Jeep Driving Maggots

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11-02-2005, 05:05 PM
warthog

Jeep Driving Maggots

WWJOMD?
What would Jeep Owning Maggots Do?
1979- CJ7 Renegade
304 V8
Hardly any rust
New carpet throughout
Runs strong.

Guy who has it bought it the same afternoon I called about it the first time. They gave me his #, and I told him to call me when re-selling.
He installed new carpet and tweaked the engine to get it running smoove.
He paid $4900(that was orig. asking price)
Wants $5,500 now. Honestly, that is right about where I want to be.

Now, I know he is making some cash off me. I have no problem with that. New Carpet ain't cheap, and it is a pain to install. Also, I did not want to screw with the engine at all. All in all, it sounds like a good deal.

Tell me what I am missing here.

This is sorta what it looks like, but it is dark brown (the ad ran out on Trader Online).

http://images.traderonline.com/EMedi...0478604605.jpg

Thanks for the help. I hope this works out.
11-02-2005, 05:21 PM
Lurch

If you dont want to screw with the engine you might want to think twice about buying a CJ. A vehicle of that age is going to take constant up keep especailly if you plan on taking it off roading.
11-02-2005, 05:27 PM
Arty50

I used my CJ-7 as a daily driver for 12+ years. The wonderful thing about the old Jeeps is that they are VERY simple. You have an engine, a drivetrain, and a very simple passenger cabin. The electronics system is very bare bones, and thus there's a lot less that can go wrong than with a modern car. Parts are readily available and there's a huge aftermarket. So when shit goes wrong, it's generally inexpensive.

I highly recommend purchasing a copy of the Jeep Owner's Bible. As I recall, it will tell you what model years are better or worse and what to look for in a used Jeep. It also has a ton of other information.

There are several Jeep forums on the net also. I don't frequent them much, but there's lots of good info out there. As always, google is your friend.

If you do end up getting it, enjoy that sucker. You'll have to pry mine from my cold, dead hands.
11-02-2005, 06:04 PM
mntlion

304 V8 with a 3 speed, and the erodynamics of a brick = not cheap to run

I had one for 4 years for a summer toy, loved it, no top, no doors, no problems
11-02-2005, 06:04 PM
Kya

V-8, obviously a custom engine swap. Find out what other mods (drivetrain) have been done, if any. That v-8 could cause some expensive problems to axles, transmission, or T-case if they have not seen any attention. Also, was it wheeled hard? It looks like it can get into some nasty terrain, so has it seen a lot of abuse that you will later have to deal with?

Just my $.02
11-02-2005, 06:06 PM
mntlion

Kya, nope that is stock on the CJ7's.
11-02-2005, 06:09 PM
Lane Meyer

WWMD with a Jeep like that? Obviously find Daisy Duke** and go wheeling!

* or a suitable look-alike, but smarter than Jessica Simpson who's idiocy is a total dick deflater
11-02-2005, 06:12 PM
El Chupacabra

There are also several Jeep buying guide books (more like real reference books than Consumer Reports- style guides); check your local Borders/ Barnes & Noble.

Is that in U.S. $? Seems very high -- it's a 26 year old vehicle that sold for about that price back in 1979.

Jeeps have a way of being easily modified, which is part of their fun, but also can be risky when buying used if you don't know exactly what you're looking for. On this particular Jeep: the 304 V8 isn't particularly strong in stock form, guzzles gas, and in 1979, would be heavily emission control strangled. Dana 300 t-case (good), Dana 30 front axle (so-so), AMC flanged rear axle (bad, unless shafts have been replaced with 1-piece).

Me personally: I'd pass, unless you really really really want a CJ-7. You can get an early '90s YJ for that price, rust-free, with the 4.0L six (not the 258 carb'd version). The fact that the seller is turning it around so quickly suggests that he discovered some issues in the Jeep that he wants to unload.

I'm on my 3rd and 4th Jeeps now (past -- '95 XJ Cherokee, '89 XJ Cherokee (for parts), present -- '02 WJ Grand, and '05 TJ Rubicon Unlimited)
11-02-2005, 06:29 PM
Littlejerry

Quote:

Originally Posted by El Chupacabra

I'm on my 3rd and 4th Jeeps now (past -- '95 XJ Cherokee, '89 XJ Cherokee (for parts), present -- '02 WJ Grand, and '05 TJ Rubicon Unlimited)

mntlion
How does the TJ unlimited's ride compared to your older XJs? Just interested in how the same wheelbase and rear coils vs the older leafs make the ride. Is it an improvement? I know my 03 WJ drives so much nicer then the two XJs (88 & 00) I have had.

