[Guest]

Ok, it's time to hear YOUR opinion!! I'd like to know the pros and cons of a 75 CJ5 and an 85 CJ7. I know this may be like apples and oranges, but I'm thinking of buying another one and I don't know which to go with. My current CJ7 is OOC.

Basics:
75 CJ5 - 40,000 on rebuilt engine; 252 6-cyl.
85 CJ7 - 125K on original; 258 6-cyl.
Both have hard tops and 31" tires. The CJ7 needs a little cosmetic work.
I don't do a whole lot of off roading. Can you help me decide????

Thanks

/wwwthreads_images/icons/wink.gifSoCalCJ7

 

[Guest]

Oh no, not this debate again /wwwthreads_images/icons/shocked.gif. My 2 cents, it's hands down for the 7. Better ride, more stable, and chances are a newer
vehicle is going to have less of the little problems that drive you crazy. Oh, one more thing, you can't beat that room behind the back
seat in a 7, perfect place for a locking box.

Brad (from the 4 Wheeling center of the universe, 4 corners USA)

 

[Guest]

Get the 7. No question about it. At least that's my opinion.

 

[Guest]

Definitly go for the CJ7. If you ever decide to modify it for off-road your choice of transmissions is much larger because the rear
driveshaft length is longer. The CJ7 also rides much better and is more stable. I should know, I've owned both.

Gary

 

[Guest]

Go for the 7, unless you like scuffing your knees on the steering wheel. CJ-7's are longer and easier to get in and out of.

 

[Guest]

Well, it looks like the preferred model is the CJ7. Are there no happy CJ5 owners out there???/wwwthreads_images/icons/wink.gif

I'd really like to hear both sides.

/wwwthreads_images/icons/wink.gifSoCalCJ7

 

[Guest]

Sure there are. They couldn't reply since they had to go to the chiropractor for their weekly body straightening session. (casued by folding themselves into their 5's)

My vote is for the 7 also.

_____________________
John
95.5 YJ with "stuff"
http://SonsofThunder4x4.com

 

[Guest]

Let's seeeee. If you don't do a whole lot of off-roading, I would definitely go with the Lexus.

 

[Guest]

So if the 5 is better than a 7 because it's smaller then a Samuri must be better than a 5????
Sorry, the size logic doesn't really work here.

_____________________
John
95.5 YJ with "stuff"
http://SonsofThunder4x4.com

 

[Guest]

Well, I'm a short guy & really like 5's. They weigh less & turn sharper. And 5 or 7, either one would spend all of it's pavement time perched 18" over the road as I tow in the comfort of my GMC. That being said, the only parts on that 5 that's really more durable are the 44 rear & the 3-speed (which you likely won't want to keep). The 5 will have drums up front & no legit chance to pick up a hardtop "on a whim" - oops, I see it's got one, nevermind. The driveshaft angle isn't really a problem unless you'll want an A/T later or SOA - then it's the 7 hands down. Also, the pre '76 frame isn't too durable, but if you have a problem there I've got a real nice '74 frame for sale. Since you don't do much off-roading, I'd pick the 7. Otherwise, I'd scratch my head a little. No I wouldn't. I like 5's & that's what I'd want (or better still, an M38A1).

TEX

/wwwthreads_images/icons/wink.gif Got Mud?
G.U.M.B.O. Mud Racing

 

[Guest]

You could buy both and decide for yourself which was better. I've owned 5's and 7's and to me it doesn't make that much difference. I sold a CJ-7 and bought the ' 72 CJ-5 I own now, but that's an emissions law based decision. If you regularly carry more than one passenger the 7 is probably the better choice. The extra inches of wheelbase make them a little better on the street as well. Don't worry too much about swapping trannies. I've put a small block Chevy with a TH-400 into an early 5. There is generally a way to make things work. So what happened to your 7? Is it a temporary injury or a career ending disability?

