Not crushed. Yet. Not really a dream, just having a good time.
The 2.5 was a "bang for the buck" thing. The $2.5K that an older i6 in similar shape (it was actually a 94) cost was out of range at the time. When we bought this one the intent was to sell all the current spares and just use it for DD. The 101 pretty much killed that. The June trip to Rausch buried it 6' under.
Now, the wife doesn't know about this forum so I can show my hand here and you can all call me nuts.
I'd like to get the TJ to a point where I can go to Rausch and Big Dawgs (I think that's VA, right) and enjoy some fun without worrying that I'll make it back. I expect to make a few trips a year with more time at places like Whispering Pines than Rausch. If we (Mrs says she likes Rausch) then I expect to purchase MLC 2 to be a dedicated off road vehicle. Not sure I'd go buggy, but certainly something capable of getting me way in over my head (and back out again).
So things like gears to run the 33s full time, skid plates, inexpensive upgrades (like ZJ tie rod) are in line. Things like seats are good as they can be swapped later (thinking Cabera(sp)). Not to sure a t-case would fit but then again, if I do another TJ I could swap it. Full axle swaps (d30 to d40) would get me shot, but I could probably replace the live shafts (not sure what you call them in the auto world) for chromoly as a "insurance" measure.
To answer a direct question on cost: How should I spend the first $2000. Exclude tires and other "consumables". This is just on parts upgrades.
My ordered list for the first $2k was
1. ZJ tie rod
2. Gears (4.52 as I have been convinced that 4.88 is bad for 30/35)
3. Front locker.
I wasn't able to figure out the second $2k and started to question my first $2k.