Cj vs yj

[ryanhoerger]

I currently have an 06 Wrangler. I love it but me and the wife need a new everyday car. I have to trade the jeep in for a more family freindly car. I have managed to set aside 3 grand for a toy. I hope to find a YJ or a CJ in that price range. I'd like to here from owners of both about the pro's and cons of each. I'm also looking at some 60's era bronco. If any body has experice with those your inpute would be appreciated.

 

[TerryMason]

Ryan,
I've owned both, and while I like the CJ's look better, the YJ is a better $3K toy. The CJs weren't galvanized so most any one you find on the east coast in your price range is going to be rusted out. They also had a Carter brand carburetor which is a piece of junk.

You can get a YJ with fuel injection, not to mention that they have a better suspension system (wider leaf springs) and galvanized tubs.

Another option would be to get an older Cherokee. I see them on the trails alot and they look pretty slick when you take the doors off.

Personally I think you should keep the Jeep and spend the 3K on a toyota camry for the commute.

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

Look at the '91-'95 for a reliable fuel-injected YJ, you will be a lot happier. If it's a CJ look you like, swap on a CJ front clip.

 

[ryanhoerger]

I've got an accord for the commute. The new car will be for amy to drive. Trust me if I could keep the jeep I would.

 

[TLCJ5]

It all depends on what you want to do with it. I've owned both & the YJ is a fine off road vehical & is more civilized,but for a pure toy I will never trade my CJ.

 

[black87yj]

I owned a 98 tj and loved it , but i too had to let it go when i became ill and out of work. I bought a 87 yj and love it more ! i had a 77 cj before both and my vote goes for the yj !

 

[jps4jeep]

I love CJ's.. but they make horrible daily drivers, unless you enjoy the constant tuning.

If it were me, look for a CJ with a missing drivetrain, then swap in a reliable EFI motor, vortec 4.3-700r4 would be awesome.

 

[Weylyn]

Well I can't call my CJ a daily driver, but when I am home, I drive it everywhere I need a car. I have also owned a 89 YJ and it was great too. But my CJ is still going and the YJ was totaled

 

[HiHood]

I have owned both CJ's and YJ's. I owned a 47 Willys CJ-2A, a 1972 CJ-5, a 1980 CJ-5, a 1987 YJ, a 1995 YJ and currently working on my 1954 CJ-3B.

I like the both of them for different reasons. Parts, adapters, this & that are easy access for most from the WWII MB's to the last YJ. I will say that the short ones (CJ-5,3B,2a etc.) are limiting as far as drivetrain is concerned. Many do it but I don't like the short driveshafts needed for say to put an automatic transmission in my 3B. That's why you may want to stick with a CJ-7 if you think you may want to change drive trains. The early Jeeps, (Willys), have super low gearing so if you plan on driving it on the street, you'll have to change the axles out as selection for the 10 spline Dana 44, and 25 are limited. Mine won't and I'm a happy camper with low gears and lunch box lockers.

With all that said, I would, (if I were you), go for a YJ as they will be more abundant and a better bang for the 3K bucks you got. Also almost anything will adapt or fit should you later want to toss some heavy buckage at it.