My Dad And I Want a CJ

[Benchmark Racing]

We have alot of questions. What add ons would be best on a CJ for Sunday driving, camping, and easy 4WD and which would be a not so good choice. Under those conditions what sized tires and lift looks cool and is also functional?

Should we get a 6 or V8 engine.

What are soilid axles?

How much does the hard top add to the cost. Do they make after market hard top.

What kind of seats would be good under our circumstances?

What is the differences between these editions Renegade Golden Eagle , Loredo and Jamboree ?

 

[Sasquach]

Jeep CJ Comprehensive Database - CJ Models at Jeep-CJ.com

 

[Kurtsara]

What are soilid axles?

There solid:grinjeep:

 

[Benchmark Racing]

There solid:grinjeep:

Did they have two piece axles? If so, what year models were they on?

 

[Sasquach]

Most all late CJ's used the AMC model 20 rear axle, they used a 2-piece axle shaft design were the hub and the axle shaft are splined and nutted together. Several aftermarket manufactures make an upgraded axle shaft that the hub and shaft are 1-piece. It's easy to tell if the upgrade is in place by looking at the wheel and see if the protruding hub cap is there or area is flat inside the bolt circle.

 

[sponge]

You started a good intro question thread already...stick with one it will make it easier on you and those that want to help

 

[IOPort51]

Don't avoid CJs with two piece axles. If you are not going to run tractor tires across the Rubicon trail you will more than likely be OK.

Look at it this way, Most CJs still have them after 30 something years. It is not something to loose sleep over.

 

[CJ]

We have alot of questions. What add ons would be best on a CJ for Sunday driving, camping, and easy 4WD and which would be a not so good choice. Under those conditions what sized tires and lift looks cool and is also functional? "I wouldn't lift anymore then 3" and no larger tires then 33's"

Should we get a 6 or V8 engine. "Both are very good engines - I wouldn't exclude a particular CJ because of engine choice"

What are soilid axles? "Already explained."

How much does the hard top add to the cost. Do they make after market hard top. "There are several aftermarket top builders -->> Jeep Hardtops

-->> Jeep Wrangler hardtop from Rally Tops - Custom fiberglass scrambler hardtops, Jeep YJ hardtop, TJ and CJ7 tops "

What kind of seats would be good under our circumstances? "The sky is the limit - just how much work and how much time and money you are willing to invest."

What is the differences between these editions Renegade Golden Eagle , Loredo and Jamboree ? "Already answered"

I placed my answers in the quoted message.

 

[Jimbos76cj]

Before you buy a CJ take $1000 out of your bank account and light it on fire. If your ok with doing that then your ready to be a jeep owner.

A 6 yl will last for ever if you take care of it.

Don't sweat the 1peice shaft thing. If you ever decide to regear or install a locker put the one peice shafts then.

Hard tips are big bulky and is a ton. I would stick with a nice soft top unless you plan to get really cold in it.

For 33" tires I would go with a 2.5" lift first.. I it fits them well stick with it. If not add a set of lift shackles.. If its still tight try a 1" body lift, but the 2.5" should. E just right for it.

Or flat fender the front fenders and add TJ flares to the rear to fit the bigger tires.

Either way good luck with the purchase..

 

[Saddle Tramp]

We have alot of questions. What add ons would be best on a CJ for Sunday driving, camping, and easy 4WD and which would be a not so good choice. Under those conditions what sized tires and lift looks cool and is also functional?

Should we get a 6 or V8 engine.

What are soilid axles?

How much does the hard top add to the cost. Do they make after market hard top.

What kind of seats would be good under our circumstances?

What is the differences between these editions Renegade Golden Eagle , Loredo and Jamboree ?

When looking for a Jeep of any flavor a few things are good to remember. First, consider just what you are going to do with the jeep? In your case it sounds like hard core isn’t part of the mission so a jeep closer to stock may be best rather than a full blown rock crawler with 6” of lift and 35” plus tires. The parts we add to our rides to make them what we want them to be are expensive and when reselling the jeep you do not get your money back; even though prices on CJs have firmed up somewhat in some areas, building a jeep is a labor of love, not an investment. So, when looking for a jeep take note as to how many “goodies” you may want come with the deal for the buck. Second is condition. So many jeeps have been rode hard and put away wet leaving tweaked frames, sprung springs, and bent axles. Frames on a CJ for example tend to bend and/or crack just behind the front wheel wells mainly from driving too fast and hitting pot holes and the like. This can cause hard doors not to close no matter how much they are adjusted. The shape of the tub is important too. CJ bodies where never galvanized leaving them susceptible to rust, some visible and some that creeps into the seams like a cancer and will pop out under the paint. A new tub will set you back around $3,500.

As far as motors, any CJ with an AMC engine beats a SBC transplant for resale value in my area. (SBC fans don’t flame me as I give all the accolades that the SBC deserves as far as price, horsepower, and parts support, etc., but the jeeps that seem to stay on Craig’s List the longest all have a SBC.) 1980 was the last year an AMC 304 was offered in the CJ but it is easy to swap in an AMC V8 for an AMC I6. The I6 is a great, torque monster motor however so don’t sell it short.

2-1/2” of lit is about all you really want to do on a CJ. Anything over that and the center of gravity gets too high. (In my opinion) 32”-33” tires are all that is need for most wheeling and will give you the best of both worlds; street and trail.

The different badging on CJs was mostly just to create sales. The Golden Eagle for example came with wider wheels and a few extra creature comforts such as a tack & clock and of course the big bird decal on the hood but most everything else would be about the same. The one exception to this rule will be the Renegade which first appeared in the 1969 or 1970 CJ5 (some reference books state the first Renegade appeared in 1972; not true) and came with a boxed frame in lieu of the standard “C” channel frame. In 1972 until 1975 all CJ frames were “C” channel regardless of badging. 1976 & up CJs all have boxed frames.

Hardtops for CJ7s are getting cheaper and I see them for as little as $400. The doors can add that again but I have seen both doors and top for $500-$600 as a package.

When searching for a CJ try not to get Jeep fever. You will recognize the symptoms from the overwhelming compulsion to buy the first one you see that has shiny wheels and a nice stance. Remember though, a beat jeep is a beat jeep no mater great it looks at 50 feet, and also as they say, "Chrome won’t get you home!"

 

[rr41mag]

I'm not a big fan of body lifts but I did a 1" on mine and it's great. Very minor modifications. I had to pull my gas tank out twice to do work on the sending unit and the body lift made that so easy.