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Should I buy?

965 views 13 replies 8 participants last post by  BSA70 
#1 ·
Yes it's a CJ but I get so much more help in the YJ forum especially surrounding opinions on pictures. It's always good to have another set of eyes and I appreciate it.

1977 jeep CJ5 renegade- $6,500
Restored Jeep
Line x paint job
American motor V8 304
Updated MSD
New rebuilt motor
Edelbrock carburetor
Power steering power brakes
4x4
 

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#2 ·
Looks pretty decent espically for the price. Looks like someone has gone trough it to some level. I would look for things like butchered up wiring, rust, and any Jerry rigging. And you do find anything how bad is it and how easy is it to correct or make right.

I am not a fan of bed liner as exterior paint and a couple of other things they have done but that’s an opinion. If you like it I’d say go for it.
 
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#3 ·
I don't mind responding to a CJ question in the YJ forum. CJ's are our older cousins. There's more traffic here than in the CJ forum.

Of course, follow the advice that vmxwinn offers. Check it closer than you'd check a stock Jeep of the same year. Bedliner can hide a lot of sins. Make sure all the lights and gauges work as well as the 4X4. Take it for a long test drive, back roads and the freeway.

Be aware, parts for CJs are becoming difficult to find and the price for used parts will be going up. If there's any bedliner or undercoat on the frame, I'd be even more cautious.

If you have emission testing where you live I'd have the seller provide a certificate of passing. I doubt that it'll pass California visual emission testing.

When I go to look at a private party sale, I always ask to see the title before even looking at the vehicle. If they don't have a clean title in hand I may look at the vehicle but won't bother attempting to negotiate price until I see the title and compare the VIN on the title to the VIN on the vehicle.

Only you can determine if the Jeep will fit your wants and budget. Why is the seller selling it?

Good Luck, L.M.
 
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#4 ·
I agree and am not a fan of the textured paint exterior, again just an opinion, but I was always a fan of the simple flat dash panel, plus the added extra leg room, Engine bay looks clean and simple, and the interior looks to be done up fairly nice compared to some of the CJ's in my neck of the woods...

Like the guys above said, look close at the workmanship of the mods, and if it fits your style, go J.G. Wentworth says, It's your money, spend it on you, …or something like that.

But Dude, we gotta think about doing something about those silly round headlights.. LOL.
 
#5 ·
I personally would pick that thing apart. Bedliner hides EVERYTHING. Rust, bondo, everything. If you look close in the one pic, it appears rust has run out of the hood hinge area. I would bet money it wasn’t a pristine body to begin with. No tailgate. Old Grant wheel with non functioning horn. Just saying it would require a thorough inspection before I would even consider it if I had someone looking for a 5. Plus, black exterior, black interior, no A/C, South Carolina=����
 
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#6 ·
At the first mention of bedliner I'd walk away.
 
#8 ·
GCJ, may be worth looking in other states, there are two links to CJ’s in the the linked thread (post #347), both are priced substantially less than the one you are inquiring about, that I would consider better buys. I have shipped vehicles across the United States previously, may be viable if you find the right one...

https://www.wranglerforum.com/f290/craigslist-deal-of-the-week-2335863-12.html
 
#9 ·
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#10 ·
I decided to pass mainly based on the feedback.

I now live in St.Augustine, FL so no smog issues.

Going to look at a 1995 YJ (the best platform IMO) on Tuesday. Auto check is one owner FL Jeep, some surface rust on the springs but outside of the wheels and radio it is stock. 115K Miles, new clutch 5 years ago, new top 3 years ago. Only downsides (only viewed pictures) is the paint is fading and it needs an AC compressor. 4,200

From the information gathered here, I’m just going to stick to YJ’s preferably FI but not opposed to carb. The summer is winding down and people are putting them up for sale. I won’t post another “should I buy” however when I do purchase one, I will definitely share.

I do have one dumb question that I couldn’t find an answer so the 4.0 L doesn’t have a distributor so I don’t believe a DUI ignition etc. is a viable upgrade. Is there anything that can be done (bolt on) to aid in performance or reliability of the 4.0? I don’t need 300 HP but outside of new wheels and tires what improvement (if any) would you do?

Again, thanks for the feedback. It truly makes a difference and helps.
 
#11 ·
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#12 ·
4.0 does indeed have a distributor....
Don't waste your money on performance 'upgrades' just make sure it is running correctly and if you run larger than stock tires make sure you gear the axles for them...
 
#13 ·
Boy, is that ever true. For the trail, a 4 cyl Jeep is plenty. For the highway, not so much. A 4.0 is certainly enough on the trail and just about adequate on the highway. The best thing you can do for a 4.0 is insure it's running a maximum stock efficiency. Proper gearing for whatever size tires you're running makes a BIG difference.
Cold air intakes are a waste of money and "high performance" air filters just allow more micro-dust to enter the engine.

If you want more power, do a LS swap.

Good Luck, L.M.
 
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