Questions for buying a new Cj

Hey all, I am looking to buy a new Cj (1976 on). I am wanting to get a Jeep that has possibly power steering, disk brakes, and that handles well. The jeep I would get would have to be able to drive on the highway comfortably. Thanks for your help!

Does the 304 have enough more power than the 258 to justify reduced gas mileage?

Which Cj's came with power steering?

Which Cj's came with disk brakes (if any I'm not sure)

Which Cj's (76 on) are easiest to get new parts for?

If anyone could give me some plus or minus points about the Jeeps I'd really appreciate it. Also what things should I look for on a Jeep to make sure that I'm getting a good deal, and that it's in good condition?

 

Start here: http://www.earlycj5.com/tech/general/spottersGuide.php

304 v. 258 - your choice. Near the end, the 304 was strangled by smog regs and close to the same power as the 258.

PS optional, all years after 1972.

Disks NA in '76, optional in '77, std all years after.

Newer means easier parts. '72-75 are the hardest, anything '76 or later should be about the same.

Big changes in '76, another big change in '80 mostly in the transmissions offered. Pre-80 transmissions are stronger and heavier.

Rust, frame rot, general mechanical condition, radical mechanical changes (ie spring-over). I'd avoid an 80 or later with the SR-4 or T-4. I might consider the T-5 paired with the 4-cylinder.

Look at www.jeeptech.com for drivetrain options.

 

Since you said you are looking to buy a CJ, I'll assume you mean both CJ5's, and 7's.

If you don't have the overwhelming desire to have a v8 powered jeep, I'd go with the 258 inline 6. The engine is literally bullet proof and last a long time and parts are a dime a dozen for it and has more than enough power.

I'm not sure when power steering and disc brakes became available, I'm sure someone will chime in with the answer. If all else fells just look under the hood and check for both. I'd also look to see if it has a hydraulic clutch setup too.

76+ parts are pretty plentiful for both Cj's, but if I had to do it over again I would've bought a 7. Just not enough leg room to really get comfortable in the 5 for me.

 

'82 or so and newer had wider axles front and rear referred to "widetrack". Makes 'em more stable on the highway and the trail and a little better turning radius. If you opt for an '80 or newer then go for the T-176 4 speed as it is the strongest tranny used after '80 unless you need the 5 speed then go with the T-5. The T-176 is quite a bit stronger. The Dana 300 used '80 and up is the best transfer case Jeep ever used, the 20 used '72-'79 is decent but suffers from an anemic low range (2.01-1) but can be rectified in a couple of ways if needed.
Stay away from the '76 frame as they tended to crack at the steering box mount. '77 they added extra support in this area which helped tremendously. Nickmil

 

I own a 78 with front drums….I haven’t checked the build date but I’m sure it’s an early one.

 

Database updated. :stout:

The drums were discontinued sometime in that range; I expect everybody wanted disks.

 

Juat to put my-slef out there, I have an 80 Cj5 258 i6. I have been able to find most all the parts I need at the local Advance or Auto zone except for a carb. I have front disc brakes rear drum and PS all stock as far as I know.


As for the i6 or V8 ? I have never drivin a V8 model, but I am looking at either buying another Cj5 with V8 or doing a swap with somthing bigger than the 304. I like the i6 so far easy as hell to work on so far I have been able to do all the work myself with little or no help. And has more tha enough power to do the basic offroading with a bit of more technical stuff I want to do.


I still want to replace carb in the next couple months though, I think it will help with the horrid gas fumes and smoke, I have to run it rich as hell right now, kills my milage.

 

Correction: I now have reason to believe my vin tag may have been swapped.

 

Sounds to me like the ideal vehicle for you might be a 6 cylinder YJ.