Hi All,

Still looking for my first jeep. Have found a couple older ones with the V8, one with the 3 speed trans, another with a 4spd.

From what I have read here, folks really like the in-line 6, but I don't hear so much about the old V8's.

How does the V8 perform? Any opinions on the reliability of the V8? Is it going to use so much gas I won't want to use it as a daily driver?

Am I going to have to tow the 3 spd everywhere because of lack of highway gearing?

I am not have to have the older jeep, but I want a "J" type, or wrangler, and the prices seem to go up fast when I look at anything beyond a 1990 or so.

Thanks for any advice.

Howdy Mike Well yes the v-8 engines are pretty good engines.. And yes they didn't come with the 5th gear..
If I was looking I would suck it up and look only for a 4.0 Wrangler. They all came with fuel injection and hiway gearing.
I'd betcha by the time you get a v-8 Jeep running to suit ya, you'd have bout the same money in it as if you had found the "right" Jeep with the 4.0 in it to start with.
Big JIm <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

Thanks for the reply.

I think that is an excellent point, not knowing how much money and old jeep could take. I would like to discuss that some more.

I am looking at jeeps costing $3500-$4500, and they are already lifted, one with a rebuilt motor, at least one end with lockers, so a lot done to them. Of course I only hear the good stuff. They may be rust buckets, the suspension may be shot and so on.

Trouble is the folks want several thousand for a newer jeep, and that will still only be the start. Still need to lift, and probably get taller tires.

The other thing that is getting me, and I may be full of crap here, but I like the longer wheel base of a CJ7. To get that now I would have to get an unlimited, and then I am way out there for prices.

Thanks again.

IMHO CJ's and YJ Jeeps make uncomfortable daily drivers; the newer the Jeep, the better highway manners. However, good lift kits and other suspension modifications (read more dollars) can rectify the rig's ride quality. Jeep CJ's and Wranglers are poor choices for a daily driver also because of poor gas mileage. Of course, if your looking to buy an older rig that someone else built, it's going to cost much more (we won't even discuss the possibilities that you may, more than likely, purchase someone elses incomplete or poorly built moneypit). Lift kits, lockers, regearing, and other modifications cost the Jeep seller a great deal of money, and/or money and time. It's not uncommon to spend SEVERAL tens-of-thousands-of-dollars to build a respectable rockcrawler. Obviously, the Jeep seller is attempting to recoup some of the money invested in the built Jeep. However, if you should find a built Jeep in great condition, have it checked out by a very knowledgeable four wheeler who is a certified mechanic. If it truly is a good buy, buy it. But, it's unlikely you'll pick it up for under $5000.
Personally, I would never purchase another four wheeler's Jeep. My recommendation to you, where money is apparently a limiting factor, is to buy a stock used Jeep (unmodified). YJ's, and if you can find one, an early TJ can be purchased for under $5000. Keep in mind that 1996 - 1998 TJ's are now over 10 years old. I, in all good conscience, could never recommend any old school Jeep, older than 1991. It was basically in 1991 Chrysler packaged it's YJ with the 4.0 L 6-cylinder engine with electronic fuel injection ... it makes a difference, especially if you enjoy four wheeling more than wrenching on the trail!
In regard to wheelbase, CJ7's and YJ's had almost the same wheelbase, 93.5 and 93.4 inches, respectfully. It was the CJ6 and CJ8 (scrambler) that had the longer Cherokee-like wheelbase, 101 and 103 inches; the Jeepster was something like 104 inches. If you find one of these rigs, buy it and restore it, please!
The 4.0 liter engine is an 180 BHP powerhouse providing a lot of torque at low rpms for trail use. Old iron is old iron (read continuous repair). An early TJ is the vehicle you really should be looking for for a daily driver, IMHO.
Whatever Jeep you find and subsequently purchase, it will be difficult to keep yourself from spending money recklessly on this rig. At least, that's what others might say about your new passion. However, here on Jeep.wire, we understand this overpowering emotion and enthusiasm. Just keep writing, we'll attempt to walk you through the basics and help you avoid your family and friends arranging an intervention and possible therapy with your local psychiatrist. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

Thanks for the help, much appreciated.

I had been told by someone once before that the TJ was the way to go. I was thinking I better be sure a jeep is what I want before spending what it will take to get a TJ.

From the little I know of jeeps, I feel like I would have to get some lift, and then you get on that slippery-slope of where do you stop with the mods! I was out in a Tacoma with a friend in his stock 2001 TJ, and his clearance was pretty poor. Still, I appreciate your comment on buying what someone else has built, not knowing how to evaluate if it was done correctly.

