep could use, and being in the military, money is scarce. If there's anyone willing to help me while I'm here at War 'til March 2005...it would be greatly appreciated. You can view my Jeep at
http://semperfi.jeepz.com/jeep1.htm
I could use the smallest of things, like a new steering wheel or bug deflector. I live in the San Diego area and my wife has access to the Jeep. You can E-mail me here in Iraq at bowenhd@1div1mardm.1mardivdm.usmc.mil

Semper Fi
Sgt Bowen

 

[L33TJ33P]

Deffinatly a Jar head Oh Rah Sgt!! Most of the things that I see can be done for WAY cheap. even on the CRAP they give you for living expenses in the Marine Corps. First, ditch the Idea of a bug shield!! Trade the Chrome in for some some home-made steal bumpers (I know there there is a welding shop on base somewhere and if SD is like LeJeune there is an Auto Garage that is free to use for whatever you need.

You may not have much money, but one thing is sure, If you seek a cheaper way, you will find it with that YJ.

Why would you need a new steering wheel??

 

[kblguy4373]

This is a reply I had to make on Jeepforums.com...

Wow...guess I really should have phrased my post a little different. By no means am I looking for a handout...I can however see how that was mistaken. A simple go screw yourself would have done just fine, from everyone who obviously have access to my bank account, because they know ecactly what I bring home. No hard feelings though. I defend this country, so you can be afforded the right to say what ever you please. I'm new to the Jeep world...I've always wanted a Jeep. I'm looking for tips and suggestions...I will eventually have enough money saved up when I get back to get all the things done to my Jeep, to make it look as nice as some of the ones I've seen on this site. I am active duty. I do get a few hundred dollars extra a paycheck...that makes up for the part time job I'm not working in the states to support my family. It also helps to stay current with the bills...the rest I just used to purchase my life long dream car. I will be here for around 9 more months...in that time I will save money...that money will go into my Jeep, and to my family. If you have a problem with what's on TV...change the chanel. If you have a problem with a US Marine doing what he feels is right by his country and seeking a little advice on a new hobby...then you have much deeper issues. But, know this...I will continue to defend your right to freedom of speech. I will do my best to help the people of Iraq...and I will be home safe and sound to go wheelin' in my 1989 YJ no matter what you think this post is about. God Bless America.

Sgt Bowen

 

[88Wrangles]

First of all, welcome and congradulations on the purchase of a Jeep!! What type of things are you looking to do to it? Are you looking at things like lift kits, bigger tires, and other things that take some money. Or, are you interrested in little things that can be done for very little or no money?

Secondly, thank you for all that you have, are, and will do for our country. I know many don't believe that what our country is doing is right, but there are many more that don't even know how to begin to thank you.

 

[L33TJ33P]

I hope that Me calling you a Jar-Head didn't come off as insulting. I hope to heck not or I was insulting myself indeed.

Oh lemme Introduce myself.

Cpl Walden USMC 09,93 - 09,97

I know your paycheck because I used to get that pay. What I typed really doesn't need to be defended brother.

Something that you will learn in the Jeep world is this. "Chrome will not get you home" so I said ditch it for something more useable as a Recovery point, as in Sticking a Hi-Lift under the bumper and jacking it up out of the mud and pushing it to the side without denting or cracking your chrome.

 

[kblguy4373]

I was not insulted at all. We call each other much worse names. A Band of Brothers can do that. I also want to thank you for serving. I actually came in at the exact same time. Started boot camp inearly Nov '93 San Diego. Got out in '97...came back in around late 2000. As far as what I want to do to the jeep...beats me. maybe a 3 inch lift as opposed to the 2.5 on it and 33" tires. I kinda like the way the chrome looks, but just might have to switch to something more practical. What do you guys think about a full roll bar, maybe some KC lights on top. I'm a big Oakland Raider Fan and I just ordered a Raider symbol spare tire cover...was also thinking about a custom paint job with silver flames on the front on top of Black all over...I'll keep you posted on what I decide...

Sgt Bowen

 

[kblguy4373]

I was not insulted at all. We call each other much worse names. A Band of Brothers can do that. I also want to thank you for serving. I actually came in at the exact same time. Started boot camp inearly Nov '93 San Diego. Got out in '97...came back in around late 2000. As far as what I want to do to the jeep...beats me. maybe a 3 inch lift as opposed to the 2.5 on it and 33" tires. I kinda like the way the chrome looks, but just might have to switch to something more practical. What do you guys think about a full roll bar, maybe some KC lights on top. I'm a big Oakland Raider Fan and I just ordered a Raider symbol spare tire cover...was also thinking about a custom paint job with silver flames on the front on top of Black all over...I'll keep you posted on what I decide...

