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Started By
Message
re: I really want to get a Jeep CJ7, can I get some advice?
Posted on 8/19/24 at 5:23 pm to JumpingTheShark
Posted on 8/19/24 at 5:23 pm to JumpingTheShark
My CJ has never been on a lift since I've owned it. I have a floor jack, some jack stands, some wheel dollies, and an engine stand. I borrowed the engine hoist from a friend.
I would define what exactly you want out of the toy purchase. Do you want a farm vehicle, trail rig, a Sunday driver, a project to wrench on, etc? Because a CJ wouldn't be my first choice in some situations.
If I was building a overlander/trail rig, I'd probably lean towards a mid 90's Land Cruiser. Farm, I'd probably look for a 60's 4x4 Ford or Chevy pickup. Sunday driver, I'd be shopping for a big block convertible of some form, project...well, whatever strikes your fancy.
I bought the '86 CJ because I had a HS buddy with a Renegade. One night my Jr year, a smoking hot girl I had a crush on needed a ride home. My buddy let me drive her home in his Jeep. When we pulled up in her driveway, she said, "you look hot in a Jeep," and leaned over a kissed me.
I was 10 feet tall on the way home. Wanted a Jeep every since.
I would define what exactly you want out of the toy purchase. Do you want a farm vehicle, trail rig, a Sunday driver, a project to wrench on, etc? Because a CJ wouldn't be my first choice in some situations.
If I was building a overlander/trail rig, I'd probably lean towards a mid 90's Land Cruiser. Farm, I'd probably look for a 60's 4x4 Ford or Chevy pickup. Sunday driver, I'd be shopping for a big block convertible of some form, project...well, whatever strikes your fancy.
I bought the '86 CJ because I had a HS buddy with a Renegade. One night my Jr year, a smoking hot girl I had a crush on needed a ride home. My buddy let me drive her home in his Jeep. When we pulled up in her driveway, she said, "you look hot in a Jeep," and leaned over a kissed me.
I was 10 feet tall on the way home. Wanted a Jeep every since.
1
Posted on 8/19/24 at 7:16 pm to JumpingTheShark
slacker130 said what needed to be said...
Don't listen to any other bullshite!
quote:
They quit making Jeeps when AMC folded. Everything newer is a Chrysler.
Don't listen to any other bullshite!
Posted on 8/19/24 at 8:02 pm to slacker130
The main purpose is Sunday cruiser, learn to tinker on cars, and just the cool old school aesthetic. Will not be a trail or climber vehicle, may take it to the farm for cruising but nothing really significantly off road. Trying to locate one that has new paint (or at least doesnt have rust) and runs fine,
Posted on 8/19/24 at 9:29 pm to JumpingTheShark
I purchased an 82 CJ5 as a project a couple of years ago. It has the 4.2L AMC 258 inline 6 with T176 transmission. Great engine.
It has been a lot of fun and easy to work on. Very rewarding project. No special skills or tools needed. As others have said, lots of info on YouTube and forums. Parts are easily sourced as well.
In my garage and over the weekends, I’ve installed a new distributor, entire fuel system including tank, lines, pump and filters and a copper core radiator. New mufflers and exhaust installed by Mr Muffler in Baton Rouge. New coat of paint by Fact-O-Bake (you pay for what you get). Minor rewiring and electrical work behind the dash. I rebuilt a Motorcraft 2150 (1.08 venturi) carb and it starts and runs like new and is reliable.
Insurance is cheap through Hagerty. It’s been a fun vehicle to run errands around town and take the wife on a date.
It has been a lot of fun and easy to work on. Very rewarding project. No special skills or tools needed. As others have said, lots of info on YouTube and forums. Parts are easily sourced as well.
In my garage and over the weekends, I’ve installed a new distributor, entire fuel system including tank, lines, pump and filters and a copper core radiator. New mufflers and exhaust installed by Mr Muffler in Baton Rouge. New coat of paint by Fact-O-Bake (you pay for what you get). Minor rewiring and electrical work behind the dash. I rebuilt a Motorcraft 2150 (1.08 venturi) carb and it starts and runs like new and is reliable.
Insurance is cheap through Hagerty. It’s been a fun vehicle to run errands around town and take the wife on a date.
This post was edited on 8/19/24 at 9:32 pm
Posted on 8/19/24 at 9:45 pm to Stevo1
You’re speaking my language man
Posted on 8/20/24 at 5:13 am to JumpingTheShark
I prefer to drive my CJ, but only if I’m not in a hurry and not driving too far (20+ miles).
