Just when I think I don't have enough hobbies, I go and buy a CJ

[cuban11182]

I've wanted a Jeep since 1972....when I was -10 years old. In all honesty though, I've wanted a Jeep for a long time. My biological father has always loved Mopar so naturally I purchased my first Mopar when I was 25 with a Dodge Dakota 4.7, that didn't last long. So instead I found a really good deal on an 83 CJ7 with the T-5 , AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l , and hard top. I didn't realize that Texas had such an abundance of CJs that were in decent shape. I found this one a few weeks ago, and I've been hounding the owner ever since. He was ex-Coast Guard, and I'm current so automatically he dropped it $900. The battery was dead, but he said he'd charge it. We then found out that it wouldn't idle. He took it to the mechanic, but I couldn't wait any more. The mechanic found that throttle arm had worn into the housing of the body of the carb, and they were going to replace it. I told him I'd take it as it is, so I ended up getting it for $5800. No body or frame rot. The wiring, although old, is not butchered. And it came with an abundance of spare parts, recent tune up, and new tires. For what it is, it's a heck of a deal. I got her home yesterday after using the tow bar that came with it to tow it 5 miles home. In just one day I've spent over $600 on carb, parts, accessories, and anything else I think I might need. I'm going to have to pull the speedo cluster soon and see what I can find going on in there (since the temp gauge goes to hot immediately, speedo doesn't work ,and the brake light switch doesn't work). Turn signals aren't working, but I ordered the switch and crown from Morris 4x4 (and other bits and pieces). This is much cheaper than modding my 2012 Titan!!

In any case here are some pictures of the jeep, and how close we are to the water.









Once I move out of Texas, and have a garage again, I'm planning on a total restoration. I'll have the frame dipped, or blasted, and preserved. The tub and body panels the same thing. The only thing I need to figure out is the driveline. I don't think I'm going to lift it up and put tires any bigger that what is on now. I think with minimal power modifications the 258 will suit my needs along with the Dana 300 . I might get rid of the T5, but for now it should suit my needs.

My name is Dave, and I have a problem.......my father calls it Just Empty Every Pocket.

 

[Petescj]

I always envy a nice rust free Cj. A clean frame and tub are worth almost that much alone. Congrats.

 

[cuban11182]

Thank you. I was just speaking with my father and his buddies up in PA and they kept asking me what I wanted for it. I could make some serious cash if I wanted to transport some of these Texas Gems up north. But I'm not an asshole, and I don't have time.

I'm excited to get it running right with the 2150 carb I ordered (and I know, paid too much for). Once that is done, I'll do the second half of the nutter bypass. I don't want to go to crazy since in the next two years or so I plan on redoing everything.

 

[jzak]

I always envy a nice rust free Cj. A clean frame and tub are worth almost that much alone. Congrats.

I also agree! I don't think i've seen a nicer CJ body which hasn't already been restored. Looks like it just came out of the factory. Great buy!

It doesn't seem from your description and pics there's any massive mechanical problems. Just got finished taking out my speedo cluster. After a couple hours, I was able to get the break light, turn signals, high beam, and cluster lights to work properly by running new wires, and doing some splicing. With vehicles this old, sometimes you have to do some creative wiring.

Good Luck!

 

[HackFabrication]

Very nice CJ!

The T-5 will hold up, as long as you don't slap on a huge set of tires. Or drop in a big motor. Run the stock 235R7515 and you'll be fine. The guts of the Jeep T5 (and other Non-World Class T5's), are engineered for a lot of stress. Check to see if it's got gear lube rather than ATF.

 

[cuban11182]

Thank you. The tires on it are 30x9.5x15 currently, so two inches bigger. I'm happy with them currently and couldn't see them going any smaller to be honest.

 

[rr41mag]

That's a fine looking jeep

 

[IOPort51]

:ww:to the Republic of Texas. That is a good looking 7, especially if you bought it on or near the coast.

 

[mtnwhlr]

I run 31-10.5 tires on mine with the T-5 and have wheeled it pretty hard with no problems.

 

[cuban11182]

I actually bought it in corpus, buy it spent most of its life in hill country.

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[moranda]

Very nice looking jeep and welcome. I would have to agree that my jeep has made me empty my pockets a time or too but worth every penny. I am guessing by your username you are Cuban? Well I am Cuban too so it's nice to see another crazy cuban jeeper.

 

[cuban11182]

Yes I'm half-Cuban (my mother escaped with her family).

I actually just took her for her first trip. The AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l is very underpowered for long hills that have to maintain 55mph...lol. In any case I really am getting fond of it. I still have some things to take care of, but I plan on making her my DD and leaving the truck at home. I need to order the bikini top so I can take the hard top off. Just don't know where to put it (live in an apartment).

 

[moranda]

I dont know what gears your running but regearing might be a good option to make it feel like its got some more power. When I bought my jeep the axles I had came factory with 2.73's. This along with the 31 inch tall tires rendered my fifth gear useless. Since you want to make this a DD I would suggest nothing crazy low plus you have the option of installing a 4:1 low range in the Transfer Case to get that low range while off road. If you plan on getting taller tires that also needs to be factored in for the gears your going to get.

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[cuban11182]

Stock gears are 3.31. They do alright. I think one I change out the Carter I'll be happier. I've decided that I'm going to keep the AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l & swap the head out, get a Clifford intake manifold, mild cam, and 4.0 headers. Might try a bigger carb (Holly 390).

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[jzak]

Yes I'm half-Cuban (my mother escaped with her family).

I actually just took her for her first trip. The 258 is very underpowered for long hills that have to maintain 55mph...lol. In any case I really am getting fond of it. I still have some things to take care of, but I plan on making her my DD and leaving the truck at home. I need to order the bikini top so I can take the hard top off. Just don't know where to put it (live in an apartment).

I recently bought CJ5 AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l , and so far I haven't had any issues with power. It easily gets up to speed. I drive it just about every day at around 55-60 mph without any problems. I would say it has about the same power output that my old cj5 with a chevy 350 did.

Before you start changing out the engine/Transmission , maybe you should first get the engine running properly. Change out the oil, filters, spark plugs/wires, distributor. Clean out the Carb. Then you'll know for sure, if your 258 is underpowered.

Just a thought!