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Should I buy a CJ7?
There is a 1981 CJ7 up the road from for sale, guy wanted $4500.00
Canadian for it, it's now down to $4000.00, has a new glass body, and has been recertified, but this thing is the worst thing I've ever driven, seat belts required to hold you in, shifting is bad, engine sounds bad, was told by another CJ owner that the engine and trans are shot in this one, rubber and body are great, wondered if it was worth it even if it did need a rebuilt drivetrain, tires and rims are probably worth $1200.00. What does anyone have to say, are these things that bad to drive even when in good shape? |
Re: Should I buy a CJ7?
It has 33" tires on it, mud terrains, so I realize that this will add to
ride bounce, and it sits a little lower in back then front so may be a spring/shock problem. Was looking at a site online for an engine for it, $1135.00 US for a rebuilt V8, that's a little over 1500 Can. Guess for under 8 grand I could have a nice jeep. "Michael White" <michael12@mindspring.com> wrote in message news:nHa7b.4059$PE6.2640@newsread3.news.pas.earthl ink.net... > Greg (greglc84@hotmail.com) wrote on Monday 08 September 2003 08:30 pm: > > > There is a 1981 CJ7 up the road from for sale, guy wanted $4500.00 > > Canadian for it, it's now down to $4000.00, has a new glass body, and has > > been recertified, but this thing is the worst thing I've ever driven, seat > > belts required to hold you in, shifting is bad, engine sounds bad, was > > told by another CJ owner that the engine and trans are shot in this one, > > rubber and body are great, wondered if it was worth it even if it did need > > a rebuilt drivetrain, tires and rims are probably worth $1200.00. What > > does anyone have to say, are these things that bad to drive even when in > > good shape? > > They're not going to be a car, and you will get bounced around on bumpy > roads. But the engine and transmission should both be smooth. You can > probably get both rebuilt (or exchange for a rebuilt) for about $1500-$2000 > US. > > Check for leaks in the axle seals, in the transfer case, and fuel tank > (especially up north there). > > I don't know what could be causing the bumpy ride. Bad springs? Bad > shocks? Are there oversize tires on it? Sometimes that'll add to the > problem. > -- > Michael White "To protect people from the effects of folly is to > fill the world with fools." -Herbert Spencer, 1891 |
Re: Should I buy a CJ7?
It has 33" tires on it, mud terrains, so I realize that this will add to
ride bounce, and it sits a little lower in back then front so may be a spring/shock problem. Was looking at a site online for an engine for it, $1135.00 US for a rebuilt V8, that's a little over 1500 Can. Guess for under 8 grand I could have a nice jeep. "Michael White" <michael12@mindspring.com> wrote in message news:nHa7b.4059$PE6.2640@newsread3.news.pas.earthl ink.net... > Greg (greglc84@hotmail.com) wrote on Monday 08 September 2003 08:30 pm: > > > There is a 1981 CJ7 up the road from for sale, guy wanted $4500.00 > > Canadian for it, it's now down to $4000.00, has a new glass body, and has > > been recertified, but this thing is the worst thing I've ever driven, seat > > belts required to hold you in, shifting is bad, engine sounds bad, was > > told by another CJ owner that the engine and trans are shot in this one, > > rubber and body are great, wondered if it was worth it even if it did need > > a rebuilt drivetrain, tires and rims are probably worth $1200.00. What > > does anyone have to say, are these things that bad to drive even when in > > good shape? > > They're not going to be a car, and you will get bounced around on bumpy > roads. But the engine and transmission should both be smooth. You can > probably get both rebuilt (or exchange for a rebuilt) for about $1500-$2000 > US. > > Check for leaks in the axle seals, in the transfer case, and fuel tank > (especially up north there). > > I don't know what could be causing the bumpy ride. Bad springs? Bad > shocks? Are there oversize tires on it? Sometimes that'll add to the > problem. > -- > Michael White "To protect people from the effects of folly is to > fill the world with fools." -Herbert Spencer, 1891 |
Re: Should I buy a CJ7?
For a first Jeep, it doesn't sound like the way to go both financially or
physically |
Re: Should I buy a CJ7?
For a first Jeep, it doesn't sound like the way to go both financially or
physically |
Re: Should I buy a CJ7?
