Difference in Models

[PhattyX]

I currently have a TJ and I'm looking to get myself into a CJ as more of a toy. I'm not sure whether I should be looking at a CJ5 or a CJ7. I was wondering if anyone knew a good reference deltailing the differences in the Wrangler models. My main interest is the differences in the CJ7 and CJ5. I'd also like to know what the special models offered above the basic ones (ie Laredo, Levi's Edition, etc.).

Thanks in advance for any and all info,

X

 

[avyoung]

A good resorce is www.jeepz.com. Oh wait that is were you are. The differance between a CJ7 and a CJ7 is the length. The 7 is like 10" longer. If you look at my sig I have a CJ5 You can see the door looks like an s shape. The 7 has a door similar to a Wrangler. The CJ5 is a lot tighter I am 6'6" and it is tight. CJ5's did not come with Auto Trans I know someone that put one in but heard it was pretty hard. As far as the Differant edditions I am not sure. AMC stopped prodution of the CJ5 in 83 I think and the CJ7 went untill 86. That is all I can think of at the moment.

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

The CJ5 and CJ7 were never called Wranglers. All CJ's are carbuerated from the factory, so keep that in mind when considering ease of maintenance and reliability.

Wide-trac was introduced in the early '80s, they have a wider stance than older jeeps and are more stable.

Early '80s saw the introduction of the D300 transfer case and D44 rear axle, both desirable over their counterparts.

 

[redrooster]

The differences in packages were nothing significant. The Laredo was the best package. It had stickers, leather wrapped grab bar, tachometer, clock and all that jazz. Mechanically they were the same. The Levi's package had seats, dash and top that were replicated denim and a red Levi's sticker on the side.
If you are looking to buy a CJ, shoot for an 86 Laredo with the 6 cylinder, 4 speed. It will be the last of the breed and will have wide track axles, a Dana 300 and possibly a Dana 44 rear end.
Or you can buy mine for a nominal charge. I got your toy.

 

[88Wrangles]

Did the CJ5 and 7 come with the same options as far as engines go? Also, how much wider is the Wide-trac than the normal width?

 

[jay79cj7]

The 5 is basically the same as a manual 7 of the same year. They had the same engines, manual trannies, transfer cases, axles. Just a shorter rear driveshaft and tub. The dash and everything are all the same. Like mentioned above, the real difference visually is just in the door shape. The 7 is stretched some in this area and has doors that are shaped the same as a YJ. As for option packages, I have no idea what my 7 was, but I don't think there were many differences either. Stickers, clock, tach, etc. A/C was an option.

I think the difference between narrow and wide track is about 3" per axle, so 1.5" per side. I think off-road.com probably has the exact numbers.

I am 6'4" and test drove a 5 before I bought my 7. I was having a hard time working the pedals because there wasn't enough room to move my legs.

Good luck with your search.

 

[firemanharry]

If you're dead set on a CJ then get the 7. Packages were decals and upgrades in interiors - nothing special. If you're looking for a toy, I'd suggest a 91 or newer YJ because of the fuel injection. CJ carbs and emissions stuff can be a pain in the butt. My .02 8)

 

[Junkpile]

If you're interested in a CJ5, then look for a 72 and newer. The earlier models of the '5 and the flat fenders are cool, but usually require attention from front to back just to make them safe to drive on todays roads. A 72-75 would be my first choice in a CJ5 followed by an 80-83 model because of the T-176/D300 combo.
The 76-79 CJ7 was available with the fulltime 4wd TH400/Quadratrac combo that brings mixed reviews from owners. The manual choices were the T-150 3 speed or the T-18 four speed along with a D20 Tcase. The T-150 and D20 combo are geared a little high for slow speed trail work, but make a great mud running combo where wheel speed is needed. The T-18 has granny low and works well with the D20's 2.0x:1 low range ratio. Disk brakes came out in 77 but became standard in 78. In 1980 the D300 tcase came out and the T-176 transmission became available. Unfortunately after 80 the SR-4, T4, and T5 manuals were also available so make sure you don't wind up the unfortunate owner of one of these light duty boxes. The 80+ automatics also had the D300 Tcase unlike the 76-79 autos that were only available with the fulltime case. Axle choices are the AMC M20 rear and D30 front except for some 86 model CJ7s that had D44s in the back. The CJ7 went widetrack in 82, it not only added clearance and stability but it also looks better in my opinion. The 232 and 258 I6s were available in all models with the 232 being dropped in 78-79. The 304 V8 was available until 81. After 79 a four cylinder was available again. At first it was the cool little GM built Iron Duke and later switched to the now familiar 2.5l.
Of course if your "toy" is going to be sporting a swapped in heavy duty drivetrain and non AMC V8.....then just find one with a good frame and body, that's pretty much the same on all of them.

 

[PhattyX]

All,

Thanks for all the info. That helped narrow it down a lot. It looks like I'm looking for a 72-74 CJ5 (no need to worry about emissions before 75 here). I'm not sure about the 258/6 or the 304/8, so any advice there would be appreciated, too. However, I'm definately going to find a 5 local to testdrive for fit. If it's too tight, I'll start narrowing down the post '82 7's with the 258.

Thanks again, all, you've been most helpful!

X

 

[jay79cj7]

Off-road.com has some really good specs for Jeep drivetrains. Its a great place to check if you are trying to understand the difference between different components.
http://www.off-road.com/jeep/swb/articles/specgrid.htm

 

[Junkpile]

Cherokee front axle help

It looks like I'm looking for a 72-74 CJ5

232/258 I6 or the 304 V8. Any post 67 AMC 6 or 8 cylinder can be swapped in easily. D20 Tcase. The T-15 3spd is a good transmission and the super strong T-18 4spd was the option. 72 was the first year for the open knuckle D30, so even though these models only came with drum brakes they can be converted to disk easily with 78+ CJ parts. Rear axle was a centered diff D44 with one piece 30 spline shafts and lower axle ratios are common(4.27:1 was available). 72 was also the first year for Saginaw type steering. The older Ross "cam and lever" crap sucks. The big downfall to these models was the frame. They are very weak and require lots of boxing. Boxing the frame is easy enough that it really doesn't detract from these Jeeps appeal to me. They "feel" like the older models but they have alot of the nicer features of the newer ones.

They are hard to come by in my area. Everytime I see a halfway decent one come up for sale around here the price is outrageous.