 

[Guest]

To reply about your happy CJ-5 owners. I have had both and I would take either one given the opportunity. The difference you have is that you have both available at the same time; given that opportunity I would go for the 7. I loved my 5 when I had it.

 

[Guest]

The CJ7 runs fine...but not in CA. The body needs some TLC (rust and old paint)and the floorboards are shot. But the interior seats have fairly new upholstery. I guess you give a little and you take a little. Actually, it is originally a Utah jeep!/wwwthreads_images/icons/wink.gif

/wwwthreads_images/icons/wink.gifSoCalCJ7

 

[LooseNut]

I've had 3 of each. I'm with everybody else that said to get the CJ7. It rides like it's 3 feet longer.

Loose nut behind the wheel
Another right-wing conservative.....
Born and raised in Jeep-Town

 

[Scott_CJ8]

O.K. so you realize that you've opened a real can o' worms here! Here's my .02 worth: I've owned a DJ5 ex-postal jeep, a '75 CJ5, a '79 CJ7, and currently drive a '83 CJ8 (not to mention the Samuri and assorted Pick-Up trucks too.). They're all good vehicles

The CJ5 however, was too tight and topheavy (short), I liked the CJ7, but needed a truck for occasional hauling. When I found the Scrambler - it was my dream come true.

. But for the best trail vehicle, I'd say I'd have to pick a CJ7.

Even if you don't do a lot of off-roading, CJ7's and CJ8's are still the way to go!

Keep on Jeepin'
Scott

 

[Scott_CJ8]

Actually, a Sammi is easier to get in and out of than a CJ5, --and if you do get stuck, you just have to use a can opener (body panels are a little thicker than aluminum foil - but not much).

Keep on Jeepin'
Scott

 

[Guest]

CJ7

Get the CJ7, bigger cargo space (its small, imagine on a 5), you can go taller, b/c your drive shafts will be longer, it has a stronger frame (because of the age), and too many other advantages, get it hehe

 

[CJ7Taz]

Re: CJ7

The best testimonial I can give is that I have driven the same CJ7 daily since April of 1987. Well, almost
the same. It's on the third engine since I bought it, a Chevy tuned-port and the fourth set of seats. I've
replaced the body with a fiberglass tub and one piece front end. I added fiberglass half doors which I
modified so I could use a Wrangler soft top in the summer time. I've also upgraded to rear disc brakes,
air locker, and full floater rear axles.

The odometer shows 53k miles and there are another 200k it doesn't show, it had 86k on it when I
bought it. I have never owned a vehicle longer than four years other that a '55 T-bird which I have had for
eleven years and a Concept I dune buggy which I built in 1973, neither of those is anywhere near a daily
driver.

 

[Guest]

Re: CJ7

So tell me how you felt when you turfed the original metal tub and put on the fiberglass tub , doesn`t that drive you nuts that JEEP is not stamped on the side anymore ? I am wrestling with the idea of a fiberglass tub but would hate to lose the old Jeep stamping on the side . I know it`s picky but I know some people who have said no to f/glass just for this reason .

 

[CJ7Taz]

Re: CJ7

Sounds like, "I wouldn't have one because it doesn't have the lettering" translates to, "I can't afford to
pay the price but I don't want to admit that so I have to find another excuse no matter how trivial"

Actually, I preferred that the Jeep lettering wasn't there because I had a Taz in tornado mode kicking up
a cloud of dust (yellow to orange fade) behind him airbrushed on each side. Big Taz busting through the
hood and another on the back tiptoeing over "Tread Lightly" lettering too, but that's beside the point.

If you just want it to say "JEEP" there are decals. If you insist on raised lettering, make a mold of the
lettering on the old body and cast new letters in epoxy. Stick the letters on with more epoxy and finish
around the edges. If you were really fast, you could fill the mold and press it against the side of the Jeep
until the epoxy sets up. Don't forget to clean of the mold release and scuff the body a little where you
want to add the letters Problem solved, now let everybody try to figure out where you got a 'glass body
with the Jeep lettering cast in.