Cuz a quad doesn't seat 4.

[cmc]

I'm researching buying an older CJ7 or CJ5 but have some simple questions. First they why. I do a lot of back roads driving, not extreme by any means but enough that it's taking quite a toll on my Crew Cab diesel. I'd like to be able to do some exploring and take the family with me. That includes two kids, a 4yr and 2yr old so car seats are a must. I can tow to locations with my diesel and then unhitch and go or even trailer, so highway worthy isn't a worry. Heck a stock jeep would do the trick for me but finding one is welll....

So the questions... can you put a back seat in a CJ5 for two toddler seats? I'd put a full roll cage in it to protect the little ones but do not plan on 'extreme wheeling' just hit dirt roads that my crew cab already goes on. How about an auto trans in a CJ5? Emission worries with certain years? Whats the average insurance/registration most folks see? Should I just look for CJ7's since I need the room to seat 4?

I don't care for quads and can't haul the family so an older project jeep seems like a great candidate. I use to run VW bajas and rails so wrenching isn't too much an issue. I just haven't been into older jeeps like I was with VW's. Like I asked I'd like to put an auto trans in it at some time just so the wife can drive it without issue. She said she's not in the mood to learn how to drive a stick right now but that might change. She is in the mood to get a jeep and get it soon. Want to get the kids out more to get them hook on the outdoors.

Thanks in advance and sweet message board.

cmc

[CaptainMorgan]

I have a CJ-5 and it doesn't seat 4 either. You would do better with a CJ-7, you cant seat children in the rear of a '5 safely IMO.

Ever thought about a CJ-8 or a YJ?

[cmc]

What kind of emissions stuff are on CJ7's. Is there a location one can go to study the differences between years and engines. I know GM did some funny stuff in the late 70's early 80's with emissions and I'd like to not get stuck with the one year they hosed things good.

thanks for the advice capt'n.

cmc

[CaptainMorgan]

Honestly I don't know because Coconino county doesn't do emissions. I can answer most CJ questions but not those ones, you could try a search, it may yield a few threads regarding emissions standards in your area. It is a common question, that of emissions.

You will want to do some research, there are lots of good info sites. Jeepsunlimited and pirate4x4 would be good places to research as well as good ole google searches.

[cmc]

Thanks again. I'll begin the reading.

cmc

[CaptainMorgan]

As a whole the late 70's and 80's Jeeps do have some funny things, but no retarded cams or anything you cant get around. Try to find one that is in your area that is currently registered, this will help assure you that it indeed will pass emissions. Not a garuntee but it helps, I know mine wont pass now.

[TRobertsRN]

I would suggest a Willys Wagon or a Cherokee XJ. Some XJ's came with automatics and a Willys Wagon with a 4.3 liter conversion higher ratio gears and the overdrive on the transfer will give good highway mileage and good off road performance.

Would not have to bother with emissions with a Willys.

Or if the places you want to go will fit one a full size jeep like a Wagoneer or Cherokee. They would eat quite a bit more gas than the Willys Wagon or XJ.

Not to say something sacreligious (bet I spelled that wrong) but there were FJ 40 Landcruisers that came with 4 doors that would be a good choice.

[MadCarlisle]

CMC -

See you took my advice. Welcome aboard. You will find a lot of information here. Drama too but overlook that part and it will be okay.

Mark

"Madcarlisle"

[Polka Dot]

For your apparent purposes I'd consider an XJ as well. The space and backseat would add a lot of comfort to your travel and keep the kids less cranky while they breathe in a lesser amount of dust that you're sure to kick up on your trips.

If you are deadset on a CJ... I'd go with a CJ7 since it's wheelbase is longer which of course gives you more room (see above) and would be a smoother ride on the washboard roads you're sure to encounter on those kind of trips.

Just some things to think about. As I am sure you already know, it takes a great deal more preparation and "essentials" when taking kids along.

Good luck and welcome to the site.

[rubicontrail]

I don't think CJ5s came with autos (if they did they are very rare). CJ7s were available with autos.

My dad had a CJ5 when I was a little kid... probably was about 3 at the time... it had no back seat. It was in the days before seat belt regulations and my sister and I just sat on the floor or on the wheel well. :-) Those were the days. It was his first Jeep. He went on to buy a CJ7 then a string of XJs and lastly a WJ. Now he is interested in a JK Unlimited although my mom has gotten spoiled by the leather seats of the WJ so that might not happen. He will always buy Jeeps regardless. He passed that onto me... now I have three Jeeps and wanting a fourth.

It's a bad addiction to get hooked on... there is no cure.

[cdhowell]

I built my Xj because the wife was tired of eating dust. I must say, it is nice to roll up a window and kick on the climate controls. Plenty of room, and get a four door for easy access to the rear seats.

[CaptainMorgan]

Man go with a CJ, not an XJ...sure XJ's are cheap but they just aren't the same as a CJ-7...not as easy to work on, more electrical part and no frame...not my first choice.

