can an older CJ(84) be make into a decent expedition rig?

[Jevy]

Hey everyone,

I have recently purchased a 1984(way it's titled anyway). It has a 350 chevy small block with th400 transmissmission and what I believe is a model 20 single stick transfer case. I've already done a great deal of work on and am also in process of putting my roof top tent all together. Stilll have a little wiring/plumbing before I can paint it and call it done

Here's a current pic of the jeep:

The way I see it the trailer will be entirely finished because I can haul it pretty much behind anything I need.

I guess I'm asking at what time do I pull the plug and just give into the fact that this setup won't be conducive for any sort of travel. I know at a bare minimum I'll need to do the motorover the winter and a few other things that I would consider "hi priority" If I were to chose another platform it would likely be a used vehicle. The vehicles that have caught my attention area Toyota Land Cruiser, Tacoma, Extra and I'm sure a few more that come to mind. Any info is greatly appreciated.

 

[Ford Prefect]

You know, I had an 84 CJ7 for several years, and I think it is a fine platform.

Personally I would be a little worried about yours because it is obviously glass. That rear tailgate is a really nice feature when you are thinking about overlanding. Beyond that, they are easy to fix, easy on trail fixes as well. You can buy just about everything for them, and at good prices. Beyond that if you keep things looked after, and in good working condition, you take care of it, I think it will treat you really well.

I know people who DD their old CJ's and I know guys who drive them to the trail every time, hit hard trails, and drive them home. It is all a matter of how you treat the vehicle, and keeping up on the small things to keep the jeep in good working order.

Well that is my humble opinion, but as usual, I am right, so I guess you can take it and run with it.

Brian

 

[grimbo]

Of course why not. I think the major thing you is ensure it is reliable and mechanically sound. Why buy another vehicle when you have one already? Get out there and enjoy it, too many times people either get so disenchanted by a long build they get rid of it or spend so much money buying the "right" vehicle and gear they can't afford to use it and end up selling it at a loss.

 

[sneakytj]

I agree, I have thought long and hard about this very thing as we had to trade off the JKU for a truck which I was required to have for work. I have a 97 Wrangler that I have owned since new and have come to the conclusion that with the trailer I should be able to do whatever I need to. However since my kids are all grown and it's just me and my girl, having enough room isn't an issue. As Grimbo has said, reliable and mechanicallly sound is the trick. I plan to keep things simple and keep the 97 for years to come.

 

[sneakytj]

here's my old beast

by the way ... nice set up on the trailer

 

[Caoboy]

Why do you wish to get into a Toyota? They have their downfalls too.

Your CJ would be fine, you've a trailer. The only thing I can see you not liking, is the fact that if it's rainin' you're going to get a lil wet with only a bikini top.

How much overlanding are you thinking you are going to do? Extended camping for how long? Is it the long drives? Short wheelbase? Not enough cargo space (solved with that trailer) What makes you think it won't work?

I say finish up the Jeep, try it out. If you aren't able to make it work, then move onto the next platform that'll suit you best.

I went from a 4Runner to a YJ. I didn't even get to camp in the 4Runner. The Jeep on the other hand, presents a bit of a challenge to pack (as I have no trailer yet) but it's a challenge accepted! So far I've done day trips and overnighters. Anything a bit longer I'm going to have to readjust my packing skills. Nothing a little time won't fix. I find it a fun game, to figure out what way will pack the best. If you still have your rear seat, take it out, it solves a big problem of not enough space lol.

 

[Jevy]

thanks everyone. I guess I didn't tell the "entire story" last night. Early this week I had en operation on L5-S1 disk in my back. The Jeep is seriously lifted but only has 35's on it(wouldn't doubt it will clear 37's as it sits. I' a little worried aboutgetting up into it after I fully recover from surgery. I'm thinking about waiting to remove the body/shackle lift and maybe fab up some sort of a rock rail for use as a step as we;;. I waiting for some stock length shackles to show up to see if they make a difference. My Jeep appears to 2.5" lift shackles, 3" body lift, and 4" suspension. I've pretty much decided to ditch the shackles and likely the body lift.

Yeah I've done a bunch of work to the Jeep but to make it "right" is probably talking another 10-12k in parts. If I keep it Im going to replace my 350 with a new crate engine just as soon as I'm physically able, would like to find a set of d44's but they don't seen too common to find.

sorry about the typo's......with ll thee mods it's got my head all messed up

 

[Jevy]

thanks for the kudos on the trailer. That pic was taken about 10 minutes before my back blew out. Next time I need to remember to take less pictures.....less a chance for me tp get hurt

 

[Capt Jon]

The 84 CJ7 is a fine platform. I think Mark Smith used CJ7's in his Darien Gap expedition. But I also think that its better for that purpose in stock form than currently configured. You are headed in the right direction by swapping out the shackles and body lift. I would suggest that the original drive train with conservative mods is better on an expedition rig, and likely better on your back.

I can do every trip that I reasonably expect to do in the US with my 72 cj5 and a trailer. I run stock springs and 31 inch tires and go anywhere that its reasonable to take a jeep that isn't built for rock crawling or mudding, and it runs 70mph on the interstate pulling a trailer in any weather. I have run big tires and rock crawling setups, but went back to near-stock with this jeep. The lower height and smaller diameter tires will be a huge improvement in handling, towing, range, reliability, safety, and it will drive better 99% of the time. The other 1% gets taken care of by the winch.

Older Jeeps are fine vehicles if they are properly maintained. They get a bad rap from all the examples out there that are suffering from worn components and poor maintenance. Get everything fixed properly and as close to stock as possible for the trips you want to take, and a CJ will take you anywhere you want to go.

 

[1911]

My 1980 FJ40 is my current overlanding rig; I enjoy it more than bigger/newer trucks I have/had for trips of of a week or two at a time. The biggest drawback is the limited space, but you've largely overcome that with your trailer. Sure, any older truck needs more maintenance and TLC than a new one, but that is not a big deal to me and my 1980 is reliable enough to drive anywhere, off-road or across the country.

 

[Daz]

Nice CJ7!. I had a '78 CJ7 myself, as well as a '93 stock YJ, and I currently drive a '98 XJ. The beauty of older Jeeps is their simplicity, wide availability and affordability of parts, and ease of repair. Your drivetrain is pretty robust too, but the weak link will be the two-piece axle shaft/hub assembly in the AMC 20 rear end. I understand that it's an easy and common fix to replace those with aftermarket one-piece shafts. Or, find a Dana 44 :sombrero:

 

[Jevy]

Yeah I would stick with the Cj as parts are cheap. Plus the aftermarket support for them is second to none. Bumpers, sliders, and tire carriers are all widely available and cheap. And your rig is already in great condition. However, after having back surgery riding on leafs may not be the best idea. How far and how hard can you go with that surgery?

right now I'm not suppose to leave the house for 3 weeks and he will re evaluate it at that point. Right now I know there's no way I could get up in it considering the shape I am in. I'ld say realistically it will likely be after the first of the year until I can get into it. Most of the trips I plan on using the Jeep on are less than 500 miles round trip.