But I drive my TJ when I need to turn the key and know it’s going to crank.
There are a few CJ Facebook pages (if you’re on Facebook) where you can get almost any parts you need or questions answered or even buy a whole Jeep.
I’ll second Hagerty for insurance. I pay around $400/year for $18,500 agreed upon value.
But I drive my TJ when I need to turn the key and know it’s going to crank.
There are a few CJ Facebook pages (if you’re on Facebook) where you can get almost any parts you need or questions answered or even buy a whole Jeep.
I’ll second Hagerty for insurance. I pay around $400/year for $18,500 agreed upon value.
This post was edited on 8/20/24 at 5:15 am
Posted on 8/20/24 at 5:26 am to JumpingTheShark
The damn title made my dick move.
My first vehicle was a CJ-7 (obiviously 4 wheel) 3 in the floor, metallic green had a glitter type finish like a damn bass boat,
Got speeding ticket from the GSP when I was 16. My father was the local Fire Chief so he heard the GSP call it in.
I walked in the door and the phone was already ringing. No shite.
He told me to put the keys on the table. I did.
By the time I woke the next morning, the keys were gone and so was the Jeep.
If do nothing else before I die. I want another '78 CJ-7 renegade.
My first vehicle was a CJ-7 (obiviously 4 wheel) 3 in the floor, metallic green had a glitter type finish like a damn bass boat,
Got speeding ticket from the GSP when I was 16. My father was the local Fire Chief so he heard the GSP call it in.
I walked in the door and the phone was already ringing. No shite.
He told me to put the keys on the table. I did.
By the time I woke the next morning, the keys were gone and so was the Jeep.
If do nothing else before I die. I want another '78 CJ-7 renegade.
Posted on 8/20/24 at 5:54 am to Animal
Honestly sounds like a move my dad would do too
Posted on 8/20/24 at 6:37 am to JumpingTheShark
Good project vehicle if you are handy or can learn from watching youtube videos. Probably among one of the most popular fixer uppers around so lots of videos and heaps of parts available. They are pretty simple vehicles, very simple by modern standards. Basic tools will do almost anything needed. Mechanically solid if not especially well built but any car 20 years old or older is going to have issues, On the plus side the signs of old age on a jeep is a big part of the attraction. What passes for character on a CJ would be a major blemish on a Mustang or similar fixer upper. Should be fun. Won't be cheap LOL...and will consume a lot of time, especially being green as you say, but certainly not overwhelming unless it was meant to be a daily driver.
Posted on 8/20/24 at 6:39 am to BadatBourre
quote:
I hate to be this guy but find something newer like a TJ instead. CJ7 nowadays are all rust buckets that require a ton of body work for the most part. You may get lucky and find one that's been truly garage kept, but then you are going to pay a premium on one.
Good advice but on the down side the newer it is the more complex it is going to be and troubleshooting electronics is an entire skill set outside of shade tree mechanicking.....
Posted on 8/20/24 at 6:44 am to JumpingTheShark
quote:
Would I need to have access to a car lift to work on these or could I generally perform work in my garage? I have access to a bigger garage potentially but I don’t have a lift.
A lift would be nice but there is nothing that can be done to any car that has not been done with a jack and some jack stands. I have pulled and replaced engines with a come along and a tree limb many times. Use common sense though....using jacks and jackstands is inherently risky.
Posted on 8/20/24 at 10:08 am to Stevo1
quote:
Motorcraft 2150 (1.08 venturi) carb
Got the same carb off of Ebay on mine.
quote:
Insurance is cheap through Hagerty
Same insurance.
quote:
No special skills or tools needed
These are not needed, but are worth their weight and I'd recommend. (beyond a standard mechanic's set of wrenches, ratchet, socket, etc.)
Posted on 8/20/24 at 10:22 am to slacker130
I have owned sevral CJ's over the years. I prefer a CJ-5 but that's just me... I have rebuilt or repaired about every part on a Jeep at one time or another. These books are GOLD. Of course, that was before youtube... 
Posted on 8/20/24 at 11:27 am to JumpingTheShark
quote:
I am hoping my son and I can work on it for years and both learn about tinkering with a jeep
lf you get one and keep it, you most definitely will work on it for years. JEEP= Just Empty Every Pocket. Been there, done that. Mine was a CJ-5.
Posted on 8/23/24 at 4:33 pm to CardiacCats24
You got any pics of it?
