Anyone have a CJ as their mod-fun rig so they can keep their Taco clean?

Since the 3rd gen is my DD and the 1st gen will be my son's high-school transport I'm thinking about finding a CJ5 for modding fun. Not planning to ever have a top/doors on it, just weekend/sunny day use.
Looking at making the purchase next year which will give me time to get one some Jeep forums and ask lots of noob questions.
Anyone have a list of the best CJ forums?

 

I have a YJ.

Jeeps are garbage. Even the old ones.

It actively tries to kill you as you drive around, and I fucking LOVE IT.

 

Have had a TJ for 15 years. Crude, unrefined, loud..... and a ton of fun

 

Get a 1st gen. Win both times.

 

I've also been wrestling with getting a project jeep for wrenching/modding purposes.

If you're dead-set on the size/style of a CJ, you may consider a cheaper YJ to get the galvanized tub, better frame, and (in later years), the 4.0 I6. If you hate the square headlights, you can get the front clip, hood, and fenders from a CJ-7 and BAM, you basically have a CJ-7.

Truth be told, if I felt compelled to get back into the jeep game TODAY, I'd get another TJ or LJ for the following reasons:

-They have coils at all four corners
-Better safety equipment than previous generations
-They DO NOT have a silly front axle disconnect like a YJ
-Parts are still readily available
-They have not yet reached collector status
-Round headlights!
-The computer is fairly basic and not nanny-ish
-Tip: avoid the six-speed manual available in 2005 and 2006 (crap shift forks)...also avoid these years because there were issues with OPDA damage due to oil starvation.

Hopefully this was helpful - let us know what you decide!

 

I have a YJ. They might be kinda garbage, but they are about as easy to work on as anything. I've had to rebuild the transmission and weld in new frame sections, but it runs great and is fun just to drive around town. A Tacoma's probably more capable of road (especially if you have the off road or pro) but who wouldn't want a convertible, no doors, 4x4. You can even put the windshield down.

I spend time on wranglerforum.com they have a CJ section too. Also, don't worry about parts on anything CJ5 and up. You'll be able to find anything you want or need.

In my opinion CJ5, CJ7, or if you want fuel injection 91+YJ, can't go wrong for a project/fun vehicle

 

I was always a jeepforum.com guy, 2 x TJs and 1 YJ, all 3 were equally fun but I could never find myself loving the squares, all I thought about was swapping the front off a CJ.
I'd take any one of them again, can't wait until the next one..

 

Former TJ owner for 9 yrs/215K. I would still be DD'ing it had I not got rear ended at a red light. I will say that after DD'ing the Tacoma...…….I'd only have a Wrangler as a toy now.

 

Out of the 15 years I’ve owned mine, I probably had a combined 3 years where it was the only car I had with me local (in dc/heavy traffic) and depended on it exclusively... it is definitely not for everyone as a DD. Now that I’m older and have a couple more cars, it’s fun to keep as a toy. Not sure I could ever make that a DD again

 

'97 TJ in the garage needing paint and new suspension....so it's the mud toy....and a real manual

 

Wish I still had these three Rock Crawlers , my 1980 CJ5 , 1968 M38A1 and my 1947 CJ2A Flat fender

 

I have an 05 LJ rubicon. Biggest piece of crap I can’t live without.

 

I have had all of them at one time or another, make sure you sit in a CJ5..its a little tight. Currently have a CJ-7. Favorite was the LJ Rubi I had. If you want something to run when you need it, get a old tacoma...lol...I love the old Jeeps though, I think the next one is going to be a older Willys.

 

death wobble will keep you awake so you dont fall asleep on the wheel (safety feature)
fun to drive but i wouldnt do it again.

 

I just saw a new wrangler with stock tires and suspension death wobble in front of me on the highway doing 70. I thought the damn wheels were going to fall off, it was so violent.

 

Death wobble is scary AF

 

I had a '79 CJ5 as a project, rust eventually won that battle. Moved to a '02 TJ and bought the wife a '04 LJ. The CJ was fun because it was stupid simple but think given the choice again I would stick with the TJ. LJ never felt quite right, just an odd size. The 4.0L engine was about indestructible and there are plenty of lift options.

 

Great info (and pictures!). Looks like a have a lot of research to do. I'll stay open to the YJ & TJ's as well.

 

I’d love an old Jeep but I’d probably get an XJ Cherokee.

 

If I ever buy another Jeep it will be no newer than 1980 !!!