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!

 

[CJ]

More pics, its just one long shot image...
That is one great looking CJ!

 

[Belizean]

View attachment 102873

Those look like river pebbles to me

 

[Manic Mechanic]

Know your limits

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[Belizean]

Know your limits

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A man gots to know his limitations, and that’s beyond me and my jeeps limits.

 

[Manic Mechanic]

A man gots to know his limitations, and that’s beyond me and my jeeps limits.

Mine as well. I got up there but I wasn't playing in them

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[KRUPP]

Moparharn,

I see you’re in Michigan. If that ‘86 is a MI vehicle and rust-free, you’d be very lucky. Lived there for a few years in the late 90s right after getting married.

Anyway, don’t worry too much about the “value” with keeping your CJ original. I believe if you modify a clean, low mileage CJ, you won’t be losing any value - Especially because you’re making it how you want it and enjoying the process. Can’t really put a price on that.

I currently have a really clean ‘86 myself and I’ve replaced a lot of the original drivetrain.
Replacing the T-5 now with a Ford NP435.

Have fun with it and build it into what you want.

 

[moparharn]

My 86 is the mid year I guess. Dana 30 front and 44 rear with 300 transfer. I have the four speed Transmission though. Hard top and doors. No other options. I have some rust in the drivers floor and a spot on passenger area just behind the roll bar near the floor. Otherwise pretty clean Jeep. It never left its hunting club in Northern Michigan.

 

[Belizean]

You might want to unbolt the roll bar and see what is under that, where it bolts to the jeep. I bought mine new 40 years ago. Body and frame are in great shape. I have removed mine 3 different times. It’s bare metal from factory under there. They used a foam sealant or whatever it was, and it attracts water, and that creates rust. One of 2 places on my Jeep where I have a little rust.

 

[KRUPP]

Second what Belizean said. Where the front, vertical, roll bar tubes mount to the floor - under those plates it can get rusty on the floor. The only cancer on my CJ was there.

Your CJ comes from a great place. I hunted a few times North of Clare, MI, when I lived there. Really nice area, for sure. I’m guessing your club was up there, somewhere. Shot my first Woodcock up there. Fast little buggers in the timber.