Tell him it's the worst CJ you have ever driven and it's a mechanical
nightmare. Maybe he will start feeling a little guilty about trying to unload his POS and give you a deal on it. Otherwise, stay away from it unless you are willing to put the time and $$$ into it. Odds are, if you are buying a used CJ, you will most likely endup rebuilding the whole damn thing anyway. I know, I did. Ted "Greg" <greglc84@hotmail.com> wrote in message news:W2a7b.926884$3C2.21140741@news3.calgary.shaw. ca... > There is a 1981 CJ7 up the road from for sale, guy wanted $4500.00 > Canadian for it, it's now down to $4000.00, has a new glass body, and has > been recertified, but this thing is the worst thing I've ever driven, seat > belts required to hold you in, shifting is bad, engine sounds bad, was told > by another CJ owner that the engine and trans are shot in this one, rubber > and body are great, wondered if it was worth it even if it did need a > rebuilt drivetrain, tires and rims are probably worth $1200.00. What does > anyone have to say, are these things that bad to drive even when in good > shape? > > |
Re: Should I buy a CJ7?
Tell him it's the worst CJ you have ever driven and it's a mechanical
nightmare. Maybe he will start feeling a little guilty about trying to unload his POS and give you a deal on it. Otherwise, stay away from it unless you are willing to put the time and $$$ into it. Odds are, if you are buying a used CJ, you will most likely endup rebuilding the whole damn thing anyway. I know, I did. Ted "Greg" <greglc84@hotmail.com> wrote in message news:W2a7b.926884$3C2.21140741@news3.calgary.shaw. ca... > There is a 1981 CJ7 up the road from for sale, guy wanted $4500.00 > Canadian for it, it's now down to $4000.00, has a new glass body, and has > been recertified, but this thing is the worst thing I've ever driven, seat > belts required to hold you in, shifting is bad, engine sounds bad, was told > by another CJ owner that the engine and trans are shot in this one, rubber > and body are great, wondered if it was worth it even if it did need a > rebuilt drivetrain, tires and rims are probably worth $1200.00. What does > anyone have to say, are these things that bad to drive even when in good > shape? > > |
Re: Should I buy a CJ7?
>Odds are, if you are buying a used CJ, you will most likely endup rebuilding
>the whole damn thing anyway. I know, I did. > I second that!! But don't we all? Don W '82 CJ8 Scrambler AMC 360 T/F 727 Dana 300 One-piece model 20 rear Dana 30 front, upgraded to 6-bolt caliper and Warn hubs, awaiting locker 2" shackle lift/reversal 2" lift springs of unknown origin 33" Mickey's And it finally runs!!!!! |
Re: Should I buy a CJ7?
>Odds are, if you are buying a used CJ, you will most likely endup rebuilding
>the whole damn thing anyway. I know, I did. > I second that!! But don't we all? Don W '82 CJ8 Scrambler AMC 360 T/F 727 Dana 300 One-piece model 20 rear Dana 30 front, upgraded to 6-bolt caliper and Warn hubs, awaiting locker 2" shackle lift/reversal 2" lift springs of unknown origin 33" Mickey's And it finally runs!!!!! |
Re: Should I buy a CJ7?
Price sounds high to me. I wouldn't spend $4000 on a Jeep knowing I was
getting a shot tranny and engine. For $8000 you can buy a nice Jeep already. Why buy a beater for $4000 and then put the time/effort and another $4000 into it hoping it's good. For the same $$ you could probably find a decent CJ here http://www.jeep-classifieds.com/classifieds/cj.asp and have it shipped. "Greg" <greglc84@hotmail.com> wrote in message news:W2a7b.926884$3C2.21140741@news3.calgary.shaw. ca... > There is a 1981 CJ7 up the road from for sale, guy wanted $4500.00 > Canadian for it, it's now down to $4000.00, has a new glass body, and has > been recertified, but this thing is the worst thing I've ever driven, seat > belts required to hold you in, shifting is bad, engine sounds bad, was told > by another CJ owner that the engine and trans are shot in this one, rubber > and body are great, wondered if it was worth it even if it did need a > rebuilt drivetrain, tires and rims are probably worth $1200.00. What does > anyone have to say, are these things that bad to drive even when in good > shape? > > |
Re: Should I buy a CJ7?
Price sounds high to me. I wouldn't spend $4000 on a Jeep knowing I was
getting a shot tranny and engine. For $8000 you can buy a nice Jeep already. Why buy a beater for $4000 and then put the time/effort and another $4000 into it hoping it's good. For the same $$ you could probably find a decent CJ here http://www.jeep-classifieds.com/classifieds/cj.asp and have it shipped. "Greg" <greglc84@hotmail.com> wrote in message news:W2a7b.926884$3C2.21140741@news3.calgary.shaw. ca... > There is a 1981 CJ7 up the road from for sale, guy wanted $4500.00 > Canadian for it, it's now down to $4000.00, has a new glass body, and has > been recertified, but this thing is the worst thing I've ever driven, seat > belts required to hold you in, shifting is bad, engine sounds bad, was told > by another CJ owner that the engine and trans are shot in this one, rubber > and body are great, wondered if it was worth it even if it did need a > rebuilt drivetrain, tires and rims are probably worth $1200.00. What does > anyone have to say, are these things that bad to drive even when in good > shape? > > |
Re: Should I buy a CJ7?
