[4aSong]

I am currently considering to acquire a CJ5 or CJ7 (V8 4 or 5 speed) for recreational use only (Not my primary vehicle). A few questions;

What year(s) should be considered ?
Items to look for when considering a vehicle ? (Rust, mechanical, upgrades, etc)
Other Options ?

All inputs would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance- Mike

[danw77]

I always like the CJ-7 over the CJ-5 because of the longer wheelbase. I also liked the 1986 because it came with a dana 44 in the rear. An 80 or 81 had the option of a 308ci V8 with the T176 tranny (a good combination) with a dana 300 transfer case. Not sure what rear axle came with that set up (hard to believe it was the AMC 20, but it might have been).

[supraman1990]

It was a 304 CI, and the 20 was the axle. The AMC20 is a very robust axle when you get rid of the 2 piece shafts. Also, not all 86 CJ's had the 44, just the later ones after they ran out of AMC 20's.

[danw77]

Originally Posted by supraman1990

It was a 304 CI, and the 20 was the axle. The AMC20 is a very robust axle when you get rid of the 2 piece shafts. Also, not all 86 CJ's had the 44, just the later ones after they ran out of AMC 20's.

what he said. sorry, memory is a little foggy.

[jayhawkclint]

'77-'79 with wide ratio T-18, disc brakes, and a swapped 360 is also a fun ride that would fit your criteria.

[4aSong]

I am considering looking at a 1976 CJ 5 LIFTED WITH 304 V8. They are asking $2800 which seems a little high but..., I have not seen it yet as it is about 100 miles from where I am located but I thought I would ask the forum what the consensus is before pursuing. The information they provided follows:

1976 CJ5 with a 304 V8
DANA 44 rear axel
Detroit Locker
DANA 30 Front axel
Runs and starts fine
Need the proportionate valve replaced.
Brand new seats
Goodyear mud terrain on rear
Goodyear all terrain on front
New front tow bar and new jack
No leaks
no drips

[JoonHoss]

Originally Posted by 4aSong

I am considering looking at a 1976 CJ 5 LIFTED WITH 304 V8. They are asking $2800 which seems a little high but..., I have not seen it yet as it is about 100 miles from where I am located but I thought I would ask the forum what the consensus is before pursuing. The information they provided follows:

1976 CJ5 with a 304 V8
DANA 44 rear axel
Detroit Locker
DANA 30 Front axel
Runs and starts fine
Need the proportionate valve replaced.
Brand new seats
Goodyear mud terrain on rear
Goodyear all terrain on front
New front tow bar and new jack
No leaks
no drips

sorry to say,but if you think that's high, wait until you see what you spend when you actually own it.

Hoss

[jayhawkclint]

Originally Posted by Joonhoss71

sorry to say,but if you think that's high, wait until you see what you spend when you actually own it.

Hoss

Yep, that's a bargain.

[4aSong]

Originally Posted by jayhawkclint

Yep, that's a bargain.

Help me out a bit. Both you and Hoss say the price is reasonable or a bargain, can you be more specific as to what I should check out on this unit and what is considered a good price range depending on condition and components, this will be the first one I will be checking out and I'm sure there are many more available so I just want to understand what is a good price and what year model is best.
Thanks Mike

[JoonHoss]

for starters, repost this in the CJ section, and you'll get a bunch more feedback.

second, if you really want good feedback, get a pic, or better, a few of them.


our collective opinions are based on the price of the sum of the parts. $2,800 for a running driving CJ is not that high, DEPENDING on the condition.

Hoss

[CjinPA]

The which year and model is best debate can last forever. It is mostly a matter of opinion and preference. I like the 80 to 86 CJ-7's, but thats me.

As for what to look for, RUST. Look over the frame from one end to the other. If the frame has rust holes in it then it is a parts Jeep. I then look at the tub for rust in the floor and above the rear wheels. Take it for a ride to see how the motor runs and how the steering is. If all of that is good then $2800 is a decent price.
Location also has a lot to do with price. You will get different opinions based on location if a price is good or not. I am in the North East so to find a CJ in good condition in my area is not very common. I can however find parts CJ's all of the time. I would expect to pay at least $3k for a CJ that is a good starting point, but I can also find TJ's for $4K so it is all comes down to what you prefer.
But like Hoss said,

Originally Posted by Joonhoss71

our collective opinions are based on the price of the sum of the parts. $2,800 for a running driving CJ is not that high, DEPENDING on the condition.

Hoss

[BiGsTiCk]

I just payed 3500.00 for a 76 Cj-5 4.2L it's got upgraded axles, seats sound system, billet rims, the guy had receipts and rims and tires alone were almost 2500.00, and then the 6 inch lift all black Diamond and rough country. She needs a bunch of small things done like finishing touches. For instance it's a mat gray which is kinda cool but I would say it needs a paint job, top, engine needs to be prettied up. So 2800.00 for a running driving Cj. I mean just check eBay. It's insane how much they are going for right now. To answer your question though frame condition, body rust, lock it in, in sand or grass see if you can make any popping noises turning it around left to right in 4 wheel drive. Make sure it stays in 4 wheel drive low and high. Run it for a mile or so..and then check for leaks only sure way to tell. Make sure you don't bite off more then you can chew! I know 2800.00 in Florida is a steal you can't buy a VW rail buggy for that!

Also I'm new as you can tell! Glad to be here!

[yell2000]

$2800 for a running CJ with "no drips". That, for one, is hard to believe... so expect some minor things. Take a look at it. If it's worth it to you and runs well, you won't lose any money selling it if it's not for you.

I personally prefer the 5 over the 7 just to be different. Kind of scary over 50mph when lifted on 35" swampers though.

I paid $6800 for my 78 cj-5 with a 304. It did have the "gotta have" factor for me so I was prepared to pay a bit more. But the previous owner (from this site) did visibly have over $10,000 invested in it. Drove it home 600 miles and haven't had an issue.

But, if you want to modify/repair it on your own, $2800 is a good place to start. I just prefered to continue to build my TJ and have the CJ complete.

[BiGsTiCk]

35's were scary I drove mine home 116 miles interstate no seat belts (don't flame) I know I know... and to make it even better my 92 300 hp XJ on 33's was in front of me leading the way with my insane girl at the wheel..felt like a bad chase scene and I'm trying to get the CB radio to work to tell her to slow down...good times! but hey you know what? Out of all the jeeps I have had I will remember the drive home from this one for a long time.

[yell2000]

It's the stories you remember as much as the Jeep that gives you the enjoyment.

6 hour drive there with a buddy to get mine and 12.5 hour drive home. Early January. Detroit to Milwaukee. Hit 60 once then kept it at 50 mph.
No heat and bad wipers, gaps in the soft top, 30-33 degrees with rain snow mix... had to keep stopping to clean the glass. What a BLAST!!! He was driving my truck with the seat warmers on.

As for the topic of this thread... the jeep is 100 miles away, make an adventure of it and go get it.