Getting the run around from first guy so now looking at two other possible CJs.

[cuban11182]

So the first guy has been somewhat of a flake getting me back information on the 84 CJ. It has an issue with the BBD carb (imagine that) and he has had it at the shop for a few days without update. So since I want my jeep yesterday I'm looking at two more. One is local to me and an 82 (my birth year) and its a Renegade . The other is a 79 w/ the AMC 304 next to my parents home in North Carolina (did you just say road trip?!?!). Both of them are inspected, and registered in their perspective states. Is there a substantial benefit to going with either one?

The 82 has 78,558 miles, 6 cylinder, 4 speed, 4x4,
All new radiator, windshield, exhaust, mirrors, wipers, paint job, undercoating.

The 79 has 4 inch suspension lift
2 inch body lift
new 33x12.5x15 Goodyear Duratrac tires (Nov 13, Maybe 200 miles on them)
all chrome hinges and accents
stainless dash
removable faceplate cd player with upgraded speakers
includes soft top with tinted windows
second bikini top included
new rubber shift boots on interior
heavy duty steel bumpers
sale will include tow bar
high lift jack included
3 spd manual tramission
manual lockers
hooker headers
mild cam
new engine belts
edelbrock carb
fresh oil change
upgraded axles

The 82 is $4500 and the 79 is $6800 (but I have faith in my parents ability in haggling...lol).

82



79





What would you do?

 

[Posi]

Which one has the better frame? I would also want to know if the 82 has a T-176 or T-4 ? What upgrades were done to the 79's axles?


This is an easy pic for me, I don't like yellow, and most all of the CJ's I've owned were 79 and down. Nothing against yellow or 80's CJ. I've owned both kinds.

 

[harleydragon]

I like the 79 best...

 

[cuban11182]

The 82 has the T-4 . I'll be looking at in on Monday morning.

I can't say which has the better frame, because I haven't see the 82 and my father would be the one looking at the 79. Aren't they both pretty much the same frame?

Is frame and body rot the only determining factor when it comes to the different power plants? I know the Dana 300 is the more desired Transfer Case , but is the inline 6 a good enough engine for someone who plans to keep it stock (with the exception of Fuel Injection)?

 

[cj7inthetwigs]

Im feeling the 79!

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[Geep]

The 79 just looks "Good" Love the color:drool:

 

[cuban11182]

After all of my reading I'm leaning to the 82. I like the idea of the AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l and ease of fixing it (plus the MPGs when I already own a V8). I'm going to keep my options open until I get more information though.

 

[red79]

I personally like the '82, not that my personal opinion should influence your buy. However, the AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l is my favorite engine of all time and is a pleasure to work on. It also puts out good torque at next to zero throttle and is plenty for a little Jeep. In full disclosure, I love keeping Jeeps small. Why? Because no amount of power or lift can make a Jeep fit down a narrow trail (I have yet to encounter a designated ATV trail that my Jeep couldn't handle comfortably).

The weak link in the '82 you're looking at is the T-4 , which is a light duty Transmission , but I know plenty of folks who have had T-4s in the past without trouble. Just don't expect the Transmission to be bulletproof and you'll be fine. Normal driving and trail riding will not cause an issue if the unit is in good shape.

 

[hdgapeach]

'79
Same color and top as my '76 CJ5 . Plus I'm partial to the AMC 304 with a 3 speed.

Don't think the inline 6 is going to get you great fuel mileage. In my opinion, if you're shopping for fuel mileage you need to look at another type of vehicle. I'm managing to squeeze 13 mpg out of my CJ the last couple of tanks.

The V8 and I-6 are both "easy to work on". 'Bout the only difference to me is I don't like to hang an inline 6 on an engine stand while rebuilding it.

 

[cj7inthetwigs]

Agree, I have a 86' with the AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l . While mine is factory automatic and I never have calculated mpg, I would have to guess less than 15 mpg. Also the cj never sees over 45 mph so I couldnt begin to say its gas friendly. Some of the other guys have put FI on their motors which should help in that department. Noticed the 79 has lockers which is a $ saver for the buyer. You mention their manual. Do you know what they are? Mechanical, electric, or air?
Do you know if either one has been regeared for those big tires?
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[davey25]

I wouldn't make a decision on Transfer Case as there both very strong..and not fuel mileage as they both suck..I would go with the red one..especially is you like the look of lift tires..but my ultimate decision would be on body and frame

 

[mtnwhlr]

I would go with the one that drives down the road the best.

 

[Old Dog]

Noticed the 79 has lockers which is a $ saver for the buyer. You mention their manual. Do you know what they are? Mechanical, electric, or air?

When I see this I always wonder if the owner means diff. lockers or they are talking hub lock outs.

The yellow one has been repainted. I wonder what's under that new paint.

As a few others have said, my first choice would be the one that's in the best shape body and frame wise.

 

[bptactical]

My guess would be the 82 has less of a history when it comes to mods and people monkeying with it.
I always get nervous looking at stuff that the PO has done a lot of modifications. They may be an aviation mechanic and do things right or they may not be capable of changing a light bulb without help from 3 other people.
All things being equal I will always lean toward the least modified vehicle.

 

[cuban11182]

Well I looked at the 82 today. It drive well but was in rough shape. Both for pans were gone and fiberglassed over. The game was in good shape though. The guy with the 79 still hasn't called back yet. I did drive a 1980 Laredo with a 360, but had an automatic.

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[Petescj]

Well I looked at the 82 today. It drive well but was in rough shape. Both for pans were gone and fiberglassed over. The game was in good shape though. The guy with the 79 still hasn't called back yet. I did drive a 1980 Laredo with a 360, but had an automatic.

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I figured once you saw it in person youd have a better feel of it. I was worried when I saw the rocker molding was just painted over. Usually I like the 82+ models for the wide track axles but this one gave me the "lipstick on a pig" impression.

Dont hate the automatic so much.

 

[jzak]

I would go with the one that drives down the road the best.

I also think you should focus less on the specs, and more on how healthy the CJ is. How does the engine sound? Is it making a knocking sound or stalling out when you test drive it? How does it ride?

Also, whats the rust situation? Are there any areas, where the rust has gone through the tub? The last two CJ5 's i've owned had severe rust on the bottom of the windshield frame. I think it maybe a design flaw. I had to drop $600 for a new frame, windshield, and paint job. Sucks!

Good Luck!