Looking for advice on purchase.

I have two options, a 1952 Jeep I think it is a CJ-3A with a 327 Corvette Engine circa early 60s, engine is frozen but just one cylinder needs to be freed and then resembled and should run. I am also wondering how hard it would be to move the gas tank to lower the seat so I have more head room. There asking 1800.

Or a 1978 Jeep Cherokee with 304 or 302 AMC V8, running when parked, might be hard to smog though. 400$

Now I know theirs a big price difference but I want a vehicle that I can take to the dunes, desert and mountains, My thinking is that the CJ would be better equipped once its fixed up ? does 1800 sound fair for the vehicle ? or should I go for the Cherokee ? I like both alot, so its s dilemma.  

For $400, I'd take the Cheerokee no matter what. That could be the axles that go under the CJ. And it needs axles if they're stockers. Depending on the shape of the CJ body, that could be a nice project. But if the Cheerokee body is decent enough, I'd build it.  

not to mention that you'll have more room in the cherokee to stash your stuff. a new cat and o2 sensor should solve the smog problem  
I work to support my Jeep

I picked up the CJ because I can pay overtime and the Cherokee if I can pick up the xtra money I will try and snag it aswell.  

Now you will spend even more money with two rigs so happy spending.  
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5.5 rubi longarm, dana 44's, cromoly shafts,currie HD stering,currie antirock,warn powerplant,warn bumpers,4.88 35's

If the Cherokee is a wide track (has fender flares), you may not want it for an axle swap for the 3a. Even a narrow track Cherokee (about 60") will be a little wide.