CJ Project -How to Get Started?

[Finn2010]

Since I've been "forced" into an SUV, I'm thinking something with big
tires, power and a little rough around the edges, but need some help to get started.

I'd like to buy something that needed a little, but not lots of work. I've got basic mechnical skills and have a mill, lathe, welder, etc.

Would be nice to have something with the stuff below already completed

304 or 350 conversion
4x4
Suspension lift for big, but not huge tires.

Is the 350 a better choice for parts/upgrades, etc? How difficult is a project to do crawler gears and/or ARB air lockers?

What's a reasonable price for something with the big stuff done? Any tips for getting started?

I'm not really sure where to start with this, so I would really appreciate any help.

Thanks!!

 

[Saddle Tramp]

Well it’s late and I have an early appointment so I’ll do the condensed version tonight and add more tomorrow.

To start, new Jeep parts cost money and used parts already installed go for much less; try to find a jeep that has the most goodies on it for the buck, that’s in the best shape, and set up for what you want to use the jeep for. If this is going to be a daily driver and occasional off road rig, the CJ that has 6” inches of suspension lift with 2” of body lift added to that and swapped in axels from a full sized vehicle sporting 37” tires probably isn’t the best choice but a mild lift and 31’-33” tires may be. I also shy away when the owner tells me about how that jeep “can fly” or has pictures his buddy took doing things that may look cool but in your gut you know it had to leave a mark. It is hard to find a CJ that has not been road hard and put away wet but they are out there, look for a plum.

Decent CJs can go for a little as $2,500 or as much as $10,000 in my area but $3,500 to $5,500 seems to be the norm. Here again, what’s on it that you want or need for what you are going to use it for.

The AMC I6s and the AMC V8s are all good motors. Both the AMC I6s and V8s from 1972 and up share the same bellhousing bolt pattern. The I6 have great low end torque and last forever if you keep the oil changed properly and even when the rings are going and the blow by is forcing oil out of every available orifice, these things keep on keep’n on. It was a crime for the pin heads at Daimler to kill this motor. (I do not believe their “emissions” excuse)

The AMC V8s have great possibilities too. They can be built to unbelievable horse power if wanted and the AMC 360 is plentiful in the bone yards (we did loose a few to the clunkers program). In fact the block has a high nickel content making them a good candidate for rebuilding.

If you buy a 1976 to 1986 CJ you get the advantage of a boxed frame and better aftermarket support than the 1975 and older CJs. Having said that, if the deal is right on an older one I wouldn’t hesitate to take it and box in the frame myself.

The advantage to staying with the AMC motors over the Chevy 350 is you can build a very capable and comfortable jeep without the need for adaptors. Most of the drive train components are interchangeable and can be mixed and matched. Heck, you can even throw a few Scout parts into the mix too with no adaptors. I know the Chevy guys like to flame me for dishing the 350, and yes it is a good AMERICAN workhorse but in my opinion a 1972 through 1986 CJ with an AMC motor will always take the nod over one with a Chevy V8 in it. (Yes the Iron Duke was a Chevy and yes the late 60s and early 70s V6 were GM products I know but I stand on what I just said)

So, take a look on Craig’s List and see what’s available in your area.

 

[gearheadmb]

It all depends on your strengths and weaknesses. If you are a mechanical guru then an old CJ that is parked behind someones barn might be your best deal. These usually come with the story that it was running when it got parked about ten years ago, and the owner is sure that it will start right up with a jump. In this area those can be found for $500-1000. If you can't change the air in your tires then look for a TJ with alot of the bolt-ons that you like already installed. I definitely agree that it is way cheaper to buy them with aftermarket stuff already on them than to buy it new and install it. If you go with older stuff climb under the thing with a flashlight before you buy it. CJs had a problem with the frames rusting through in the rear and thats not something you want to have to repair.
Also how rusty is everything else? You are going to have to get under there and work on this thing eventually, are any of the bolts gonna come out? But whatever you buy make sure it is solid underneath, if you have that everything else is fixable.

 

[Saddle Tramp]

Finn-

What do you me by “forced” into an SUV? I don’t think of a CJ as an SUV, its a jeep and in my mind there is a big difference, particularly when you consider Subaru claims to be the worlds first SUV. (I gag every time I hear that in a commercial as I believe it to be a bold faced lie; Subaru trying to make themselves something they are not.)