Yes, Toyota has made some very practical offroad vehicles in the past. One thing I have admired was the fact that many of their older stock rigs had good ground clearance. 10 or 11 inches between the ground and the bottom of the differentials just doesn't provide the clearance needed for most moderate and difficult trails. In hindsight, most moderate and some difficult trails can be traversed with 33 inch tires if done with a little driver finesse (offroad driving experience and personal skills).
33 inch tires provides only between 2 to 3 inches of ground clearance over stock Wranglers, surprisingly providing sufficient ground clearance for most trails. Obviously, a rear full locker (the very minimum) and a winch will enhance your Wrangler's trail worthiness. Jeep TJ's are extremely trail worthy (better than any other Jeep previous to its introduction) without modification.
I've four-wheeled with a friend that was on a shoestring budget; he and his 98 TJ were nearly unstoppable. Never had I, nor since, observed such a skilled driver as he. He ran 33" BFG retreads under his TJ; a simple budget boost coil lift kit, and a full locker in the rear differential were the only modifications to his rig.
His passion for traversing difficult trail obstacles was unrelenting, at least, until a week long trip to Moab. Until, he and I did what is considered a moderate trail on the last day of our vacation. We climbed a 30 foot or more nearly vertical rock wall of Moab's remarkable slickrock; we did it simple because the group of LandRovers ahead of us had climbed the rock cliff with ease. I was first, I made it over. But, I was apprehensive. Heck, I'm white-knuckled just about every time an obstacle has a great deal of risk. The climb up this rock face is all about traction, balance, power, and nerve. The risk obviously is that you could lose traction and the Jeep falls about 20 or 30 feet with the driver in it!
My buddy's 4 cylinder TJ started lossing traction near the lip of the cliff during his ascent. He stayed on the pedal with his tires barking on the slickrock and managed to make it over the cliff's rim. Later, he told me some brief stories about what he had to do behind enemy lines during the Gulf War; nothing, he said, frighten him more than what he had done that day climbing the vertical rock wall. He said that he had serious doubts about his passion for four wheeling after that experience. After returning home, he sold his Jeep.
IMHO it's better to start with a stock Jeep. Is this passion for four-wheeling something that will be ever-lasting? Certainly a fair question for every four wheeler. If this sport is for you, I believe it is much wiser to build your own rig. Build it your way, learning what is necessary to build your Jeep and how to repair it out on the trail, if the situation arises. Wheeling a stock Jeep is the best method to developing the necessary driving skills. It also is a great way to determine if four wheeling is something you want to invest your time and money. Four wheeling with other Jeeps is also a great way to learn about your Jeep and the sport. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

The way you build your rig will depend on what you want to do and without getting out there and trying some stuff with a rig, you may never know. I doubt that I will ever try any real serious rock climbing because I dont want to keep ironing the dimple out of the drivers seat after! Being in LA, there aint much rock, just alot of red mud and nasty river bottoms. I dont really want all the articulation of the rockers but rear locker minimum, height and taller tires are a must. A winch is important where ever you are, if not for you, for your buds!! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> The DD thing will be more on how much buckin and beatin you can put up with along the way. Your better half should have the same outlook you do if you want her to ride along. In the older model CJ's, the V8 is a great choice for power and the mileage from the 6 cyl. isnt much different anyway. None of the older jeeps were known for mileage. IMHO, the V8 just offers more performance options. If you are gonna go with the 6 cyl. follow the other fellers advice and find a fuelie, in the long run it will give you better service and mileage. Just get out there with your basic rig, talk with others on thier mods and watch what they can do and decide if the money outlay is worth the desire to build it. Always keep in mind that J-E-E-P means "Just Empty Every Pocket" once you get started, the insanity starts! I know I could have bought one heeluva rig for what I have spent but the satisfaction of building mine from the ground up, the way I want it is considerable and when I put the sticker on that says "Built, Not Bought" it means something. Good Luck with your project, just remember, there aint no cure for our disease!! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/notooth.gif" alt="" />

Hey folks,

Thanks for the replies/advice.

It does sound wise to start slow, and work up. Especially the point of learning how to drive off road, and just how far I want to go. I can relate to that with some motorcycle trials I used to ride. It was a lot of fun for me as long as I stayed within what I was comforable with. I eventually gave it up, as I could not make the leap to hitting the big stuff (similar to what your friend hit when going up the cliff?)

It is hard to decide how to start, as it is tempting to get started with the mods right away. Also trying to decide if I want a DD, or a toy to play with on the weekends (which brings up the expense again).

All in all, I would think you are correct in advising me to take it easy, drive a bit and see what I think I want from there.

You may want to keep looking a little longer. I've seen a lot of mildly lifted Jeeps (2" budget boost w/ 1" or 2" body lift, or 3 1/2" +/_ lift kit) that really never saw any off roading beyond lumber hauling and fire roads in the woods. A modified vehicle sells for LESS than it's stock counterpart. If lifting it is the way you want to go, wait till someone trades in their toy and you can get one that's already set up well enough so you don't have to spend a lot immediately. Keep an eye on the dealerships - individuals tend to think their rig is worth more b/c of what they spent on it. Just my .02.

I was just wondering, suppose a Jeep owner upgraded his Dana 35 rear axle, replacing it with a new dana 44 axle and a full locker, at least $5000 dollars improvement over stock; would this modification reduce the resale value of his Jeep? Duh! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />