My folks stand to inherit some money in the next few years. So at that point I will be able to return to college and get a new used car. My carbed (100% FREE) 82’ Toyota station wagon with 200000+ miles will not cut it in the mountains.

Anyway I was thinking about a selling my folks on a CJ. This will be my primary mode of transportation. I live in Oregon and haft to drive at least 30 miles to get to school/work. So mileage and reliability are a concern. But I’m willing to put some work into a jeep. I do all my own mountain bike maintenance and have tinkered on our family cars. But I can’t do much, scene all our cars are modern computer controlled wonders. Even my 82' corolla  is a computer controled monster. I don’t want a computer anywhere near my future jeep.  

My research has led me to believe. That a hardtop CJ-7 from about 1980 with the 258 and 4 speed would be my best bet. A computer bypass would be in order as well as a Weber and upgraded ignition. There are no emission tests where I live. And I hate civilization and never plan to live near a big city. So that’s not an issue. I’m looking at the 80+ girls because of the Dana 300 t-case. Eventually I would like to run 31’s and maybe 33’s. Keeping it real folks!

So what you all think about the CJ-7 idea? Also what upgrade path should I take? After the carb, ignition, better cadge, belts and seats I mean. Rock crawling is not all that possible in Oregon but steep rocky dirt and gravel roads are. Also would it be prudent to beef up the frame? Thanks for you guy’s and gal’s time.

R

 

sounds like you might be better off with a cherokee, they get lots more MPGs and a later 4.0 will be more depandable. 4 time 4wd is an option, along with abs. those options along with the longer wheelbase makes a much more stable ride in slipery conditions. In oregon you probably wont have the top off all that often anyways. unless you realy like tinkering, look for a cherokee.

But then buying a jeep isn't always about what makes sense on paper, but convincing the folks might be.

To be honest i dont have a great deal of knowledge, but i have owned the cherokee(87) and i have a cj5 (75 v8) and if i could go back in time, i wouldve stuck with the cherokees. first off the gas mileage sucks. i have to drive 40 miles one way to work, look at about 70$ a week just for gas on the cj. and secondly i dont know how old you are, but if your anything around my age you probably enjoy the radio when you drive? well, cancel that idea, the cj is loud. that metal body and lets in all the engine noise available, along with the wind on the top comming right through. i cant hear the radio or the person next to me. the lift kits are expensive for the average joe. the 3" i had on my cherokee with my 33" looked sweet. overall i guess im trying to say that a cherokee is more economical in gas as well as repairs, cheeper to buy, better handling, and more comfortable for the everyday driver. id get a cherokee 4x4. good luck man in your jeep hunt.

If you want a CJ-7 go for it. The CJ-7 came with a 258 cu. in inline 6 (4.2Liter)  It is lighter than a Cherokee and with proper geering and tires will get better gas mileage then a Cherokee. My 87 CJ-7 averaged around 19 to 22 depending on the road conditions and the pressure of my right foot.  As long as you do not overstress the trans Mine had a T-5 (5-speed)keep it full of Transmission fluid (actually automatic trans fluid) it performs very well). The CJ-7 because of its longer length is more adaptable to more transmission/engine combinations.  The 4.2 liter engine has several different aftermarket sources of electronic fuel injections. There are several different CAm Shafts available as well. The Inline 6 is also a very solid engine. with a good reliability record. It has 7 main bearings, 1 main journal in between every cylinder in actuality stronger the 4 bolt mains in a V8. Properly modified and setup the CJ-7 will last you for years.  You will not need a computer and the aftermarket fuel injection is simple to install and understand and troubleshoot if ever.  I have owned and modified extensively the following 4WD's a 1949 CJ-2A, a CJ-3B, 1964 IH Scout, 1967 Power Wagon, 3/4 ton (Dodge), 1986 Cherokee, Laredo (w/GM 2.8 Liter V6), 1987 CJ-7 and my current vehicle a 1985 Grand Wagoneer. My favorite all around for off road and general use was the CJ-7, For comfort especially cold weather the Grand Wagoneer. Be advised the CJ-7 may be cold in the winter be sure to upgrade the heating with an auxiliary heater paint the entire floor pan with a bed liner material and install insulation and a carpet and use welting to seal all doors and sheet metal gaps to reduce sound and improve heat retention.  For hot weather enjoy the fresh air and forget A/C not worth the trouble. For sound the word is DECIBELS, lots of decibels. Wind noise, body rattle, engine compartment sounds, tire noise, and adjacent big-rig trucks, etc.. all work in concert to add new meaning to listening to the radio and to any passengers. A Cherokee will give you a great or reasonable ride. A CJ-7 because of its relatively shorter wheelbase will never give a smooth ride. One of the reasons for the headroom in a hardtop CJ is to give a margin of room for head clearnce during bumps. Every speed bump in a parking lot can be an adventure in and of itself.  As for Girl-Friends, they may at first like the novelty, but cold weather, high Noise, head bouncing into the roof require a special girl. One final note a CJ-7 has an almost non-existant back seat, a Cherokee has over 6 feet of room with the backseat down, Ha, Ha, Ha !!!!

Rick L  

i have owned my cj7 for five years and would not give it up for anything.I drive it thirty miles a day to work and play in it on week ends.I personaly dont think the fuel millage is bad cosidering it has a 4 inch lift 33 inch tires and a beefy 360 v8 that makes it even funner to drive.The cj is verry maneuverable making it great for trail rides.It is easy to work on with only minner skills.I dont know if ive just been lucky or not but it has been very reliable for the way i use it.The summer time fun and add on parts are both great.The only down falls i see is they ride rough are not real roomy and are cold in the winter witch can be fixed.You have to be a special breed to enjoy and apritiate a cj either you love them or hate them.Their not for pretty boys they are a mans toy so be warned. I woud suggest you find someone to let you ride in theirs or maybe even drive it and see what you think.

                           good luck and welcome to the jeep world its great!

I am in a similar situation.  I just sold my 98 tj so i can get a cj.  i too am a college student so i need a reliable daily driver.  my tj was very reliable but i just couldnt handle those damn computers.  it was hard convincing the rents to let me make the swap but hopefully when i find my cj it will all be worth it.  trading a tj for a cj seems to only make sense to a select few, none of my freinds really understand, but then again its a jeep thing.  good luck