One reason is the new fiberglass body on it, according my searches, this
would cost me $ 3,413.16 Canadian from JC Whitney plus shipping and duty. "Kevin Sperle" <ksperle@nospam.hotmail.com> wrote in message news:rRs7b.214$M87.96423@news.uswest.net... > Price sounds high to me. I wouldn't spend $4000 on a Jeep knowing I was > getting a shot tranny and engine. For $8000 you can buy a nice Jeep > already. Why buy a beater for $4000 and then put the time/effort and > another $4000 into it hoping it's good. > > For the same $$ you could probably find a decent CJ here > http://www.jeep-classifieds.com/classifieds/cj.asp and have it shipped. > > "Greg" <greglc84@hotmail.com> wrote in message > news:W2a7b.926884$3C2.21140741@news3.calgary.shaw. ca... > > There is a 1981 CJ7 up the road from for sale, guy wanted $4500.00 > > Canadian for it, it's now down to $4000.00, has a new glass body, and has > > been recertified, but this thing is the worst thing I've ever driven, seat > > belts required to hold you in, shifting is bad, engine sounds bad, was > told > > by another CJ owner that the engine and trans are shot in this one, rubber > > and body are great, wondered if it was worth it even if it did need a > > rebuilt drivetrain, tires and rims are probably worth $1200.00. What does > > anyone have to say, are these things that bad to drive even when in good > > shape? > > > > > > |
Re: Should I buy a CJ7?
One reason is the new fiberglass body on it, according my searches, this
would cost me $ 3,413.16 Canadian from JC Whitney plus shipping and duty. "Kevin Sperle" <ksperle@nospam.hotmail.com> wrote in message news:rRs7b.214$M87.96423@news.uswest.net... > Price sounds high to me. I wouldn't spend $4000 on a Jeep knowing I was > getting a shot tranny and engine. For $8000 you can buy a nice Jeep > already. Why buy a beater for $4000 and then put the time/effort and > another $4000 into it hoping it's good. > > For the same $$ you could probably find a decent CJ here > http://www.jeep-classifieds.com/classifieds/cj.asp and have it shipped. > > "Greg" <greglc84@hotmail.com> wrote in message > news:W2a7b.926884$3C2.21140741@news3.calgary.shaw. ca... > > There is a 1981 CJ7 up the road from for sale, guy wanted $4500.00 > > Canadian for it, it's now down to $4000.00, has a new glass body, and has > > been recertified, but this thing is the worst thing I've ever driven, seat > > belts required to hold you in, shifting is bad, engine sounds bad, was > told > > by another CJ owner that the engine and trans are shot in this one, rubber > > and body are great, wondered if it was worth it even if it did need a > > rebuilt drivetrain, tires and rims are probably worth $1200.00. What does > > anyone have to say, are these things that bad to drive even when in good > > shape? > > > > > > |
Re: Should I buy a CJ7?
"Kevin Sperle" <ksperle@nospam.hotmail.com> wrote in message news:rRs7b.214$M87.96423@news.uswest.net... > Price sounds high to me. I wouldn't spend $4000 on a Jeep knowing I was > getting a shot tranny and engine. For $8000 you can buy a nice Jeep > already. Why buy a beater for $4000 and then put the time/effort and > another $4000 into it hoping it's good. Keep in mind he is talking Canadian $$ here. It is Fiberglass and has some tire. It may not be all that bad of a deal. Sound like it needs the lift looked at if it is sagging in rear. As suggested for mine, a re arc and maybe new shocks. Just because it has bigger tires, doesn't mean it should ride bad. You may have to get all new shocks and springs. Curt |
Re: Should I buy a CJ7?
"Kevin Sperle" <ksperle@nospam.hotmail.com> wrote in message news:rRs7b.214$M87.96423@news.uswest.net... > Price sounds high to me. I wouldn't spend $4000 on a Jeep knowing I was > getting a shot tranny and engine. For $8000 you can buy a nice Jeep > already. Why buy a beater for $4000 and then put the time/effort and > another $4000 into it hoping it's good. Keep in mind he is talking Canadian $$ here. It is Fiberglass and has some tire. It may not be all that bad of a deal. Sound like it needs the lift looked at if it is sagging in rear. As suggested for mine, a re arc and maybe new shocks. Just because it has bigger tires, doesn't mean it should ride bad. You may have to get all new shocks and springs. Curt |
Re: Should I buy a CJ7?
