Misc. Should I modify my suspension and wheels/tires, or sell and buy a CJ7 already done.

[moparharn]

I have an original 1986 CJ7 with 14,000 miles,4 speed with bigger Dana Rear and wide track. I love the medium blue color and it operates well. The Jeep is completely original except for tires, battery, and spark plugs. I have the hard top and hard doors. I want to lift it some with OME and YJ spring conversion. Nice wheels and tires and some new shocks. My question is this- should I leave it alone, sell it, and buy a modified CJ7 , or does it make sense to make this one my own and do it the way I want to? Sometimes modifying an original vehicle is spending good money after bad. Any thoughts? Thank you!

 

[Manic Mechanic]

Just my two cents.

That thing is clean. And low mileage. You will never have another one like it.

With that being said what your after can be accomplished without cutting welding etc. I know the ome YJ spring conversion i bought is completely bolt on. Meaning if you keep all your original parts wheels etc it can be returned to factory at any point. Meaning you can have your cake and eat it too.

Sent from my E7110 using Tapatalk

 

[CJ]

There is no way in heck I would get rid of that fantastic, clean, special Jeep. If you buy one you never know what gremlins live in it.
Do what you wish and make it your own...

 

[TSB8C]

 

[bigdaddy]

I wouldn’t hesitate putting OME YJ springs and new shocks. I’d keep original springs in case I may sell it some day, next owner might want them. I’d also not hesitate to change wheels. I would look for OEM chrome wheels, they look better than any aftermarket wheels you’d find, look better than your stock rims, and you’re staying true to the brand. I’d keep the original rims too.

 

[Petescj]

Just my two cents.

That thing is clean. And low mileage. You will never have another one like it.

With that being said what your after can be accomplished without cutting welding etc. I know the ome YJ spring conversion i bought is completely bolt on. Meaning if you keep all your original parts wheels etc it can be returned to factory at any point. Meaning you can have your cake and eat it too.

Sent from my E7110 using Tapatalk

Can't put it any better than this. Save all the take offs and enjoy your Jeep your way. Now if you would decide to take it off road alot I'd look for something else.

 

[moparharn]

Thank you to everyone who replied to my post. I will put the new suspension on in the spring. I purchased 17x9 aluminum eight hole rims in black and will need to figure out what size tires I can run with the OME YJ lift I plan (2.5"?). Any thoughts on tires would be appreciated. Thanks again.

 

[Belizean]

Tires, now you are opening up a can of worms. Probably depends on what you’re plans are for the Jeep.

 

[Manic Mechanic]

That suspension is setup perfectly for 33s.

When you say 8 hole your not referring to the lugs are you?

Sent from my E7110 using Tapatalk

 

[moparharn]

Tires, now you are opening up a can of worms. Probably depends on what you’re plans are for the Jeep.

I plan to use it as a cruiser. Ice cream getter. Sunday drives and after work relaxation. I do not care about road noise or wear. I want something good looking and a quality build with a decent ride. It is for show and not for go. Most of my drives are lake front paved with roof off and windshield down. I think I want taller, but not crazy wide, and an aggressive tread pattern more like a mud t/a or the Cooper and the Toyo geolander mud tires. If wider means more stable then I am ok with that, I can add bolt on wheel flares to cover the extra width. Thanks again.

 

[moparharn]

That suspension is setup perfectly for 33s.

When you say 8 hole your not referring to the lugs are you?

Sent from my E7110 using Tapatalk

Eight hole as in "soft eight" looking, but in aluminum. I think they are American Racing wheels. Flat black finish.

 

[Manic Mechanic]

Eight hole as in "soft eight" looking, but in aluminum. I think they are American Racing wheels. Flat black finish.

Gotcha wanted to make sure you didn't buy an 8 lug wheel

Sent from my E7110 using Tapatalk

 

[Belizean]

This is what I use. BFG I have 2 different sizes. 31s &. 33s. Both are 10.5 x 15. I like narrower tires, not big wide tires

 

[mdeluca]

You might have what they call a mid-year 1986. The mid-year had Dana 44 rear axle, Dana 30 front axle, Dana 300 Transfer Case and a Borg Warner T-5 5 speed Transmission . In my opinion, that is the holy grail of CJ's. If you are going to lift it, I agree with Belizian. I have a mid-year and wouldn't trade it.

 

[CJ]

I agree, great combination of parts (except for the T-5 ).

 

[mdeluca]

I agree, great combination of parts (except for the T-5 ).

Yeah, T-5 is the weak link, although great on the freeway.

 

[CJ]

Yeah, T-5 is the weak link, although great on the freeway.

Gotta luv that over drive!

 

[Manic Mechanic]

I have a T-5 it's fine and plenty strong enough behind the AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l .

I even wheel mine on rocks

Sent from my E7110 using Tapatalk

 

[CJ]

 

[Manic Mechanic]

No these rocks

Sent from my E7110 using Tapatalk