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What to look for in a CJ

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What to look for in a CJ
Tin Medic

Tin Medic

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Location
Ft. Carson
Vehicle(s)
85 CJ-7 Renegade:
Fuel Injected 4.2L I6/T5/D300
D30 with ARB Air Locker, AMC 20 w/Posi
Warn 8000 LB winch
VIAIR Onboard Air System
33x12.5x15 Goodyear MT/R's
Kenwood head Unit
Hella E-Code Lights
Looking for a CJ7 and need some advice as what to look for. I am looking for one that has not been modified so if there are factory issues to be aware of then I can use some help. Any big differences between the early 7's and the end of the line?
 
email this posting to a friend denver craigslist > for sale / wanted > cars & trucks - by owner
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Jeep CJ7 4x4 with a chevy swap - $4900 (Denver)

Date: 2012-05-28, 11:50AM MDT
Reply to: see below [Errors when replying to ads?]


Here is a good deal
This is a 1980 CJ7 4x4
Needs nothing
Runs and drives great
The entire tub has been redone
New five matching 33" tires
New seats
New stereo
Call me 303 520 3324

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Issues depends on what you want and how you will use your jeep.

Rust is the major issue. In particular check the frame where the front of the rear leaf springs attach and also the frame horns from behind the rear wheel arch to the bumper. Tub rust is usually found numerous places. The jeep in the ad above may be a prime example: The black guards below the door are totally wasted with the rock rails in place as well and are probably there to cover the way common rusted out rockers. Same with the diamond plate panels on the rear: these are common ways to hide rust rather than repair it. If the tub was "redone" to what skill level was it redone? Those panels being on it are not exactly indicative of a top notch job in most cases. The tub had to be re-done but not one mention of the frame? What are the chances of the body suffering major rust to the point of needing to be "redone" but the frame is okay? Needs nothing but the front bumper is obviously wrecked? Read the ads carefully before you go: looking above again the seller starts trying to convince you what a great deal that jeep is but can't be bothered to mention even the engine or tranny on board? Don't you think that finding out if it is a "swapped" chevy V6 or V8, 1965 carb'ed 283 or 2009 injected 5.3, S10 2.8 or I4, is more important than that it has some off-brand tires on it that, OMG, match?? How often do you buy something with mismatched tires unless it is a total resto project? What kind of tranny? Jeep or Chevy? What all was swapped? No pics of this incredible engine swap but the seats and tires are more important as selling points?

IMHO the last few yeas of CJ7 's were the most problematic with the least desirable factory components and reliability. The carbs, weaker stock driveline components like rear axles & trannies, lack of power, and other slapped on stuff as AMC was circling the bankruptcy drain are not strong points for jeeps of that era for me. But as they have not produced a CJ in 27 years finding a completely stock one with all original stuff is usually more rare than not. Many times people with unmodified jeeps want a premium price for having all of the factory stuff still on it. Buying an unmolested version is probably going to be the most expensive route to go especially if you intend to modify it later anyway. Many modded jeeps started the modification trial to fix factory issues in the first place. If you want to modify it there are several paths to go by. You could buy a real stripped jeep ( I bought a frame/tub with title and that was about it) and add your preference of items, you could buy one of the many half-completed then abandoned projects that come up for sale regularly, or you could find a jeep already in the condition as close to what you want as possible.
 
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Thanks for all the input so far, keep it coming. I dont plan on to many mods as it will only see mild trail use. My big concern is rust as thats not an area that I am qualified to work on. I dont mind electrical or engine repair as I have done that before.
 
Anything major between the CJ5 's and 7's, aside from wheel base?
 
Tin Medic said:
Anything major between the CJ5 's and 7's, aside from wheel base?
Click to expand...

Door openings. CJ5 's are harder to climb into, but they have more of that classic charm. Also CJ7 's have a tailgate while CJ5s of the same years do not.
 
looks like a deal, but as always look it over good and take it for a ride, and let your gut tell you what to do.
 
You need to take it for a ride. If it drives good than it should be in pretty good shape. Looks good for the price.
 
Looking at the pictures, that looks like a 4.0, at very least a MPI fuel system, on board air and about a 4" lift? could you hope for ARB lockers? pay close attention the the "armor" on the rear corners, good place to hide rust. may have been to Moab a time or two.

still not crazy about a 5 speed.:cool:
 
both those look good also if you want someone to look at them with you let me know I would be happy to.
 
Drove the 82 & 86 today, both drove nice but the 86 had rust into the frame and the 82 had some steering issues as well as the hardtop has actually been sitting in a field somewhere for the last 5 years. The 85 has a Warn 8000lb winch, hi-lift jack, ARB air locker, posi rear, on-board air and a fuel injected AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l engine. A few spots of surface rust but overall really clean. The frame and body mounts are in really good shape. The T-5 tranny has some play in the top end but the gears seem to be fine. I have a T-18 in my garage so I can go that way if necessary. Someone put a lot of money into it. I need to check on the gearing and see what its running now. The seller did mention that it could use a reverse shackle setup as the steering has some play in it. If all goes well I will pick it up on Monday.
 
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I am also looking for a jeep. I want a CJ5 , first choice..CJ7 second choice. Not sure why; I just grew up wanting the CJ5 .
I experienced a little of the 4x4 world with a land rover I added detroit lockers front and rear to and a few other goodies.
I am impressed with the sale prices especially when the jeeps have added expensive performance mods already.
I will read more of the forums to try to get a jump start on my jeep IQ.
I will need to learn where to get jeep tops.. and with either the CJ5 or the CJ7 I think I will want to check out the little cabs that leave the rear like a tiny pickup truck (open) .

If the jeeps I see in south louisiana have rust at the frame is it fixable?

I would buy a jeep from anyplace in america, as long as it would be able to be driven home to south louisiana at a minimum of 50 mph.. I got the rover in chicago and it drove here with no problem..

I will post some more beginner questions.
dk
 
So did you get the '85? Sorry I wasn't able to come look at with you but it looked like a good deal. I'm taking you not posting means you are to busy driving and checking out our new Jeep. So let us know what happend.
 
No problem Tom, I did buy it. The drive back to the Springs was great, no problems. Right now I am cleaning it up and checking all the wiring, radio has power but doesnt seem to work same with the cig lighter. I will get pics posted later.
 
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