Few Q's about Jeeps

[TWilkening]

I've been thinking about buying a jeep for daily dring and a little offroading. One that I found that I might be interested in is a 76 CJ7 with a 304 V8. I know nothing about these old jeeps so I was wondering if any of you guys have any opinions on these rigs. Would this jeep have a 3 speed or a 4 speed? And how is the 304 V8?

 

[MA2LA]

generaly a 76 will have the 3 speed witch is a decent trans if your luck it may have the t18 4speed witch is very sought after for of road because of the low first gear. the 304 isn't a power house but its more than you realy need in a short wheelbase CJ and it will run forever. . Take a realy good look at the frame they tend to rust pretty bad aswell as the tubs. the frames will also crack where it bends up over the rear axle. depending on the price you may want to look at a new yj with a 4. 0 the frames and tub hold up much better and the 4. 0 is one of the best motors ever made. you can put a cj front end on the yj and get the classic look with the better jeep

 

[wcjp]

I'm probably going to get flamed over this. However, you mentioned daily driving. Avoid the CJ's. Go with a 91'+ YJ 4. 0l or TJ 4. 0l. The TJ also has coil spring suspension. They're nicer on the road, more expensive to modify. The 4cyl engine is ok, but I'd avoid it. The 4cyl will always be underpowered. Especially with the auto.

 

[sarj]

It depends on your idea of off-roading. Mine's built well with lots of suspension upgrades that make it pretty bulletproof off-road. I have a 4. 0 fuel injected with a 3 speed manual-auto, so I can't comment on the V8. I will say I use it for my around-town driving as well as overnight wheeling trips. It tears around town pretty good. Test drive it at highway speed and see if it cruises well with one hand down at the bottom of the steering wheel. If it doesn't wander and you don't wrestle it, it would probably work for you. Either way, they aren't known for good gas mileage... but the cool factor of no doors or top more than compensates.

 

[MarkMiller]

Unless your a 7 junkie they are always overpriced now. A good shape YJ (87-94) is a great machine. Cheap and the frame is MUCH stronger. Don't get a 4cyl. You will be unhappy. However, a v-8 is a bolt in affair now and can be done in a weekend They get my vote for cheap and easy.

 

[Dieselnut59]

Unless your a 7 junkie they are always overpriced now. A good shape YJ (87-94) is a great machine. Cheap and the frame is MUCH stronger. Don't get a 4cyl. You will be unhappy. However, a v-8 is a bolt in affair now and can be done in a weekend They get my vote for cheap and easy.

As is a B39 Cummins, which is a future project for me!

 

[MarkMiller]

There is a old style Bronco that is owned by the lead singer of Static-X that he had repowered with a 4 bt that he has detuned to 300 hp so that the truck is easier to drive offroad. I think there was an article on it in Four Wheeler magazine. Might give you some ideas.