CJ5 or CJ7

[Silly Willy]

I have a few questions for those of you with the experience with these.

Im looking at getting rid of my Xj (Hopefully trading) and going with a CJ. I have been leaning more towards the CJ7 (that 10" seems to be helpful) Either way its a major step down in size.

So any recommendation or experience with either you can share?

Also both are SUA other than ~4" of lift what are the pros and cons to SOA vers SUA?

 

[mesha]

I prefer CJ7s. I have seen some 85/86s that were super nice with interior lights and everything

 

[Cherokeester]

If you are over 5.10 and care about having the extra wheelbase for wheeling then go with a Cj-7. I have had both and the 7 comes out on top just because of the space. The 5 does carry a certain coolness that is for sure.

 

[Spork]

Just to clarify... you're going from a 96 Cherokee to an 86 or older CJ7 or a 83 or older CJ5?

If this is just a question of short or not quite as short it's easy but I have a feeling this post is asking more. Before you commit to the CJ we need some answers.
Has any modifications been done to the CJs besides a 4" lift?
What will you be using this for? What is your backup vehicle when the CJ isn't working?
Have you ever owned a vehicle that is 24+ years old?
How mechanically capable are you?

 

[Silly Willy]

Just to clarify... you're going from a 96 Cherokee to an 86 or older CJ7 or a 83 or older CJ5?

If this is just a question of short or not quite as short it's easy but I have a feeling this post is asking more. Before you commit to the CJ we need some answers.
Has any modifications been done to the CJs besides a 4" lift?
What will you be using this for? What is your backup vehicle when the CJ isn't working?
Have you ever owned a vehicle that is 24+ years old?
How mechanically capable are you?

Correct on me going from a 96 to 86 and prior.

As far as the modification to the CJ. I don't have one yet Im just trying to get the opinion from those that have owned them and what "they" thought was best for them.

As far as back up and use, This would become a DD/recreational Wheeler I really only do mild, occasionally throw in the rare curve ball wheeling, nothing too extreme (I try to make sure I can drive back home)

As far as me owning a 24+ year vehicle no I have not

Mechanically I have pulled engines, rebuilt them, pulled axles, Body work, panel replacement, done everything ground up on my XJ (Full exhaust, Lift, Etc) Really I just don't have personal experience with Carbs. I guess that will be the only difficulty I can think of.

As far as the SOA and SUA question im just wondering again if people that have done the switch liked it and would do it again.

 

[Spork]

I had a cj7 for a while and thought it was a good size a little more roomy than my Dad's cj-5. I was constantly dealing with rust though. Bolts snap off instead of coming out, Stripped the splines out on one of the 2 piece axles, steering box, etc. I think I fixed it more than I wheeled it.

If I were back in the market for an open top jeep I would probably look at a Wrangler with the 4.0 in it (1991+) just because it's newer, Fuel injected, and hopefully a little more solid.

 

[TJDukit]

As far as lift goes I would personally prefer the SOA with the stock springs. You will have a much better ride quality than SUA lift springs. You do have to make sure you take into account the steering setup with the SOA as that is the big money drainer. But stock springs with SOA will flex and ride much better than any off the shelf lift springs(there might be exceptions but there always are I suppose)

For size I wouldn't want to wheel a CJ5, I'm used to Wranglers and any shorter would be a problem for me. I had a friend with a CJ5 and he never really wheeled it because of how short it was, it was built for mud bogging though.

 

[Toad]

I have a 85 cj7 that I have completly changed over the years. I run spring under with 4' skyjacker springs. It rides really nice. I have ridden in some that beat the hell out you. Spring over has lots of pros and cons. Pros= Nicer ride, better flex. Cons= steering issues, spring wrap, driveshaft issues. They can be nice but it takes a fair amount of work to get everything dialed in.

The cj-7 can be had with the wide track axles in the later years. None of the 5 came that way from the factory.

Tell you what shot me a pm and Ill give you my number. I dont know everything but Ill try to help.

 

[SAMI]

I've always liked the CJ7's.

 

[Silly Willy]

I had a cj7 ... I was constantly dealing with rust though. Bolts snap off instead of coming out... I think I fixed it more than I wheeled it.

If I were back in the market for an open top jeep I would probably look at a Wrangler with the 4.0 in it (1991+) just because it's newer, Fuel injected, and hopefully a little more solid.

So i guess if I do end up getting one I'll stock up on pb blaster

As far as the fuel injected..
its nice, very possible I'll just upgrade a cj to a fuel injected engine.

a little down the road... probably around the same time i would upgrade to 60's

 

[skippy]

I LOVE the look of a stretched and comp cut cj5 but the cj7s are definately more roomier


As far as the spring over or spring under i prefer spring over for ground clearance but you get more axle wrap also do you have any ideas on how big you want this to be???? Have you found any pics online how you kinda want your set up to end up like

 

[cheepin]

I say if your looking for a DD trail rig.Look for a newer YJ with FI.Or a TJ.Both can be had pretty cheap and don't have the rust issues.You will hate the carb after owning a FI motor like you have in your '96.

 

[jdub]

I say CJ8 or stretch it to 100+ inches. But a CJ7 has been my favorite of the two options listed. I liked my cj5 but at 6'1'' I felt squashed when getting in and out. My brother has a 5 and wishes for more wheelbase as it is not very flexy with the same suspension setup that my 7(leverage or something). My Scrambler fits bikes, snowboards and a full 35'' spare, luggage etc for a weekend trip all inside. CJ5's are generally less expensive in comparison due to them being produced in a larger quantity.

Agreed on the wrangler opinion. FI comes with a high price in a cj, YJ's have it stock in most years. Also the galvanized bodies are nice for anti-rust. Overall If the top comes off and it wheels I say go for it.

Cj's pay a premium for nostalgia and my buddy picked up a tj similarly built to my Cj7 for only 1k more.

 

[Chevycrew]

I would go with a FI 4.0 yj, then swap on the cj7 front clip.

 

[jdub]

I like it. Not that I have a problem with square lights but it looks good, works good.

 

[Silly Willy]

I would go with a FI 4.0 yj, then swap on the cj7 front clip.

I do like the idea of getting a yj and swapping the front clip. It just sounds like im cheating though... I already have the square headlights... I guess they are okay..

I say if your looking for a DD trail rig.Look for a newer YJ with FI.Or a TJ.Both can be had pretty cheap and don't have the rust issues.You will hate the carb after owning a FI motor like you have in your '96.

Is going from FI to a carb really that bad?

Honestly with how most everyone is saying FI I may just go with Chevycrew mentioned and get the YJ and just put the front clip of the CJ on it..

I guess sence I already konw the Fi I6-4.0 I should judt stay with it. I got good at pulling them and swapping them out when needed.

Thank you all for the advice,

I guess Im going to get looking for a decent YJ.
Any particular advice on the problem years, or YJ spacific problems to watch out for?

O yeah and is anyone on here interested in trading theirs for an XJ?

http://www.ksl.com/index.php?sid=733005&nid=443&tab=myads/view&ad=2873579

Again thank you for all the help