[kecklogan]

Hey Guys,

I need everyone's input on the pros and cons of both the CJ-7's and the CJ-5's. Please don't just give me the pros, because I want to have it properly weighed out. Anything you guys can think of let me know.

Thanks,
Logan

 

[debruins]

pros of cj-7 they have the auto as an option, and they are newer,

cons of Cj-7, the 4wd system is not the best system out there

it depends what you want to do, longer wheelbase, heavier

pros of Cj-5, more reliable, more classic looking,

cons, no auto, older (really it depends on the P.O. if it was kept up or not)

depends on what you want to do; wighs less, shorter wheelbase


overall the CJ-7 and the CJ-5 are about the same except the 7 is longer to be able to fit the auto, the 4WD system is iffy and it looks newer( more plastic, but still barely any)

personally i owuld just look for a good deal on a good running good looking jeep and not discriminate as to what model or year it is, if it runs well, and its not rusted and the price is right BUY IT, ALL jeeps are super cool!!!!

 

[4Jeepn]

How is a dana 300 a problem?

 

[kecklogan]

Thanks for the advise DB.

"personally i owuld just look for a good deal on a good running good looking jeep and not discriminate as to what model or year it is, if it runs well, and its not rusted and the price is right BUY IT, ALL jeeps are super cool!!!!"

I appreciate it.

 

[lost]

for my case, a cj5 turned out to be better as I'm short and whenever ive driven my buddys cj7, i always felt like it was built for somebody taller than me, but when I test drove the cj5 that I bought, it felt like it was the perfect fit for me

i'm bad at explaining things but i hope yuou get myu point

 

[moonpie]

I am 5'11" and I felt the CJ-5 was awfully cramped. You could not move the seat only to the wheel well.

 

[debruins]

i am 5'11" too and i think it is perfect, my feet are right there on the pedals fine, and the steering wheel may be a little close, but only because i have to jump up and in, once im in its fine, its just the getting in the way as i jump

 

[kecklogan]

Well thanks for the advice everybody. I am 6'2" and thus it might be just a tad too small. I will take into consideration the leg room in the CJ5's .
Logan

 

[Digger 5]

Pros and Cons depend on how you plan to use the Jeep. I had a 79 CJ5 for 16 Years and loved it. I'm 6'1" and it was bit cramped but a great driver. I had a 304, 6.32 T-18, Scout Dana 300 t-case, Dana 44's with 4.10's and lots of goodies. I did a lot of tight trails and lots of woods. I took it to Moab and hated it. Too short for steep stuff and not enough belly clearance. To change substantial belly clearance would consist of changing the trans(maybe), and the T-case and rear axle. Also, the trails that I ran had been widened due to YJ and TJ use so the CJ5 wasn't as badly needed. I've since gone to a YJ and love it.
All later CJ7's will have the wide track axles. All CJ5's were narrow track. You'll find getting in and out much easier in the 7. Since none of us are getting younger, this is a big point.
The Dana 300 in 80 and up rigs is much better than a Dana 20. Once you've used a twin stick you'll never go back.
Basically, the only real advantage to a 5 is the shorter length. Years back CJ7's couldn't easily follow us due to trail size. Now, it doesn't matter.
I loved my 5 and wouldn't have done it differently. I still miss it sometimes. But, my longer, wider, roomier YJ (or CJ7) is easier to wheel and goes more places. The feeway is a breeze since the length will allow overdrive. My 5 rarely saw any freeway use.
Everyone has an opinion, but I'd recommend a late model CJ7. Both rigs need almost a complete drivetrain replacement so they're about equal in what is needed to make them great rigs. Put in a 350, change over to Waggy axles and go wheelin'.