Advice needed - First Time CJ5 owner

All,

This is my first time in the market for an old jeep. I've scoured my local area for a 70's model CJ, in decent condition, that is turn key ready.

After finding what I think to be a great ride, can you give me some advice as to what i need to look for other than rust.

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/eat/cto/2032757696.html

Would it be a slap in the face to offer $3300? Anything sticking out that you guys notice?



My other option needs a bit more work but is much cheaper. The Jeep is a 78CJ5 as well, currently runs, but is untouched under the hood.

http://robinsyardsales.com/item17371937.html?itemId=17371937&src=SEARCH

They're asking $2,500 but I'd go in at 2,000. Basically, is it better for me to get this jeep for 2k and spend 1300 upgrading it to the level of the one above, or is the first jeep a better overall value?

Thanks and looking forward to joining the club real soon!

 

The second one doesn't have enough description to offer a meaningful comparative review, except to say that I think I'd prefer a properly installed lift kit over a SOA.

Going with a 76+ CJ means that you'll have more aftermarket parts availability. On the first CJ, anything SOA needs a good careful consideration. They can be done well...and they can be done badly. Test drive it at different speeds on different road conditions to get a feel for it. When any paint, undercoating, or bed liner peals it can allow moisture underneath and start the rust process...which actually might be why it's pealing to begin with...so beware and inspect very carefully.

Restorations, like anything else, can be done very well, or very poorly. Just be observant and ask lots of questions. Unusual engine noise, transmission noise, etc.

No, I don't think offering less than asking price is a slap in the face, the worse that can happen is he'll say no.

What's your purpose for the Jeep? Daily driver? Fun around town? Off-road?

 

I'd say it's all in what you plan to do. When I bought the 78 CJ5 I have now I was looking for a project to work on. It took me a while to find exactly what I was looking for and the wait was worth it for me. I could have spent more and got one that needed less work, but the one I bought was almost totally original and that's what I was looking for. With out more pictures of either Jeep I couldn't really give you any advice other than engine parts are common for the AMC motors, so I'd go for which ever one has the better body.

 

I'm just looking for a weekend car and something to off road with. What are the negatives with a Spring over Axle lift kit? How hard is it to remove the kit and put a regular lift on it?

 

They each have their own handling characteristics due to driveline and steering geometry changes. Neither one is bad unto itself, it's just that some lifts or SOA are not done properly to account for driveline/geometry changes, potentially making the handling very poor. Have you ever driven a Jeep CJ? If not, you may want to drive one in good shape that is stock or close to stock so you know how to compare. The SOA might be done perfectly with no issues at all.

 

X2 on the second one not having enough description to compare. Personally, I LOVE my 304, but I also know that the inline 6 can offer about as much power if the 304 is being choked with emissions. The spring over axle can be reversed. In my experience, it seems body work is much more expensive and time consuming than mechanical. With these vehicles you kind of have to drive them around for awhile to find out if there are any issues. For now, my concern would be how close the model is to stock (less mods the better), how much rust on the body, check the frame for any cracks/rust/corrosion and take her for a test drive. The 3spd it probably has is the T150 which has a 1:1 ratio in 3rd gear and was stock with the 304 in that year. You should be able to get her up to highway speed to see what rattles. Good luck and keep us posted!!

 

Ok so I finally purchased a CJ5!!!!!!!!! I didn't go for either of the ones posted above. I got what I feel to be a great deal, $2,250 for this 1975 CJ5:

http://macon.craigslist.org/cto/1994849204.html

This one seems to me to be more stock and will allow me to make my modifications without having to remove the previous owners mods. Anything right off the bat you guys see as red flags? Jeep started right up and drove home like a champ.

Quick question, what are the optimal cruising and top speeds on these in 3rd gear?

 

That sounds like you got an excellent deal congratulations.

 

Right off the bat? Don't think it's a 75. Looks like a 76 or newer. Things like. windshield. dash, floor in tub, tail lights, shifters, clutch and brake pedals. That said, nice looking Jeep.

 

Yes - it's in good condition, but it's a '76 or newer. Could be a '76 model that was built in 1975. What's your VIN?

 

J8F83AH079832

What can you tell me about the VIN?

 

J8 = Jeep 1978 model.
F = 3 speed manual.
83 = CJ-5
A = open body? 3750 GVWR? (from memory)
H = 304 V8, 2V carb
079832 = sequential serial number