Warthog
Here is a link to a pretty newbie jeep forum site. As usual Make sure you search before you post. You will get flamed for asking questions that have been asked before. Compared to here it can be a pretty forgiving place.

http://www.jeepsunlimited.com/forums/index.php
11-02-2005, 06:30 PM
Snow Dog

For $5,500 you could buy a much newer YJ. Unless it's really mint (and stock) or you have your heart set on CJs and those round headlights.

Hey, El C just said that.
11-02-2005, 06:38 PM
El Chupacabra

Quote:

Originally Posted by Littlejerry

mntlion
How does the TJ unlimited's ride compared to your older XJs? Just interested in how the same wheelbase and rear coils vs the older leafs make the ride. Is it an improvement? I know my 03 WJ drives so much nicer then the two XJs (88 & 00) I have had.

Warthog
Here is a link to a pretty newbie jeep forum site. As usual Make sure you search before you post. You will get flamed for asking questions that have been asked before. Compared to here it can be a pretty forgiving place.

http://www.jeepsunlimited.com/forums/index.php

I'm not mntlion, but the TJ Unlimited is rougher -- it's that body-on-frame ride that the TJs have, kinda jiggly. My '95 XJ was the one I mostly drove ('89 was a parts project), and it was modified for most of the time I had it, so I can't really compare the two fairly.

My sister has a 100% stock '96 XJ though, rides fine. TJs, even stock, are noisier & rougher. The Rubicon package has load range E tires (the MTRs), which make it ride significantly rougher. (It's smoother with the Old Man Emu suspension on it now versus the stock suspension.) I have never driven a non-Rubicon package Unlimited, so can't compare that to the XJ either.

If you're wondering whether the TJ Unlimited rides anything like the WJ or ZJ, it doesn't similar wheelbase & coil spring suspension notwithstanding.
11-02-2005, 06:55 PM
Kya

Quote:

Originally Posted by mntlion

Kya, nope that is stock on the CJ7's.

No shit. I never knew Jeep offered V-8 from the factory in anything other then Wagoneer or Cherokee. Are you sure? I'm gonna go do a search on that right now. Wow. I'm surprised.
11-02-2005, 07:09 PM
Arty50

Quote:

Originally Posted by Littlejerry

mntlion
How does the TJ unlimited's ride compared to your older XJs? Just interested in how the same wheelbase and rear coils vs the older leafs make the ride. Is it an improvement? I know my 03 WJ drives so much nicer then the two XJs (88 & 00) I have had.

A Cherokee should ride better than a Wrangler.

The coils on the TJ were a big improvement over the leafs on a YJ though. Better on road and off.

And yes, old CJs did come with V8s. The CJ-5 had one for years, and the CJ-7 only had one in the late 70s/early 80s as I recall. The general consensus on the old 304 is that it mainly added weight, not power, to the car. Sure it was more powerful, but not by a lot; especially as emissions controls got stricter over the years. The old AMC engines were designed before most emissions regulations were put into place. As a result, emissions hardware was mostly slapped onto the engine without much thought being given to changing the guts of the powerplant. That's why the 4.0 was such a leap. Not only did it add fuel injection, but it was also the first Jeep engine designed with all of the emissions restrictions in mind.

That said, my general advice would be to only get the 304 if the car comes with it (as is the case here). It's a decent upgrade over the 258. Plus, the 304 can be a really good engine, especially if local regulations allow you to "play" with it and ditch most of the emissions crap that was slapped on. But if you're swapping a 304 in for the I6 or a four banger, forget it. Get a 350 from Chevy.
11-02-2005, 07:16 PM
rightcoast

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kya

No shit. I never knew Jeep offered V-8 from the factory in anything other then Wagoneer or Cherokee. Are you sure? I'm gonna go do a search on that right now. Wow. I'm surprised.

Yup,76-79 (i think) Cj-7 and even some Cj-5 Renegedes came from the factory with the V-8.

