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1977 Jeep CJ5 - Worth buying?

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24K views 5 replies 5 participants last post by  Hunt-n-Jeep  
#1 ·
I'm soliciting opinions on behalf of a buddy of mine who is considering joining the Jeep Community with the purchase of a 1977 CJ5. He told me that it has a 4-banger but, unfortunately, that's the only detail I know about it.

I know that '77 was during the AMC years--and I've heard that can be a concern--mostly for part availablity.

I'm a TJ guy and I don't really know anything about CJ's--so I'm reaching out to the collective knowledge of you CJ folks for guidance.

Any thoughts/comments/advice would be greatly appreciated.
 
#2 ·
I guess what is your question?

Whats is intent with the vehicle?

The '77 Cj probably has a 3 speed with a dana 20 transfer case, narrow track axles with 3.54 gears. The 4 cyl. is weak but a swap could be done to a 4.2 or 304.

CJ's are prone to rust. Check for that.
 
#3 ·
I had a CJ5 about 15 years ago. Loved it. My only complaint (and I say this as a big guy) is that it's obviously made for someone who is 5 foot 5 and 120 pounds. I had trouble getting in and out of it and the big steering wheel rubbed on my gut all the time. Other than that, the CJ was a very capable machine and was a lot of fun to drive. Mine had the 304, so it could go anywhere without hesitation (including back to the gas station!)
 
#4 ·
I currently have a 77 CJ5 with the I-6, 3 speed, Dana 20 T case, and AMC 20 and Dana 30 axles. The CJ5 is very capable, but as the previous post says, they are prone for rust, parts arr somewhat hard to find, and expensive when you do find them, and they are not made for a big person. I'm 5'10" and its a puzzle trying to get in! Haha.