Jeep CJ-5 - Ok, I'm thinking of buying a 78 CJ. Any experiences with this hog?
11-28-2001, 07:06 PM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 5,757
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Jeep CJ-5 - Ok, I'm thinking of buying a 78 CJ. Any experiences with this hog?
Anything I should know before I buy? I'm looking at one this saturday that I have a feeling I'm gonna like.
specs
305 v8 3 speed
3" body lift
4" skyjacker suspension lift
36" Dicky Thompson's
The speedo really reads way off
The thing looks like a beast
specs
305 v8 3 speed
3" body lift
4" skyjacker suspension lift
36" Dicky Thompson's
The speedo really reads way off
The thing looks like a beast
11-28-2001, 07:13 PM
#2
Just make sure you aren't buying someone elses problem.
I had a YJ for several years, and seriously looked at a CJ-5 prior to buying mine. Watch for transmission issues, there are some that just dont want to dowshift and if you want to use it for an ORV that is a big issue. Look for bad seals just in front of the firewall, and be wary of a repaint.
Just my .02
Brian
Just my .02
Brian
11-28-2001, 07:18 PM
#3
Elder Member
Join Date: Oct 2000
Posts: 15,734
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Take a very good look underneath. Those things rarely age well.
Also make sure you carefully look at all the floorboards. Pull up any carpet (if it has any). Check for rust around the drain hole.
You know they roll much more easily than CJ-7s or Wranglers, right?
You know they roll much more easily than CJ-7s or Wranglers, right?
11-28-2001, 07:21 PM
#4
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 5,757
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks.. ORV? I plan on doing the repaint myself - burnt orange metalic :)
Do you still have the YJ? I'm debating whether to do this or just take the 0% financing and get an 02 wrangler...
11-28-2001, 07:24 PM
#5
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 5,757
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
What was the issue with the CJ-5 that makes it roll more?
I'm really going into this buy blind. I had an 02 wrangler lined up. I was feeling the 0% financing etc but then came across this bad *** machine in my area.
I was thinking 5 point harness for belts. He said it has an aftermarket roll cage welded to the frame for added saftey and no rust anywhere. Supposed underbody treatment as this thing was used strickly as an offroader its life...only 60,000 miles.
I was thinking 5 point harness for belts. He said it has an aftermarket roll cage welded to the frame for added saftey and no rust anywhere. Supposed underbody treatment as this thing was used strickly as an offroader its life...only 60,000 miles.
11-28-2001, 07:32 PM
#6
Elder Member
Join Date: Oct 2000
Posts: 15,734
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
High center of gravity and narrow wheelbase....
The new Wranglers are actually very stable. I've owned 2: a '92 Sahara and a '97. Both soft tops. I'll definately own another.
If you go the Wrangler route, get the 4.0L b/c the base engine is a dog. Nothing beats a doorless Jeep w/ the top down in the Summer (although I'm sure a TTR is close)! [ducking]
If you go the Wrangler route, get the 4.0L b/c the base engine is a dog. Nothing beats a doorless Jeep w/ the top down in the Summer (although I'm sure a TTR is close)! [ducking]
11-28-2001, 07:39 PM
#7
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 5,757
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
'97 and on, the wrangler is very safe...better in frontal impact then a cheeroke.
I will drive the sucker slow so rolling could be avoided but you can't deny being suspended upside down with the race harness would be very fun 
I'm driving both engines and the 4.0L is the only way to go...plus I need a sport with the 30" tire group.
Great summer and winter car...but what about these doors?
<img src="http://www.thinkjeep.com/manufacturers/olympic/safari/adv-net.jpg">
I thought they were pretty bad *** looking...I'd go for these for summer.
I'm driving both engines and the 4.0L is the only way to go...plus I need a sport with the 30" tire group.
Great summer and winter car...but what about these doors?
<img src="http://www.thinkjeep.com/manufacturers/olympic/safari/adv-net.jpg">
I thought they were pretty bad *** looking...I'd go for these for summer.
Trending Topics
11-28-2001, 07:40 PM
#8
Stay away from the new wranglers for Offroad Rec Vehicle use.
Used Rover, YJ, CJ, or Land Cruiser will serve better.
Ladder frame, and solid axle are much more reliable. This is based on my off road travels which have been mainly desert, rock, and snow with a little mud thrown in for good measure.
I traded my jeep in on my wifes A4, and we are looking on adding either a Defender, discoveryII, older cherokee, or Pinzgauer (sp) for climbing trips.
Ladder frame, and solid axle are much more reliable. This is based on my off road travels which have been mainly desert, rock, and snow with a little mud thrown in for good measure.
I traded my jeep in on my wifes A4, and we are looking on adding either a Defender, discoveryII, older cherokee, or Pinzgauer (sp) for climbing trips.
11-28-2001, 07:46 PM
#10
You dont need doors! I went doorless, with bikini-top nearly year round. Hell it only got washed
when it rained. I actually had one of my wifes friends ask if we got a new "WHITE" Jeep after i washed it. because she thougth it was tan.