For this area, 5k for that jeep isnt that bad a price. Do you know what Trans/T-case it has?
its a good looking rig too, me being me, Id buy it.
Also, as far as axles go, the one piece axle upgrade in the rear AMC 20 might be a good idea if youre going to wheel it hard at all. The D30 front should be ok with 33in. tires, might run into trouble if you lock it.

Also, yeah TJ, unlimited or not does not ride like a XJ.
11-02-2005, 07:18 PM
natty dread

Get a real rig, get a land cruiser! ;)
11-02-2005, 07:19 PM
rightcoast

FJ= Fake Jeep.

(im joking, im a big fan of the old Cruisers as well)
11-02-2005, 07:28 PM
CantDog

mildbill loves jeeps, I'm sure he'll buy it.
11-02-2005, 07:32 PM
El Chupacabra

Quote:

Originally Posted by rightcoast

FJ= Fake Jeep.

(im joking, im a big fan of the old Cruisers as well)

No, no, no no... the FJ is the Eagle Talon.

http://members.aol.com/brimiljeep/We...umberPage.html
11-02-2005, 07:57 PM
rightcoast

I was thinking along the lines of Fj-40, Fj-60 etc.
The Toy designations.
11-02-2005, 08:05 PM
Blatant

i too have had a bunch, if you're a shade tree mechanic, you'll be ok. I've had a few but my first was a 78 cj5 304 with a 3speed, the levi's edition if you please. Thing was a beater but it was mine, leaked like a syve, went throught 3 starters due to the the fly wheel or and electrical issue with the starter bendix. Nevertheless it's a jeep. If you're buying that it's because you're in love with the way it looks. Put on some shitty clothes, climb all around it, under it, rub your hands on the seals, the pans etc. Stand on the front floors and make sure they are legit. CJ's transfer case is already sye from the factory and the amc20 is a fine axle.

But..if it were me, and i was looking, i'd be buying that....but that's me. I can also say that I've bought(collected) my fair share of beater jeeps that i shouldn't have. A yj 92-95, the 242 4.0 is your best bet, 95 being the best wrangler produced, aside from the sick ass rubicons.

CJ's are alot of work, it's rare you get one that runs "ideally" you may want to go a bit newer, unless you're mechanically inclined. Also make sure the heater, core, etc works.

my .02 cents.....biatch.
11-02-2005, 08:47 PM
Arty50

One day I will stick a 4.0 head on my 258...one day...

Said day would have been sooner if the moronic CA legislature didn't increase the classic car smog exemption from 25 to 30 years. Bastards. My car would run soooo much cleaner with that head and fuel injection. Oh well, I'll just have to wait until 2013...unless they change the damn regulation again... :mad:
11-02-2005, 09:05 PM
rightcoast

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arty50

One day I will stick a 4.0 head on my 258...one day...

Said day would have been sooner if the moronic CA legislature didn't increase the classic car smog exemption from 25 to 30 years. Bastards. My car would run soooo much cleaner with that head and fuel injection. Oh well, I'll just have to wait until 2013...unless they change the damn regulation again... :mad:

GO PROPANE!!!
11-02-2005, 11:54 PM
warthog

Here are the photos. Sorry for the quality- the guys camera is crap.

http://www.biglines.com/photos/norma...ines_47090.jpg
http://www.biglines.com/photos/norma...ines_47088.jpg
http://www.biglines.com/photos/norma...ines_47087.jpg

I owned an '83 CJ in highschool, so I am pretty familiar with their quirks.

I know that the 304 is anemic for a v-8, but I live in FL, and their requirements for that stuff are weak at best. There will be much tweakage in its future.

The V-8 is an AMC 304- Orig. equipment for that year of AMC bred Jeep.

I will never own a YJ- enough said.Round headlights are better.

I am a shadetree mechanic myself, and this is just a toy. I drive a company car.

The other guy fixes up Jeeps on the side, and owns a tire store. He is a legit re-seller. I feel pretty confident that he is not trying to pull a fast one.

Wish me luck- I think she is mine!!!!!!
Damn my chick is gonna look hot driving that thing.
11-03-2005, 12:08 AM
rightcoast

I love those jeeps.
Id buy it. I dig the canvas full doors with the plastic, and that decal package is second only to the dark blue with powder blue renegade stripes in my book.
33in. MTR's???
11-03-2005, 12:20 AM
warthog

I think they are actually 35" MTRs- Prolly worth $1000+ by themselves. Every other jeep I have looked at needed new tires, and most need new wheels too. Why do people put 15x12.5 rims on jeeps? I hate that wheel sticking out look. The amount of stability it gets you is totally negated by the gat-ness of that look.

