When do I give up on it and sell

Wild Thing · Member Joined: 30 Sep 2007 Location: Onalaska WI

I have a 1979 Jeep CJ7. At least it used to be. In about 1993 I had the local shop refurbish it. It now has a small block chevy 400, 4bbl, and a chevy manual truck transmission with a ultra low gear with its transfer case.
The engine was rebuilt at that time (at least below the heads). It has a locker in the rear and limited slip in the front. I have revered the front springs. I had a fiberglass body installed.

The engine now uses oil, about a quart a thousand miles. The compression is great, so I think it is the valve seals. The paint is fair and interior is getting a bit beat up. Custom roll bar I like the uniqueness of this machine. But this thing is driving me crazy with the break downs. A gasket goes out in the rear end, drive it home from being fixed, it over heats. I had to have the carb rebuilt this year and the distributor went out this year also. This is a common problem with this machine. One thing after another. I am trying to figure out when enough is enough. Do I have another complete overhaul and rebuild?? Compared to a new price I could do it I suppose, but it never will be a new vehicle but has anyone else done a rebuild and then have a reliable vehicle or do you always have to wonder if you wil get back from a trip??

IBTJn · Posted: Sun Sep 30, 2007 10:15 pm Post subject:

I voted rebuild. Small block chev motors are common and a decent motor. I often regret not keeping and rebuilding my SJ Cherokee. That rig was alot of fun! And CJ's are even more fun IMO. I have an '02 TJ now that has some mods (ARB's, RE Lift, 35's, etc. etc.) and I love it. But it'd make a tough daily driver (which it's not). Follow your conscience though, and if it's a daily driver I'd probably be on board with something newer. But if it's not, then I'd probably rebuild it.

Wink

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Links4Jeeps

Wild Thing · Member Joined: 30 Sep 2007 Location: Onalaska WI

It is not a daily driver, although during the summer it is close to being one.

Code3TJ · Hacker Joined: 01 Jan 2004 Location: Uzbekistan

I'd keep it and fix it too if you have another vehicle. Wink

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Nothing to see here.

Wild Thing · Member Joined: 30 Sep 2007 Location: Onalaska WI

I have one for my wife, one for me and then the CJ

Duncan · Member Joined: 09 Jul 2007

Fix it... You don't seem to be short on vehicles so there is no huge rush or anything.

coaldigger · Posted: Thu Sep 18, 2008 6:02 pm Post subject:

DO NOT give up on the jeep took me 12 years to get another one and I bought her in a basket rebuilt motor 304..tranny 3sp dana..frt axle dana 30 rear 44 dana and transfer case spicer......I drive an 04 ranger 2 work daily and will never part with this cj5 oh it is an 80 body 72 frame.......KEEP HER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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madmike

hutchman · Captain Kirk Joined: 07 Feb 2007 Location: Kennewick, WA

Get rid of the thing...........

somebody needed to vote negative..........!

coaldigger · Posted: Thu Sep 18, 2008 6:57 pm Post subject:

URRRRRRRRRR BREAKIN MY HEART........CJ'S R LIKE EX GIRLFRIENDS....
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madmike

bulldog67 · Member Joined: 23 Jan 2008 Location: England (South)

keep it keep it keep it

A CJ7 is for life, unlike a xmas present puppy Twisted Evil

EVANLA_33 · Member Joined: 03 Dec 2008

If the rest of it is strong I would rebuild, then u know what u have. Used motors still can cause problems & new engines are pricey. If u by a new vechile u still may have problems with big payments. Rebuild her!