I bought an 85 CJ7 that NEEDS nothing for $3000 (US). Sounds like you could
find a Jeep from the southern US (ie little to no rust) and have it transported to you for the same price... "Greg" <greglc84@hotmail.com> wrote in message news:hQt7b.122343$la.2683431@news1.calgary.shaw.ca ... > One reason is the new fiberglass body on it, according my searches, this > would cost me $ 3,413.16 Canadian from JC Whitney plus shipping and duty. > > "Kevin Sperle" <ksperle@nospam.hotmail.com> wrote in message > news:rRs7b.214$M87.96423@news.uswest.net... > > Price sounds high to me. I wouldn't spend $4000 on a Jeep knowing I was > > getting a shot tranny and engine. For $8000 you can buy a nice Jeep > > already. Why buy a beater for $4000 and then put the time/effort and > > another $4000 into it hoping it's good. > > > > For the same $$ you could probably find a decent CJ here > > http://www.jeep-classifieds.com/classifieds/cj.asp and have it shipped. > > > > "Greg" <greglc84@hotmail.com> wrote in message > > news:W2a7b.926884$3C2.21140741@news3.calgary.shaw. ca... > > > There is a 1981 CJ7 up the road from for sale, guy wanted $4500.00 > > > Canadian for it, it's now down to $4000.00, has a new glass body, and > has > > > been recertified, but this thing is the worst thing I've ever driven, > seat > > > belts required to hold you in, shifting is bad, engine sounds bad, was > > told > > > by another CJ owner that the engine and trans are shot in this one, > rubber > > > and body are great, wondered if it was worth it even if it did need a > > > rebuilt drivetrain, tires and rims are probably worth $1200.00. What > does > > > anyone have to say, are these things that bad to drive even when in good > > > shape? > > > > > > > > > > > > |
Re: Should I buy a CJ7?
I bought an 85 CJ7 that NEEDS nothing for $3000 (US). Sounds like you could
find a Jeep from the southern US (ie little to no rust) and have it transported to you for the same price... "Greg" <greglc84@hotmail.com> wrote in message news:hQt7b.122343$la.2683431@news1.calgary.shaw.ca ... > One reason is the new fiberglass body on it, according my searches, this > would cost me $ 3,413.16 Canadian from JC Whitney plus shipping and duty. > > "Kevin Sperle" <ksperle@nospam.hotmail.com> wrote in message > news:rRs7b.214$M87.96423@news.uswest.net... > > Price sounds high to me. I wouldn't spend $4000 on a Jeep knowing I was > > getting a shot tranny and engine. For $8000 you can buy a nice Jeep > > already. Why buy a beater for $4000 and then put the time/effort and > > another $4000 into it hoping it's good. > > > > For the same $$ you could probably find a decent CJ here > > http://www.jeep-classifieds.com/classifieds/cj.asp and have it shipped. > > > > "Greg" <greglc84@hotmail.com> wrote in message > > news:W2a7b.926884$3C2.21140741@news3.calgary.shaw. ca... > > > There is a 1981 CJ7 up the road from for sale, guy wanted $4500.00 > > > Canadian for it, it's now down to $4000.00, has a new glass body, and > has > > > been recertified, but this thing is the worst thing I've ever driven, > seat > > > belts required to hold you in, shifting is bad, engine sounds bad, was > > told > > > by another CJ owner that the engine and trans are shot in this one, > rubber > > > and body are great, wondered if it was worth it even if it did need a > > > rebuilt drivetrain, tires and rims are probably worth $1200.00. What > does > > > anyone have to say, are these things that bad to drive even when in good > > > shape? > > > > > > > > > > > > |
Re: Should I buy a CJ7?
Well...
