YJ vs. CJ7 -- info needed.

[flip]

Hi all! I'm thinking about picking up a SWB Jeep this summer to play around with on the trails (I'm trying to keep my ZJ from getting too beat up). I'm looking at a late model CJ7 or a YJ. I'm just beginning my research, so if anyone can give me years or specifics I should look for, I'd appreciate it. The goal is a mild lift, 33's, and the joy of driving around topless. :)

Thanks,

Jonathan

[desert cj7]

The YJ and the CJ have alot more in common with each other than with the TJ. First off they are both leaf spring suspension. They both dont have the immenities of the TJ either. Things to watch out for are:

YJ
1987-90 Peugot Tranny- Royal Piece of crap
91? Went to fuel injection - Big Plus
Ugly Square headlights

CJ
80-86 Dana 300 T-Case - usually considered good
AMC20 Rear Axle - Some consider it better than the Dana 35 in the YJ
Carter Carb- I forgot which years but it is junk.
Never fuel injected - Bad
Beuatiful Round Headlights.
Less emissions crap which is good and bad because the older CJ's fail emissions alot.(at least here in AZ)


There are a lot more differences than I named but if you are open to owning either I would look at both until you find one with no rust that you like. Finding parts for both of them is really easy and it is really a personal preference. Alot of Jeepers add stuff so you might find one that is lifted and such.

[flip]

thanks. i'm not looking for a daily runner, so i can live without all kinds of luxuries. basically it's gonna be a beater for trail use and occasional topless cruising on nice days. I like the looks of the CJ better, but I figured I had a much better chance of finding a YJ in decent shape.

the quest begins.

[ontherocks]

'86 CJ-7's are a hot ticket if you find one. Since that was the last year AMC made the Jeep, they tended to drop all their leftover factory options in them in the last months of production. Some of the stock items you can find on them would be:
- Dana 300 T-case (Gear driven, not chain driven)
- Dana 44 rear axle
- 3 or 4 core radiators
- cool dash plaque stating "Last of the breed"!

Just more info for you...

[RYJAY]

thats' all
ready for a flame now

RJ

['76CJ5]

As much as I love CJ's, RAYJAY is right !

This could be you :

http://www.ilovejeeps.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=263

Find a YJ and put a CJ body on it, or at least the grill :-)

[lonegpr]

In your situation, I'd look for a '91 or new YJ, since looks aren't your primary consideration.

CJ's are becoming more scarce with time, making it tough to take one out on the trails if it is in good shape.

Also, you can pick up a inexpensive YJ with the 2.5L for a song these days. I see tons of them for sale in the OKC area going for about $6000-7000 in good shape.

I mention the 2.5L as it is will be cheaper than the 4.0L and does fine offroad and on city streets, even when equiped with larger tires. Highway performance though would be a different matter.

[flip]

As much as I love CJ's, RAYJAY is right !

This could be you :

http://www.ilovejeeps.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=263

Find a YJ and put a CJ body on it, or at least the grill :-)

thanks for the heads up.

i'm not too concerned about highway power. i have my ZJ for trips. i was thinking about trading my ZJ for a new dodge ram w/ off-road package (very sweet), but figured i could have both my ZJ and an off-road jeep for less money.


anybody know what year they changed the roll bar design from CJ style to the new squared-off style? i like the older one better.

[RYJAY]

anybody know what year they changed the roll bar design from CJ style to the new squared-off style? i like the older one better.

EWW!!!
GROSS!
I like my style
1991 was the last year they made the slanted rollbars.

So...If I was reccomending a jeep to you I'd say...

1991 YJ, 4.0L I6, ...First mod - SOA!!! (spring Over Axle Conversion...$$$...I wish!)

Here's a pic of mine...SOA would be very nice but I'm still a kid and I have no dollars as it is!
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1044256&a=7711272&p=43027743&Sequence=0&res =high

Check my sig for mods I've done.
Still very flexy! I had my 29's munching plastic flare yesterday and I have over 3" of lift!
I have ordered a 1" BL and MM and plan on going to 33's soon. (then adding TJ flares to replace my soon to be munched fenders)

Things that you don't need...
Back seat, Hard top, Soft top, (I run the bikini/duster/windjammer combo for as long as I can until my GF starts *****in)