So Im 17, looking to get my first Jeep and into off roading.

My buddy has a 1986 CJ7 which is lifted 6 inches and on 33's.
I can get it for $500 bucks but obviously there are some things wrong with it.

The breakdown is:

Front right shackle broken
Front left tire slow leak
Power Steering and rad leak
passenger door doesent work (who cares my girlfriend can learn to climb)
Bit of rust

The good thing is I know what is wrong with it.

Good deal? Any advice you can give would be greatly appreciated.
I kind of want it for a summer project and to have some fun wheeling.

Thanks again! take it easy.

 

Majors are steering/rad/shackle so it going to cost u another $500.max for your parts, which you are going to repair yourself then its not a bad deal, I won't ask the mileage as its probably right up there, the engine is a 6 or 4? The gearing is 4.10's or smaller? Do crawl under neath and check the bell housing, both diff's, transfer case for heavy leaking (you don't have to remove anything to do this check just look). Take the drive shafts in your hand and twist them slightly to see how much play u have in them. Check the frame to make sure its not cracked or bent.
The slow leaking tire, might cost u to have it removed, rim cleaned and put back on or it might be a loose valve (not costly) It cost me $17. with a smile.
The door cud be bent or the hinge might never have seen wd40, but more then lightly can be fixed cheap.
Remember this is not a car, and at 6" lift you can roll real easy to please take it easy and enjoy yourself alive.

 

Thanks alot for the reply. I will defs check out those things on it. I have easy access its at my best friends house right now, its his brothers. Next time im down there i will check.

Thanks for taking the time its appreciated, i need the advice.

if everything else is good would you think its a good idea?

Thanks

Anyone else who want to chime in feel free

 

Oh and rust, can you fix it? could i just get rid of the rust some how and put diamond plate over it?

 

any CJ is at least 24 years old ...expect a lot of attention to rust ,rotted frame ,

did yiur friend took care ofit or just beat it !

you could end putting lots of cash in it

if not mecanicaly inclined id buy a TJ

 

So im thinking im going to pass on this one.

I have around $3000 now and i will save through the summer and see then.
But if i do see something good i might be tempted!

I will check with you guys first

Thanks alot!

 

To put mine in great condition , I have invested, over $10,000.(new tub,new frame etc...)

 

Go for it!! $500 cj, drive it for the summer and have some fun. Park it in the fall and fix it a little at a time as you get some spare cash. Thats my idea, depends really on how bad it is. Diamond plate and tremclad covers alot of rust.

 

if you got the 3000 i would go to the dealer ship and get them to put you in a new rubicon dont get me wrong i like the cj alot was looking at one befor i got my 05 rubicon. but it is new it will come with factorie lokers front and rear and the 08 and newer has factorie sway bar diconects you wont break down in the bush you dont have to worrie about some one eles half jobs and how bad did he beat it. you know what your getting with new it may be more to get the new one off the bat but if you treat her nice she will last dont let the price scare you i went new so i would have something to put my cash to insted of the bar and booze store and it works .on a side note though if you all ready have a truck and trailer get the cj for a trail toy only then it dont matter what it looks like and you could make it in to a sweet rock kralwer or strait mud pit machine . but get a jeep