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I think it depends upon what you are going to use for. Are you looking for a Sunday driving and parades or trails and rock crawling? Off the shelf done or wanting a project?
 
For me you can't beat the classic 70s CJ5 narrow track.

Seems like I replace/upgrade so much stuff all that after a few years all that says Jeep on it is the body anyways.
 
I think it depends upon what you are going to use for. Are you looking for a Sunday driving and parades or trails and rock crawling? Off the shelf done or wanting a project?

Thanks for the responses. What we think we want to do is Sunday driving, camping, and easy 4WD. We would like an in between off the shelf and a project.

Where on the web (if you know of one) is the best place to buy a CJ. If you know of anyone that has a CJ for sale or know of a place where to find one let us know.
 
Narrow track is just the narrower axle width.


The CJ5 has a shorter wheelbase.

certifiablejeep.com - Differences - CJ-5 vs. CJ-7

I found a couple of Jeep specific sites for listing Jeeps, but they were all over priced from what I found.

I just looked through the local craigslist and classifieds/auto trader. Look for Jeeps that are just sitting in yards that don't move. They might sell them for a good price.

I'd def. recommend having someone who is more familiar with Jeeps come with you. Or if you are experienced mechanically I'm sure you can make the right decision.

I really found a wide spread of prices and condition when I was looking. One guy wanted 5k for a beat to hell 72' with no brakes, oil and rust everywhere, and I couldn't keep it on the road for the life of me. Found one that ran and drove excellent for 2500 the next day.
 
Narrow track is just the narrower axle width.


The CJ5 has a shorter wheelbase.

certifiablejeep.com - Differences - CJ-5 vs. CJ-7

I found a couple of Jeep specific sites for listing Jeeps, but they were all over priced from what I found.

I just looked through the local craigslist and classifieds/auto trader. Look for Jeeps that are just sitting in yards that don't move. They might sell them for a good price.

I'd def. recommend having someone who is more familiar with Jeeps come with you. Or if you are experienced mechanically I'm sure you can make the right decision.

I really found a wide spread of prices and condition when I was looking. One guy wanted 5k for a beat to hell 72' with no brakes, oil and rust everywhere, and I couldn't keep it on the road for the life of me. Found one that ran and drove excellent for 2500 the next day.

Thanks for the explanation of the Narrow Track. We do not think that is quite what we are looking for. It still sounds very cool and fun to drive.

We will check those leads you told us about. We defiantly would like in the low price range but nice for its price.
 
Any CJ that’s not beat to death or rusted out is a good CJ in my book. Having said that the most “fun” Jeep I ever owned was a 1947 CJ2a ; nimble on the trails, could turn it around on a dime; just plain fun. However it wasn’t a very practical daily driver by any means even though I used it for one, but after I lost my mind and stuffed a SBC under the hood, the effects of the Iranian oil embargo took hold leaving the 11 gallon gas tank under the seat a bit on the short side. Gas stations would only be open for 2-3 hours if they had gas to sell then their quota would be done for the day. To top things off the last number on your license plate dictated if you could even buy gas that day; even number on the plate meant you could only buy gas on even number days of the month and odd meant only on the odd numbered days. We all cry about the price today but at least you can buy it. Oh, and you could not fill cans; it was in the tank or nothing. Needless to say I practically gave that jeep away in order to have a little cash to buy something with a bigger tank. Of all the jeeps I’ve ever owned I miss that one the most.

The 1976 to 86 CJs have more aftermarket support than the older ones and in 1977 the front axles came with disk brakes for the first time but then 76 to 85 CJs all have AMC20 rear ends with their problems. Older CJs with Spicer 18 Transfer Case have issues too, and the frames on the 72 to 75s can crack………. They all have something. If I had to pick one year it would have to be a 1980 CJ as that was the only year an AMC 304 - Dana 300 was available right out of the box. Next would be either a 1979 or 1986 CJ. The 1979 CJ was the only year Jeep offered the V8 with a T-18 Transmission option behind (All other years it only was offered with the I6) and 1986 was the only year a wide track Dana 44 was available. All in all though I guess I revert back to my original statement, any CJ that’s not beat to death or rusted out is a good CJ.
 
When I was looking there was a highly modified 7 in Little Rock. It was strictly deer camp jeep. I kinda wish I would have went and at least looked at it. It had 38's and a chevy v8 in it already.
 
As stated for what you are looking for regularly watch Craigslist, eBay, garages that are open, and jeep forums.

If you want to be gauranteed out of the box restored or clean original, OEM or tastefully modified Jeep check out austinjeeps.com. They always have beautiful inventory

Also check out jeep brokers.com it's is a jeep specific classified

Also just google your heart out you may find a local small dealership that specializes on Jeeps near by you have driven by a million times

Good luck in your search, keep us up to date...and ask questions there are no shortage of opions among Jeep guys :)

I am looking forward to what you find!
 
Check out our newer section on CJ models and components and see the pros and cons of everything. Also the CJ spotters guide is a great tool too.

Here's some good reading for a new Jeep / CJ prospecting owner.

Jeep CJ Comprehensive Database - CJ Models at Jeep-CJ.com (all the sub forums there have great info)

Also our members section of showcaseing their personal rides: Jeep CJ Comprehensive Database - Members CJs at Jeep-CJ.com

You can also see the editions (to know if it's a "Classic valued beauty" or not as some people selling will claim) Jeep CJ Comprehensive Database - CJ Editions at Jeep-CJ.com

And all the guts CJ's came with: Jeep CJ Comprehensive Database - Drivetrains at Jeep-CJ.com

If you still have some more questions, let us know bud! And :ww: to the site!


:chug:
~ JR
 
Thank you every one for the posts and links. We will update you on our search for the perfect CJ for us.

We are going to check out some CJs. We might get a new Jeep but we still do not know.

If we were to bang up a body panels, is there aftermarket you could get them?
 
Ya you can buy replacement panels but they are really spendy.

If you want a cleaner trouble free one I thing a new/newer one would be the way to go.

Mine came all rusted (normal) so I just patched it up and threw paint on it. I couldn't be happier knowing that if I smash it off a rock it won't bother me.
 

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