I've had a "project" in the back of my head for a long time - rebuilding an old (maybe 1979 or so) CJ7 and bashing it over the trails until something breaks, and then doing it again and again. I liked the 7 because of the longer wheelbase, and the age because those were "simpler times" and I miss the days when engines were basic and every nook and cranny wasn't filled with some kind of crap. Add to that you can find some old ones for $1000 or so to start with that just need some TLC (I don't mind rebuilding or swapping an engine), and it fits my bill pretty well.

However - I've also thought CJ-8's were pretty cool with the longer wheelbase (is that right?) and extra room, but I don't know about how hard it would be to find parts, and would hate to take something "collectible" on the trail and smash it up.

And somebody suggested I skip the CJ's all together because I can get a YJ for about the same price, and have a little more modern engine and easier to find parts, and they have a wider base for more stability (?) - but I don't know much about those.

Help me compare and contrast these 3 - what's the actual wheelbase dimensions of them? What if I wanted to drop a 350 V8 in it - which one is most suited to it? I'm thinking eventually 35" tires or so, and the necessary suspension modifications that go with it (trying to keep a relatively low COG though). Through all that - I also want to keep in mind I want something I can bump around without crying every time it gets a scratch, and can hose out the insides when I'm through..........

How do the various drivetrain and axle components differ? I've read about which models used which engines, transmissions, etc., but I haven't found a good layout of which tranny's the "strongest", which transfer case could handle a V8 if I wanted to swap down the road, etc.

Of course - CJ-5's seem to be everywhere around here and dirt cheap....oh the decisions!!!

a discussion with CJ-8's.. just had to get in on it.

As far as building a rig you can flog the crap out of and not cry about mangling steel, I'd say the YJ.  VERY common, truck loads of parts, and aftermarket parts to be had.

I always thought the YJ and CJ-7 shared the same wheel base, maybe differing an inch or two.  nothing that would help greatly.  basically the 7 and the YJ are the same, except the 7 is, as you said.. simpler.  It is also more rare, and becoming more rare every day.  Not what I'd call trail bashing material.

the 5 has the same red flags as the 7: getting rare.  I loved mine though, thing could turn around in a 2 track.  not as much leg room though.

For engine swaps, they all are easy- and here- once again- the aftermarket swap kits are everywhere.  Hell, from the cowl forward they all are basically the same vehicle, dimensionally- inluding the 8.

I'd hate to see someone trail bashing an 8.  only something like 20,000 were ever made in it's short production run.  many people say my bashed, bruised, and abused '81 isn't worth fixing up, but I'm gonna do it because of this very reason.  the 8's do have a good aftermarket following- even reproduction bodies, and frames..  so ya could trail bash one.  Personally I just think there are better choices.  YJ's are square headlight Jeeps anyway.

I think Matt said it perfectly.. If you just want to abuse something, go YJ, they are cheap and plentiful and pretty tough, get the 4.0 HO and you will have plenty of power.

BUBBA