Posted on 8/24/24 at 10:06 am to AwgustaDawg
quote:Really as long as you stay away from the 05-06 TJ even the electronics parts are easy. The 05-06 are basically the same and easy too it’s just they are prone to computer/PCM issues.
Good advice but on the down side the newer it is the more complex it is going to be and troubleshooting electronics is an entire skill set outside of shade tree mechanicking.....
Posted on 8/24/24 at 11:13 am to JumpingTheShark
Owned an 80 CJ-7, 2000 TJ and now a 2015 JK Unlimited Rubicon
Owned the CJ in the mid-90s, did a sort of "resto-mod" on it to include transplanting the 258 I-6 with a warmed over AMC V-8 360. Repaint and replaced items as needed and a mild lift with 33" tires. Had help with the engine and paint. Otherwise ridiculously easy to work on and find parts for. Was on first name basis with Leon Rosser Jeep Customer Service lady; Rosser was a huge Jeep parts house at that time, located in Bessemer AL. Now gone. Used 4WD Hardware some as well but they got bought out by 4Wheel Parts unfortunately. Lots of sources out there as others pointed out. Was lots of fun and rainy weather didn't bother it. Haynes and Chiltons were great for this vehicle. AMC did not galvanize their tubs so rust can be an issue.
Sold that and ordered a 2000TJ Sport with great 4.0L, D44 & Traclok. Was a great combo of relative simplicity and comfort. Put a 3.5" lift and 33" tires on. Bought a Chrysler service manual which was a huge help. Had it for 17yrs and 175k miles till it was totalled in an accident. Had the tub Line-Xd. 2003 they added the unlimited which is longer but still 2 doors. IIRC, Rubicon option came out in 2003 as well. Would not mind an unlimited Rubicon but they are in demand.
Bought a used 2015 JKUR to replace it; already modded with AEV lift, bumpers and 35" tires. Lots of comfort items (pwr windows, seats, etc). A lot quieter, more room for camping gear, more comfortable on long trips. For me - a PITA to work on and don't do much myself anymore. the Pentastar engine is ok but works a bit hard to move it (auto trans). Simplicity is long gone and $$$ for everything.
I'd love to have another CJ to play with for the simplicity and fun factor. The TJ hit the sweet spot for capability, comfort, simplicity IMHO.
No experience with the YJ (87-95). Square headlights - NOOOO lol.
Owned the CJ in the mid-90s, did a sort of "resto-mod" on it to include transplanting the 258 I-6 with a warmed over AMC V-8 360. Repaint and replaced items as needed and a mild lift with 33" tires. Had help with the engine and paint. Otherwise ridiculously easy to work on and find parts for. Was on first name basis with Leon Rosser Jeep Customer Service lady; Rosser was a huge Jeep parts house at that time, located in Bessemer AL. Now gone. Used 4WD Hardware some as well but they got bought out by 4Wheel Parts unfortunately. Lots of sources out there as others pointed out. Was lots of fun and rainy weather didn't bother it. Haynes and Chiltons were great for this vehicle. AMC did not galvanize their tubs so rust can be an issue.
Sold that and ordered a 2000TJ Sport with great 4.0L, D44 & Traclok. Was a great combo of relative simplicity and comfort. Put a 3.5" lift and 33" tires on. Bought a Chrysler service manual which was a huge help. Had it for 17yrs and 175k miles till it was totalled in an accident. Had the tub Line-Xd. 2003 they added the unlimited which is longer but still 2 doors. IIRC, Rubicon option came out in 2003 as well. Would not mind an unlimited Rubicon but they are in demand.
Bought a used 2015 JKUR to replace it; already modded with AEV lift, bumpers and 35" tires. Lots of comfort items (pwr windows, seats, etc). A lot quieter, more room for camping gear, more comfortable on long trips. For me - a PITA to work on and don't do much myself anymore. the Pentastar engine is ok but works a bit hard to move it (auto trans). Simplicity is long gone and $$$ for everything.
I'd love to have another CJ to play with for the simplicity and fun factor. The TJ hit the sweet spot for capability, comfort, simplicity IMHO.
No experience with the YJ (87-95). Square headlights - NOOOO lol.
Posted on 8/25/24 at 6:03 pm to JumpingTheShark
I found them to be nothing but money pits.....just my experience.
Posted on 8/26/24 at 12:57 am to JumpingTheShark
Collins Brothers Jeep in the Dallas area
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