To start, a CJ7 drives like the small truck it is. It steers like a truck, it 'really' shifts like a truck, brakes like a truck (long) and rides like a truck. If the tires have more than 25 or so lb air in them, or if it has those Canadian tire sold Rancho 5000 shocks, you need a kidney belt and the wife needs a duct taped bra to drive it.... That 'panic' bar in front of the passenger isn't just there for show you know... ;-) Seriously.... Those 258 engines are powerhouses. They also are easy to rebuild. $1200.00 from Chrysler Canada for a short block last time I checked. But, usually the carb and the emissions stuff is all that is need to 'fix' to get them purring again. Both are inexpensive fixes if you do it yourself. I have a 'glass 86 CJ7 and love it. I did the build myself and got a body from a gent in Ontario that makes wicked ones. It 'was' a pile of work and even with a blown engine and blown tranny I wouldn't sell mine for less than 5 or 6. The price seems good to me. Rust buckets still get $3k around here. When you get it, come back and we can help you make it run good. A fast compression test on the engine before you buy it can tell a lot. Compression testers are cheap at Canadian tire. Mike 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's Greg wrote: > > There is a 1981 CJ7 up the road from for sale, guy wanted $4500.00 > Canadian for it, it's now down to $4000.00, has a new glass body, and has > been recertified, but this thing is the worst thing I've ever driven, seat > belts required to hold you in, shifting is bad, engine sounds bad, was told > by another CJ owner that the engine and trans are shot in this one, rubber > and body are great, wondered if it was worth it even if it did need a > rebuilt drivetrain, tires and rims are probably worth $1200.00. What does > anyone have to say, are these things that bad to drive even when in good > shape? |
Re: Should I buy a CJ7?
Well...
To start, a CJ7 drives like the small truck it is. It steers like a truck, it 'really' shifts like a truck, brakes like a truck (long) and rides like a truck. If the tires have more than 25 or so lb air in them, or if it has those Canadian tire sold Rancho 5000 shocks, you need a kidney belt and the wife needs a duct taped bra to drive it.... That 'panic' bar in front of the passenger isn't just there for show you know... ;-) Seriously.... Those 258 engines are powerhouses. They also are easy to rebuild. $1200.00 from Chrysler Canada for a short block last time I checked. But, usually the carb and the emissions stuff is all that is need to 'fix' to get them purring again. Both are inexpensive fixes if you do it yourself. I have a 'glass 86 CJ7 and love it. I did the build myself and got a body from a gent in Ontario that makes wicked ones. It 'was' a pile of work and even with a blown engine and blown tranny I wouldn't sell mine for less than 5 or 6. The price seems good to me. Rust buckets still get $3k around here. When you get it, come back and we can help you make it run good. A fast compression test on the engine before you buy it can tell a lot. Compression testers are cheap at Canadian tire. Mike 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's Greg wrote: > > There is a 1981 CJ7 up the road from for sale, guy wanted $4500.00 > Canadian for it, it's now down to $4000.00, has a new glass body, and has > been recertified, but this thing is the worst thing I've ever driven, seat > belts required to hold you in, shifting is bad, engine sounds bad, was told > by another CJ owner that the engine and trans are shot in this one, rubber > and body are great, wondered if it was worth it even if it did need a > rebuilt drivetrain, tires and rims are probably worth $1200.00. What does > anyone have to say, are these things that bad to drive even when in good > shape? |
Re: Should I buy a CJ7?
"Greg" <greglc84@hotmail.com> wrote in message news:<W2a7b.926884$3C2.21140741@news3.calgary.shaw .ca>...
> There is a 1981 CJ7 up the road from for sale, guy wanted $4500.00 > Canadian for it, it's now down to $4000.00, has a new glass body, and has > been recertified, but this thing is the worst thing I've ever driven, seat > belts required to hold you in, shifting is bad, engine sounds bad, was told > by another CJ owner that the engine and trans are shot in this one, rubber > and body are great, wondered if it was worth it even if it did need a > rebuilt drivetrain, tires and rims are probably worth $1200.00. What does > anyone have to say, are these things that bad to drive even when in good > shape? You wouldn't happen to be in Winnipeg would ya? There's a silver/grey CJ for sale here too that sounds an awful lot like the one you're describing. Mike |
Re: Should I buy a CJ7?
"Greg" <greglc84@hotmail.com> wrote in message news:<W2a7b.926884$3C2.21140741@news3.calgary.shaw .ca>...
> There is a 1981 CJ7 up the road from for sale, guy wanted $4500.00 > Canadian for it, it's now down to $4000.00, has a new glass body, and has > been recertified, but this thing is the worst thing I've ever driven, seat > belts required to hold you in, shifting is bad, engine sounds bad, was told > by another CJ owner that the engine and trans are shot in this one, rubber > and body are great, wondered if it was worth it even if it did need a > rebuilt drivetrain, tires and rims are probably worth $1200.00. What does > anyone have to say, are these things that bad to drive even when in good > shape? You wouldn't happen to be in Winnipeg would ya? There's a silver/grey CJ for sale here too that sounds an awful lot like the one you're describing. Mike |
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