CJ-7's can be found with automatics, I would reccomend finding one with a Checy trans and engine if possible. My buddy has a CJ with a 350 and 700r4 and that is a great combo...you aren't likely to find anyone selling an XJ with that combo and I do see lots of simillar Jeeps for sale. 4.3's, 5.3's, 5.7's. and for 5.0's often find themselves between the framerails of CJ's.

[cmc]

Been doing a lot of reading on emissions here and OMG... ugh!!! I dread going back to maintaining that stuff again. I had a 78 Chevy truck w/smog and what a bogus setup and pain that was. I ended up ripping the guts out of a pump down to the shaft and bearings and plugged the hoses. All the pulley did was spin around, nothing more. She'd pass if I just reset the timing before gong down to the testing station.

I guess I'm having some second thoughts of IF I want to get back into dealing with all that smog stuff, read that buy a jeep, I've read up on the historical plates and all the other options for getting exempt but I don't foresee myself being eligible for it. What years did they stop all the tinker toy emissions stuff, or for that matter start it so maybe I can try to avoid it like the plague. Still would like a CJ 7 or like jeep but man does that smog stuff bring back bad memories at the testing stations.

thanks
cmc

[cmc]

Are the YJ's in the 88-90 running smog stuff?

I could swing a bit more budget money to get me out of smog. Not worth the headaches. I'm ok with Cat's but just hate to deal with all the other stuff.

Is there a resident emissions expert as to what years/models had what for emissions stuff? Or a web link? Greatly appreciated in advance. Again not into rock crawling, I have other addictions that require me to have a 4x4 for exploring. :D

cmc

[cmc]

and I've been through this link already but want more... :D

http://www.jeeptech.com/engine/amc258.html

[TRobertsRN]

Been doing a lot of reading on emissions here and OMG... ugh!!! I dread going back to maintaining that stuff again. I had a 78 Chevy truck w/smog and what a bogus setup and pain that was. I ended up ripping the guts out of a pump down to the shaft and bearings and plugged the hoses. All the pulley did was spin around, nothing more. She'd pass if I just reset the timing before gong down to the testing station.

I guess I'm having some second thoughts of IF I want to get back into dealing with all that smog stuff, read that buy a jeep, I've read up on the historical plates and all the other options for getting exempt but I don't foresee myself being eligible for it. What years did they stop all the tinker toy emissions stuff, or for that matter start it so maybe I can try to avoid it like the plague. Still would like a CJ 7 or like jeep but man does that smog stuff bring back bad memories at the testing stations.

thanks
cmc

Confirm this online at ADOT but I believe that no matter where you live in Arizona there are no emissions for vehicles older than 1965 and they don't need historic plates or collector car insurance. It may have changed since the last I checked.

This is one of the reasons have a 53 Willys Pickup.

[bearlycontained]

I have always owned CJ-5's. There is enough room in the back for small children if you have the right seats. Then when they get to big for the back it's time for there own toy (ATC, DIRT BIKE) ETC. As far as emmissions like (TrobertsRN) said you don't need emmissions on anything in Arizona 1966 and older. I have a 1965 CJ-5 (Which is for sale by the way for $4,500 to members and is in the vehicle for sale section on this web site). I also own a 1963 chevy stepside. On both I have no emmissions, Both cost $30 a year to register ($20 for registration and $10 for special plates). As far as insurance I pay $20 a month for the CJ-5 liablty only.

[CaptainMorgan]

Bearly, your '65 is nice, definitely a good price and a nce Jeep.

[bearlycontained]

Bearly, your '65 is nice, definitely a good price and a nce Jeep.

thanks man I hate to get rid of it, however you do what you got to Right? besides i have the other one still.

[Mikegb]

My .02 is to get a cj7 and put a howell tbi kit on it. Takes all the old style emmission stuff off. Runs great. :yes:

[OlneyJeeps]

http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=8139&d=1162784580for a sale
titled as '78
lockrighs f+rear (d44 rear)
304 w/4bbl, 999,300, cv rearshaft
too much to list
make offer

emissions exempt (classic/collectable/restricted use insurance), taged through 09

BTW, Cj5 Never came with AT (too short)

[OlneyJeeps]

that was old pic, now has 35's (or have set of 33's), 1" body lift

[cmc]

That's cool how the seats mounted. Do they get car sick at all?

cmc

[OlneyJeeps]

More likely to fall asleap (see pic) after screaming (joyfully) all day
never had prob with sickness at all
I originally did to keep heads as far under cage as possible
added benifet: when facing foward , look at back of heads... facing backward (when I have spare off) open tailgate for full view... they LOVE IT!... everynow and then, crazy driver gets wild hair and drives backwards while they scream directions

[Dave@desertfab.com]

everynow and then, crazy driver gets wild hair and drives backwards while they scream directions



This is Classic !!!! :D

[OlneyJeeps]

Just found this pic