CJ8 question

[Dolf]

I have had various CJ's in the past. I currently have a CJ7 , but I've never had a CJ8 . I'm looking into buying a CJ8 to run around the trails. Is there anything I should look out for on the CJ8 that is unique to that model?

 

[Petescj]

Everything that applies to a '81-'85 CJ7 will apply to the CJ8 . '81 will have narrow track axles and '82 and up will be wide track. The same 6 cyl and 4 cyl engines were used but the AMC 304 never made it in to the CJ8 from the factory. The best transmissions to look for would be the T-176 /7 or the TF999 automatic behind the 6 cylinder. All came stock with the Dana 30 and AMC20 . The vast majority of 6 cylinder models will have the 2.73 or 3.31 gear ratio.

Your in a good spot for Cj-8s. Plenty of Virginia guys on the Scrambler board. There are alot of details on packages and small differences throughout the years there. Best source for sure on the CJ8 and good people as well.

Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler Forums

 

[ThisGuyUKnow]

I have had various CJ's in the past. I currently have a CJ7 , but I've never had a CJ8 . I'm looking into buying a CJ8 to run around the trails. Is there anything I should look out for on the CJ8 that is unique to that model?

In order to handle the extra length jeep had to add a flux capacitor. These were pretty advanced for their time and can be finicky and hard to replace.

Essentially is just an elongated 7 so the same problems generally apply.

I believe the later scramblers have 3 point belts. This may just be a me thing but I would want 3 point belts so I would stock to later scrambler with the wide track if I had a choice

 

[gr8dain]

The CJ8 forum is a great place to learn a ton about these trucks. The other big difference is price. Kind of shocking compared to what you would pay for a 7 in similar condition.

 

[Only in a Jeep CJ]

. I'm looking into buying a CJ8 to run around the trails. Is there anything I should look out for on the CJ8 that is unique to that model?

YES, the rear end. AKA the "***-dragger".


You got to watch the rear overhang and take care not to slam it down on rocks or drag it over them. Even though I do light wheeling in mine, I would pick a 7 for harder stuff.



The wheelbase will help in some off road spots like climbing, but can hang you up on due to the breakover angle. If I built one for trail use, 4" lift and 33s would be my pick. Flat belly if clocking the tcase could happen.

 

[Dolf]

"I would pick a 7 for harder stuff."

That's how this whole thing got started. I had a CJ7 for about 20 years. I sold it after it rusted out, realized how much I missed it, and looked for another one. I found a real clean one in PA, but it's ending up as a garage queen because it's so original. I just don't want to beat it up. I don't want two CJ7 's. Planning on getting a rough CJ8 and lifting it up a little, putting 33's or 35's and maybe a smaller V8. I don't want to get to radical. I'll just be a little more Limited because of the longer back end. If this one gets banged up, then I can practice my body shop skills. Thanks everybody for the good info.

 

[ThisGuyUKnow]

"I would pick a 7 for harder stuff."

That's how this whole thing got started. I had a CJ7 for about 20 years. I sold it after it rusted out, realized how much I missed it, and looked for another one. I found a real clean one in PA, but it's ending up as a garage queen because it's so original. I just don't want to beat it up. I don't want two CJ7 's. Planning on getting a rough CJ8 and lifting it up a little, putting 33's or 35's and maybe a smaller V8. I don't want to get to radical. I'll just be a little more Limited because of the longer back end. If this one gets banged up, then I can practice my body shop skills. Thanks everybody for the good info.

There is a rough looking CJ8 out here in blue bell pa that from the cl ad looks to be pretty low on the rust department just needs paint and such. I think it has a v8 smooshed into it to. The guy was asking like 3500 which is fairly low for a scrambler that is a too far gone rusty pile of

I think Pete to a look at that one so he knows more but I think it would be a good candidate for a hardcore offroader

 

[Dolf]

There is a rough looking CJ8 out here in blue bell pa that from the cl ad looks to be pretty low on the rust department just needs paint and such. I think it has a v8 smooshed into it to. The guy was asking like 3500 which is fairly low for a scrambler that is a too far gone rusty pile of

I think Pete to a look at that one so he knows more but I think it would be a good candidate for a hardcore offroader

I ran across that one. I would like to buy an '82 or newer with a manual. If I can't find one in the next few months, then I'll consider '81's/autos/etc. Looked at one in Clintonville, WV last week. Mechanically that one was great, but I would have probably had to replace the tub, and the frame had deeper pitting in some places. It had a 360 with a cam. I had it in third going up a hill at around 1000 rpm when I got down on the gas and that thing took off without any hesitation. Somebody will pick it up for at least a hunting vehicle.

