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When is a CJ no longer a CJ?

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When is a CJ no longer a CJ?
Zuni

Zuni

Jeeper
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Location
South Lake Tahoe, CA
Vehicle(s)
84 CJ7, 03 WJ
Is a CJ still a CJ just because it looks like one or does it become just another 4x4 when engines, transmissions, transfer cases, axles, bodies, non-leaf springs suspensions etc. are changed? What do you think can be modified or swapped out and you still have a CJ? I don't think there is a right or wrong answer so speak your mind.
 
If someone on a trail says "hey nice JEEP (or CJ)" then its still a JEEP.
If it can't be recognized, then its something else.
 
Im more of a purist. Jeep designed and made the CJ. My thoughts are When you start swapping in non CJ axles like big ol 60's or Ford units, and swap in Chevy engines, you have a vehehicle that LOOKS like a CJ, but is not. I do believe that doing upgrades and basic mods are a good thing, even swapping in bigger AMC engines or using other Jeep driveline parts is OK. But when you start bolting in major driveline parts from other manufacturers, you gave up your Jeep.
 
I think mylittlecj5 hit the nail on the head. I see nothing wrong with up grades as long as it looks like a CJ than it is. :D
 
I think you could say that about early CJ's. Late model CJ used chevy steering.Ford ignition, Pontiac motors,Buick motors,GM automatic transmissions.
 
Oh, If I'm not mistaken the late model hydro clutch is a GM part too.
 
I almost forgot the Ford starter solenoid setup.
 
Got to agree with you Longhorn. Before AMC went under, they were getting parts from whomever they could get them from cheapest. GM, Ford, mix and match, it didn't matter.

But, CW makes a good point. At what point does a Chevy 350, a Ford 9" rear end, and a YJ tub still equal a CJ? I dunno :confused:.
 
Even kaiser Jeep M38-A1 had a factory spring shackle reversal. I don't Know either, but AMC model 20 rearend cost me so much I had to replace it, between bent tubes, broken axles & bearing issues. Another point of contention is the light duty transmissions of the 80's. I love the AMC V8's though.:D
 
Then you have to ask if it has to be original body? Is fiberglass a no no? How about the Matkins frame, or maybe aluminum body?:eek:
 
I guess to keep it light hearted I would refer to this link You know you drive a CJ when..... - JeepForum.com
I believe that an upgrade like my Runck rollcage and bumpers are just like like my Chevy 350, and my Muncie 4 speed, improvements on a good vehicle, to suit each of our personal needs/wants. From what I have read turn signals were an option on my 1960 Willys but I thought for me it was worth putting them on as well. OK that was my $.02
Chuck
 
You misunderstand me. Anything that Jeep bolted in on the assembly line when it rolled off, is a Jeep. No matter if you want to swap in diferent years of parts from other jeeps, their all Jeep parts. I'm not talking about a correct show quality accurate museam Jeep here where any and all mods are forbidden. An after market body or frame to replace a rust destroyed one is no big deal. Adding roll cages, winches skid plates headers etc etc etc is fine. I am talking about the basic operation and design of the Jeep as it was built. EXCLUDING simple bolt in upgrades. But TO ME, ripping out key design elements like engine, transmisson, Transfer Case , front and rear ends, and the complete removal of leaf springs to convert to coils renders a Jeep, not a Jeep a Jeep any longer. The modification of these parts is almost to be expected, like SOA and the addition of lockers and other bits to help out the allready exellent design. I still have a great deal of respect for heavily modified rigs, built to perform certain tasks that the owner requires. Nothing wrong with it, and you still have a sweet ride by any standards, but It's not REALLY a complete Jeep anymore. I had a feeling that this question would bring up bad blood! :)
 
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Ok than I guess a dana 60 from a FSJ truck is ok but a dana 60 from a chevy is not?:confused:
Even though Jeep used a GM Turbo 400 my TH350 makes it not a jeep?:eek:
This question has no answer because it all depends on who you ask, some would say if it is not showroom stock its no longer worth anything. Some start with a tubebuggie and put a Jeep grill and hood on and call it there Jeep. Its all good.:chug:
AMC= all makes combined;)
 
I changed my mind. if it looks like a Jeep CJ, then it's a Jeep CJ.
 
Hey dave you felling alright this morning? You gave in way to easy:poke:
 
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It's a Jeep as long as you don't try to sneak in some toyota parts!:poke::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh:
 
Old Dog said:
This question has no answer because it all depends on who you ask, ...
Click to expand...

Happy belated Birthday Old Dog:)


When I started this thread I said there is no right or wrong answer. It does make for a good conversation though.

My personal opinion is if you change most of the drivetrain to something not offered by Jeep and/or change to an aftermarket frame, aftermarket coil suspension, etc. you no longer have something that you couldn't have in a modified TJ, scout, bronco, toyota, land rover, etc. At some point it's just a 4x4 that looks like an old CJ. It's still cool and performs (probably better), but in my opinion not really a CJ anymore. I also feel the same about reproduction Steet Rods, Cobras, etc. They look like the real thing, have better performance (for the most part), are easier to live with, but they are not what they appear to be.

In the end who really cares though. If you like to modify your CJ, and it performs better, and you like it, you can call it a CJ and I'll agree with you. Hey at least you care enough to keep your CJ alive and on the street/trail. :chug:
 
I love intelligent debate/discussion I truely believe that it is what makes us Americans :us: Different opinions from different folks, none really more right than the other(except to ourselves:D) I know alot of you here are vets, and if not I am sure allot of the others have taken a vacation to another country and seen that there are differences. In some countries if the dictator had an opinion about something as trivial as what makes a CJ a CJ, well you had better have your CJ just like his or it could mean losing your job or worse. I have seen stupid stuff like this in Afghanistan as reacently as December rite before coming home.
Thanks for the thread man :chug:
Chuck
 
I know what you mean I have a buddy that just streached his JY with tube on both ends and went coilovers. Its a little less YJ now.
But than they quit making JEEPs in 1986 anyway didn't they, or is that a new topic?


mattfront500.jpg


Thanks for your service so we can keep doing what we like instead of what we are told we have to do.:notworthy:
 
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