Sgt Bowen

 

[Tug-n-pull]

Sgt. Bowen, Welcome and my wife and I know where you are and what you are doing as we served as well. She is now a disabled vet from the Desert Strom. I myself was lucky enough to serve in a Peace Time Army.

Here are a few things that can be done with little or no money! thumb throtle, pieces and parts from a local bike shop for less than 25 bucks woth a grand in the off road. Front diff cable disonect done for under 40 bucks and will give you a way to run in 2wd lo and change in and out of 4wd as needed on the trail. there is the on board air systems made out of pieces and parts from your local hardwear and junk yards. The list goes on and on. Let us know what you want from your jeep once it is all over and maybe we can help you get there.

There are several Jeepz members over there with you, just back or are going. Good luck keep the faith and god bless. tug

 

[kblguy4373]

Thanks...I'll look into all of those things. They sound like something I can do myself. Thank you for serving our country. Hope to see you on the trail some day.

Sgt Bowen

 

[ROade]

Mudders Day

I was gonna offer some extra parts I have until I saw the pic.
I dont own any chrome.
Ha ! Just kidding !
Only things I have that would fit are factory cat converter and muffler.
Anyway , Good luck over there, we pray all of you make it home safe.
( Sumter SC USA - Home of Shaw AFB -McEntire ANG -Fort Jackson Army )

 

[kblguy4373]

That's not fair...I bought it with the chrome...the wife liked it. I'm not home to tell you if I could use any of the things you have to offer. Previous owner kept it up very well. Thanks anyway...

Sgt Bowen

 

[ROGLSTUBB]

Just a tip if your wife likes the chrome when you can swing it get her her own. I did that for my wife. She now has 97 grand all "tweetyfied". It has nothing useful but she does leave mine alone.

Thanks again for serving, good luck and GOD bless.

 

[dick_wilderness]

For what you are doing over in Iraq I am deeply thankful. You are a "hero" and support for you guys is strong back home. I live close to where the young man that was just brutily executed and am around his same age. It hit pretty close to home.

Anyways, on a lighter note. The best advise I ever heard given was ; "go out and wheel, then you will know what you need." This is so true. Do you like the rocks, the mud, both or neither? You can go from there. It worked brilliantly for me.

I hope this finds you well. Get home safe.

 

[jps4jeep]

As always, Thanks for serving our country!

I always have random parts so if you were a little more clear on your exact need and the year of your jeep, I can try to help.

 

[JeepMonkey]

First of all, anyone that would join the Marines of their own free will needs alot of help! Just kidding! I'm in the Army and they made me say that. All kidding aside, keep up the good work and I'll see you in a few months.

I agree with everyone here. Come home, wheel a bit and then see what you need. As for the pretty chrome bumpers, you can always weld up the ends real good and make them your on-board air tanks. You'll definetly want some sort of system like that when you're wheeling. Nice to be able to air up your own tires. Knowing what pay you get I can sympathize too. You can go to the junkyard and pull some compressors off a mid-80's Caddy and you're set. I can air all 4 of my 33's up from 8-35lbs in about 40mins. Yeah it's a long time to sit, but that's when I'm usually eating anyway. Here's some pics of mine:

http://www.jumppr.jeepz.com

Good luck and God be with you!

 

[kblguy4373]

Thanks for all the input so far...unfortunatly I won't be wheelin' for about 10 more months...guess I'll have to wait til then to really get some work done. Like I said it's my first Jeep and all I'm doing is reading up. I want to learn everything there is to know...

 

[texasjeepguy]

Well, there are several lists out there of FAQ's about YJ's. My favorite mod was totally free. It allows you to make your "15 gallon tank" into a 20 gallon tank. All you basically do is take out a 8 " piece of plastic, and you get that extra 5 gallons of fuel capasity. There are lots of mods out there, and owning a Jeep will allow you do get a lot of mods done for much less money that any other truck or car. Good Luck out there, and I hope you all come home soon. Thanks you Sir for defending our country. I shall hopefully be joining the Marines one I recieve my degree(s) in about a year. I did not do it the traditional way, but I will be doing it after I graduate from college. -al