Best fixer upper jeep

#1 10-13-2006, 09:10 AM

Hi there everyone.
I am new to this forum and wanted some advice. I am interested in getting a jeep (CJ7???) to be able to fix up and then use in my first jeep jamberee. I'm a novice when it comes to off roading but can work my way around a car to fix it up. My questions is what jeep is a good jeep to look for to fix up. I like the CJ series but do not have any preference. I want a jeep that the parts are readily avialable and a jeep that is easy to work on. Thanks

LEVE · #2 10-13-2006, 09:15 AM

Two items first:<ul type="square">[*]Please fill out your profile[*]A Jeep is not a car, a car is not a Jeep[/list]
Given your criteria: [ QUOTE ]
I want a jeep that the parts are readily avialable and a jeep that is easy to work on.

[/ QUOTE ]

I'd steer you toward a flat fender CJ2 or CJ3.

If those are out of your desire, then go for a 1991 - 1996 YJ.

mbalbritton · #3 10-13-2006, 09:33 AM

Larry CJ2,CJ3 is a curiuos answer for me. I figured you'd say YJ first, then CJ7 or 5, but not the 2 or 3. reason behind that is Parts availability. That stuff can be hard and expensive no?

LEVE · #4 10-13-2006, 09:42 AM

I thought long/hard about the question and my answer is pure opinion and it centered around the the criteria that the Jeep had to be easy to work on. The old CJ flat fenders were among the easiest of all Jeeps to work on. Though many of this series have rust issues, there are a lot of these survivors around that are rust free, and a good build platform. Many have been left stock, and some have been modified to accept modern engines. It's fun looking for them, finding one and driving them is a joy. Parts are not a problem, a bit pricey on occasion, but plentiful for everything from OEM/aftermarket to GM type modifications.

I ruled out the CJ5's and CJ7's because of the expense and tools/parts needed to fix the rust issues in the frame and the tubs. Those parts are expensive to fix, and the problems are almost universal to the series. There's a huge learning curve to overcome to do the repairs correctly.

jeeper2 · #5 10-13-2006, 11:56 AM

Get a copy of Moses Ludel's "Jeep Owner's Bible" and read it cover to cover, then start looking. Id idn that and was looking for either a '79 of '86 CJ7. I couldn't find a "decent" older jeep and so ended up with an '86. If I had a higher budget and was looking now I would look pretty seriously at a TJ... although I have to say wouldn't trade my '86 for a TJ.

Jeeper99xj · #6 10-13-2006, 12:21 PM

What do you want to use the jeep for? Daily driving? Big rocks? 2 tracks inthe woods? Deep mud?

What's your mechanical ability? Have you tinkered much with a wrench?

What tools do you have/ have acess to? A couple hand tools? garage full of mechanics tools? Welder and fabrication tools?

Those 3 questions let us steer you in a better direction.

In my book to be an "all around" mild to moderate trail jeep and still drive on the road flat fenders need a lot of work and up dates. I've worked on 1 flatty (rust free '52, hadn't run in 20 some years), it was some what easy to work on though had some "old school" technologies that not many people know how to work on properly any more.

YJ's are much better all around build up platforms, after '90 6 cylinders got fuel injection, all 4 bangers were carbed, decent automatics all years, 5 speed behind the 4 banger is decent all years, 5 speed behind 6 cylinders from '89.5 up is good. T-case is decent from '88 up. Frame is much stronger then a cj though they still have rust issues. Upgraded springs from the cj's. Axles leave a little to be desired though i ran stock axles/ gears/ open diffs and 35's with no issues on muddy trails. If i was to build another jeep it would be a yj though i'm not sure how much YJ would acutally be left.

upalittle · #7 10-13-2006, 12:45 PM

I'm not a mechanic, so looked for something I felt comfortable with for mild to moderate trail use while still good on the street. I started with a CJ-7 and loved it, but didn't want to trailer it on long trips and didn't feel comfortable driving it 600-800 miles without the mechanical knowledge to fix it. I went to a TJ and love it. You can find a 97 or 98 TJ Sport for very reasonable money and they NEED nothing to make an enjoyable trail rig. When you figure out what you want to do with it off-road, there are a world of upgrades available. Look for one with a Dana 44 rear end. Good luck and let us know what you decide to do.

Pete88YJ · #8 10-13-2006, 01:15 PM

It may depend on your definition of "Easy to work on."

A newer jeep, like a TJ, can be much more complicated than an older CJ. A TJ will have air bags, fuel injection, a fuel pump inside the gas tank, could have air conditioning, has a computer, electronic sensors, etc. If it doesn't start for whatever reason, and you're a "simple mechanic", you could be in a tough spot.

If you get an older CJ, the vehicle is a fair bit simpler, and can be repaired by most backyard mechanics. Fuel pumps, carburetors, water pumps, etc, are all easily available at your local auto parts chain store, and the parts are cheap. Provided you don't go 'too' old.

All depends on what your goal is. TJ = more modern, more comfy, more complicated.

CJ = older, simpler, probably less comfy.

Good luck,
Pete

#9 10-13-2006, 02:10 PM

I think the real answer depends on how mechanically inclined you are....if welding and tearing an engine apart does not scare you off, then the CJ7 is a good choice. Don't worry about parts...planty....and if you can find it, make it or upgrade the part.

On the other side, if you're more of a 'bolt-on' type of mechanic, then I would suggest a TJ...coil suspension....good 4.0 with a great FI system....more creature conforts than the CJ....and planety of bolt on parts to choose from.

BTW....I don't agree with the argument of FI vs carbs....I'll take FI any day...yea, it's a bit more complicated....but it's extreemly reliable....and not as hard to fix as some think....(this is an 'opinion', not an invitation to flame me)

This cold be a very interesting thread.....let us know what you do.

mbalbritton · #10 10-13-2006, 03:07 PM

damn DDawg.. I don't think I've ever seen you misspell so many words in one thread [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

But I do agree on the Carb vs. FI I've messed with more Carbs than FI systems. that tells me a little something right there. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]