The wheels on this are American Racing basic unstoppable rims. My '83 had the same graphics, but it was a fugly brown color. It was sadly eaten before its time by the harsh CT road salt.
11-03-2005, 08:19 AM
warthog

Update-
I am on it.
Going to pick it up Sat.

Got some more info too:

Dana 44 rear
Full roll cage
Factory Back seat
New Tires
New Top

I am so freakin stoked.
I have been looking for this Jeep for years now.
11-03-2005, 09:50 AM
mntlion

enjoy: I loved my jeep (money pit)
11-03-2005, 10:02 AM
Viva

Nice! Enjoy the ride.

On the weak engine theme, I had a 78 Bronco with a stock 400 V8 and the C6 auto tranny. Incredibly weak. You pop the hood and there were emissions hoses and canisters everywhere. I saved up for an Edelbrock Performer intake manifold and a Carter 625 cfm carburator (I also got headers and a dual-point distributor, but those didn't do shit). I ripped out all of the emissions stuff when I installed the new hardwear. Big fuckin' difference. Gas mileage was probably unaffected, although I'm inclined to believe it improved just a little.

I'll bet that a simple manifold and carburator upgrade to an otherwise stock 304 will deliver a marked improvement. Now, if you go with a cam as well, that jeep will be insane.

Have fun!
11-03-2005, 10:38 AM
Littlejerry

Sweet you will love it. Looks very clean. However, I hope you enjoy wrenching. I am always working on my 88XJ, 5' lift, 32s, and rear locker. The wife has recently termed it the bucket. She just does not understand though that if I don't keep the XJ going then I am just going to have to start beating on the 03WJ and she does not really want that.

If it does not already have one throw a lunch box locker in that dana 44 and go hit some trails.
11-03-2005, 12:28 PM
warthog

Quote:

Originally Posted by Littlejerry

and go hit some trails.

Notice the Florida address. Locker not needed.
11-03-2005, 01:09 PM
rightcoast

you need 38x15.50x15 Boggers to fit in down there. :biggrin:
11-03-2005, 01:10 PM
Littlejerry

I still say lock it. I have seen picts of some decent wheeling in Florida. Plus isn't there lots of mud.
11-03-2005, 02:17 PM
warthog

Will be a trailer queen.

Well, not quite, but close.
I will just use it to pull my boat around and have fun. I won't be doing a whole lot of 4 wheelin with it. I don't like breaking stuff.
11-03-2005, 03:13 PM
Blatant

the old adage:
Jeeps Empty Every Pocket.....

Well I'm jealous anyway...warthog your a dick....don't buy it!
11-03-2005, 04:01 PM
warthog

Blatant- YOU"RE a JONG, and I'm buying it anyway.
11-03-2005, 04:13 PM
rightcoast

post up some pics when you get it home!!
11-03-2005, 05:20 PM
Art Shirk

Heeps are for women, buy an EB and wheel for real.
11-04-2005, 07:45 PM
Captn Ron

Congrats on your new toy, it looks good. I have had 5 jeeps, and the last 2 have had 304's. The only common issue both of them shared was a slight, but annoying leak at the rear main seal.

The one I brought down from Montana only had 27K on it (snowplow use only) and it leaked the exact same (amount and place) as the one with 113K on it. On the upside, the 304 has the motorcraft 2100 carb which is very easy to rebuild.

Another issue to maybe think about is the new carpet thing. I recently put in new carpet in my current cj (1984) and when I took out the old carpet there was quite a bit of rust. It seems the carpet traps water and then oxidation does its thing on your floors. The window seal on cj's is well known for drying out and allowing rain to leak onto your floor. Not a good thing in Fl in the summer as you well know.

The MT cj that I took to Key west, had no carpet but instead had Rhino lined floors.That worked very well, I was a flyfishing guide and towed my skiff with it, so it saw a lot of saltwater type abuse.

I'm not trying to rain on your parade, just give you some things I've learned along the way.Besides, if you have had cj's before, you know what to expect. I see you're picking it up tomorrow, sorry I didn't post this info sooner, I don't look at the boards everyday,only when I'm hate-n on Florida and thinking about the ski stoke.

Been fishing in Fl a long time, have thick skin from the sun, jong away...

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