I'm just in the wrong part of the country. It seems that all the Toys are out west... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/angry.gif" alt="" />

keep lookin- you dont want the troubles that come with a cj....

Why in the heck are you limiting yourself to an 84-85? To make it trail worthy it is going to cost you almost as much as doing a SAS on an 86-89.:D

Look for rebuildable ones. You can usually find Gen 1 and 2 x-cabs for under a grand when they need work, even the '84 & '85's. Besides with a jeep, you have decide to either carry spare parts(which you will need a lot of), or camping gear and refreshments(the fun stuff).

As a former jeeper (73CJ5 - good wheeler!,77CJ7 - ok ,81CJ7 - total piece of crap) snowtoy is right. A constant battle to find ways to carry gear and gas with a CJ (15g tank & bad mpg). My 4runner carries a family of 5 (kids 5,7,10) & gear. I'd never go back. Be patient and keep looking!

Look on ebay.

LOL! Thx for the support,guys... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> I've already got an 87 SR5 4Runner, but that's the wife's daily driver,all decked out with Tony Stewart NASCAR swag. I may have to be prepared to travel west to get what I want.
An 85 SR5 Xtracab was my first new vehicle,first 4x4,first 5spd and first Toyota. I was 19, in the military and no kids to feed. I was headed to OKC from Seattle in Febuary to bury my Grandmother. I was headed south on I-5 over the pass south of Ashland,OR when I hit black ice on a curve and slid into a semi crawling up the shoulder. No injuries, but totaled the Toy w/2500 mi on it... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />
So, That's part of the motivation...

Start checking craigslist. I've seen some pretty good deals. If I had a place to park them all, I'd probably have about a dozen Toyota 4x4s that I've seen on there for a good price in good shape.

Don't be afaid of IFS trucks either, once you count high steer and rear axle swap. it's darn close to SAS'in a newer truck.

I started with an '85, but now I would definatley SAS an IFS if I were to start again <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/drunk.gif" alt="" /> ............Karl

I will sell you my 86 xtra-cab. has 5 to 1 in the case, lockrite in the rear, 33's, sliders, budbuilt cross member. 235k on 22re engine. It burns oil, but runs good. body has a few dents. Make an offer. I am thinking 3500.

Mike