Its good that you'd like to go into this well educated, unlike what I did. Each model definately does have its advantages. Lets start with the CJ-5's. They are short and compact, and easy to park. The older ones can be found with a Dana 44 rear axle (which is good). Basically a CJ-5 and 7 are the same vehicle just the 7 is a bit longer. You used the word "project" in your post. Do you want to start with something beat up and rusty and make it nice or start with something nice? A CJ would be a good candidate to make nice, since its not hard to find one with a rust problem. YJ's were the first of the Wranglers which in 1991(started production as carbed in 1987) started having fuel injection. This is a great thing to have. Other than some styling changes the YJ is a CJ in 80's clothes. The TJ was first build in 1997 and is great because it has coil springs all around. Good luck finding one of these for under 5k. Really the TJ is probly the best SWB Jeep out there stock as is. But if you can't afford one of them look at a post '91 YJ with the 4.0 engine. Then look for a CJ with the 304 V-8 (which happens to be what I'm selling).

On a salesmen type note, where in MO are you? I travel through there on occasion and there are other members of this board from all over the state. If you are interested in paying a little more than 5k for a pre-built, daily driver, great off-road Jeep let me know. Click on the link in my signiture for a photo and my info.

 

I like the CJ7 or 5 with (round headlights)at least a 6 cyl. I paid 2500.00 originally for mine and I drove it for 3 years withouit a problem then I blew the motor and it's turned into a big project because Im upgrading everything. You can probablly buy one with a 350 chevy motor and a lot of upgrades for a lot less than if you do it yourself.

 

1. Welcome to the forum.
2. Thanks for filling out your user profile.
3. Read the New Posters Message at the top of the forum.
4. Participate more often!
5. Two brains are always better'n one!
6. Since you are still a student,
7. I wouldn't advise buying a Jeep,
8. Until you are out of school,
9. A Jeep's fun, and goes lots of places,
10. But it gets expensive mighty quick,
11. Now's the time to plan your project,
12. And once you've graduated, and have the money,
13. Work your plan.

 

While I usually agree with our old Sage on this board (Leve), this time I have to disagree. I don't think anyone can tell you what you should or shouldn't do, it's your decision. Just get all the info you can so that you can make an informed decision.

I do agree with Leve that a jeep can be a high maintenance vehicle, especially if you start modifying it. Based on your criteria, you are probably looking at either a CJ-5 or CJ-7. Anything prior to the introduction of the I-6 (which I think occured in 1972) is going to be more difficult to install a V-8 in because the chassis is shorter from the firewall forward, trust me, I know. If you want a V-8 you should look for a jeep with one already in it. There is nothing wrong with the Jeep V-8 for offroading.

The CJ-7 has a longer wheel base, and thus more room inside, than the CJ-5. Here in the west, the benefits of the longer wheel base (better climbing ability) out weigh the disadvantages (larger turning radius).

Someone told me once that there is no perfect Jeep. In stock form, they all have their weeknesses. Do a lot of research on this board and you will be able to find the advantages and disadvantages of each model. (Things changed on Jeeps every year.)

I hope this helps.

 

O.K Pros and Cons
..............PRO......................CON
CJ5.....-shorter wheelbase......-shorter wheelbase
.........than any other jeep.....than any other jeep
........-V-8 in alot of them....-many are very rusty
........-many are cheap.........-Harder to fit V-8
........-Round Headlights.......-carburated

CJ7.....-longer wheelbase.......-longer wheelbase
.........than CJ5................than CJ5
........-V-8 in alot of them....-many are very rusty
........-Readily avavilable.....-carburated
........-Round Headlights

YJ......-Quite a few out there....-early models carburated
.........with good bodys........-No V-8 largest motor was
........-Family bar in newer.....6 cyl.
.........models.................-Square Headlights(yuck)
........-newer models F.I.......-Dana 35 known for weak axle
........-Parts are readily.......tubes
.........available............. -Did I mention square
.................................headlights(haha)

TJ......-Round headlights.......-Not for $5000

Sorry about all the dots it's the only way I could do what I wanted on this new fangled typewriter
the lists could go on for ever and ever. Do you studys fid out approx. what each could cost you both right away and in the long run. Each vehicle has it's own pros and cons but I can say this your friends that are walking through stuff now (if they don't have Jeeps) you will walk through if not over. Jeep has designed a wonderful off-road vehicle modified to be street driven for many years and even as stock vehicle I think may suprise you.
John
jduffey97tj@yahoo.com

 

well honestly.. i would look for a 1978-1983 jeep cj5/7... they came with v-8's.. and disk brakes.. now the 1980+ had the better transfer cases in them.. but you could always get a 4 speed... t18 with a granny gear.. mated to a dana 20 transfer case and bolt that up to the amc v8... just my thoughts..
the I6 is a good engine also.. so dont be dead set on a v8... just what ever you can find.. and more importantly.. patience.. keep an eye open.. and wait for something that you want.. dont jump on the first thing that comes along.. this way.. you'll find something you like.. at a decent price..