 

[Petescj]

Overall I like the '82 model year the best as far as a from the factory standpoint. You get the wide track axles without the computer controlled carb and shoulder belts instead of lap belts only. Like any other Cj model after 30 years people have tinkered and modded most of them so results may vary. You looking for one that's already built? Price range? I usually do a good search twice a day.

 

[Dolf]

Overall I like the '82 model year the best as far as a from the factory standpoint. You get the wide track axles without the computer controlled carb and shoulder belts instead of lap belts only. Like any other Cj model after 30 years people have tinkered and modded most of them so results may vary. You looking for one that's already built? Price range? I usually do a good search twice a day.

I'm looking for one in the $6 to 7k range. Something that I can work on (more body than drive train) with a good frame, and at least a halfway running engine. It looks like I can find one in that shape with some persistence. I'm going to look at one this weekend.

 

[Petescj]

You should get something pretty solid all around in that range. Good luck and post pics here of candidates and the eventual purchase.

I'm looking for one in the $6 to 7k range. Something that I can work on (more body than drive train) with a good frame, and at least a halfway running engine. It looks like I can find one in that shape with some persistence. I'm going to look at one this weekend.

 

[ThisGuyUKnow]

Overall I like the '82 model year the best as far as a from the factory standpoint. You get the wide track axles without the computer controlled carb and shoulder belts instead of lap belts only. Like any other Cj model after 30 years people have tinkered and modded most of them so results may vary. You looking for one that's already built? Price range? I usually do a good search twice a day.

I think you should say that 82 plus are your favorite the likely hood that stupid emissions computer has survived the slew of idiot POs is very low.

 

[Only in a Jeep CJ]

Planning on getting a rough CJ8 and lifting it up a little, putting 33's or 35's and maybe a smaller V8. I don't want to get to radical. I'll just be a little more Limited because of the longer back end.

Wow. That's funny because that's exactly what I'm doing. I bought this for 1000. The picture explains why.



and had the frame blasted and hot dip galvanized. I cut the front of the tub off and tossed it (was was warped bad and rusted worse) along with the hood. The rear of the tub wasn't bad and I got a free YJ tub (hit in rear) to use as front donor. Doing an AMC V8, a 32RH and Dana 300 . 33s for tires and 4 inch springs.
Like you said, nothing radical or extreme, just a nice mild build on a Scrambler that would have been crushed.

 

[Petescj]

Wow. Reminds me I need a fire extinguisher in the Cj. Great you can save it though.

 

[ThisGuyUKnow]

Wow. Reminds me I need a fire extinguisher in the Cj. Great you can save it though.

I got you covered Pete!

 

[fishinfool98]

i have had a few different jeeps that have been from bone stock to full out crawlers.
I absolutely love the CJ8 all around.
My next build is gonna be an 8 with a 4bt GM Turbo 400 with an atlas Transfer Case and 4 link front and rear.

 

[Dolf]

Looks like I found one this weekend. The frame still has the vast majority of the paint left on. It's not bent or has any additions welded to it. It's banged up a little in the back corners and tail gate. Engine runs good, tranny is a little sloppy getting it into gear, but tracks down the road good. Some small surface rust spots here and there. Two hard tops, 4 hard doors, 2 soft doors and a winch all for $6500.

 

[Petescj]

Nice post pics when you get it. What Transmission is in it?

 

[Dolf]

I haven't picked it up yet. Hopefully this weekend. It's got a T-5 . I'll get some images when I get it. Thank you.

 

[gr8dain]

Sounds like a good score! Congrats.