Help on buying FSJ

[swmpdonkey]

So I am in the market for a FSJ. And have been looking around a bit and have seen some good and bad (both jeeps and prices)

So i am kinda down to 2, that is unless something else pops up.

1# 1982 cherokee cheif rebuilt and bored out motor 360-to 401 rebuilt drivetrain with less than 30000kms, warn lockers, warn hubs, bit off suspension lift, 2 door, needs body work of course. price $4500.00

2# 1988 gr, Waggoneer, fully load, 360, 6" lift, decent body but needs a little fixin, warn hubs price $1200. The only issue with this one i see is it runs on propane.


So now i ask For offraoding should i look for 2 or 4dr, both will acomadat family i would like to do a little towing but offroad how are the 4drs i know you cannot get into some spots but i guess that is where it can get fun. And I am not sure about propane it would probably switch it cause i do not know enough about this and i would think for offroad it would not be that great. Originally had my heart set on a pre 82 2dr (i just like old stuff) but any you see where i am from make swiss cheese look good. Any comments or suggestions would be great, and sorry if this is in the wrong section.

[FSJ Guy]

There is no difference in length from the 2 dr and 4 door models. Unlike many cars today, the front doors are the SAME size on a 2 dr as they are on a 4 door.

$4500 seems WAY high for a truck that needs body work. (Even if you're talking Canadian $!)

[hly3rd]

Propane is what you want for off roading! It will run at any angle, including upside down. Carb float bowls give you the problems. I say your way ahead with the propane powered GW.

[wickedwagon767]

I agree with $4500 being way too high. Unless its had a TON of work done suspension/mechanically,etc... and ALL it needs is a few small dents pulled and minimal rust repair

Depending on what the Wagoneer needs,I'd go with that one. You didn't list enough detail to really make an informed opition. Propane is a plus offroad,but don't know if you'd want to drive a propane powered vehicle regularly on the street

[wickedwagon767]

I bought my '78 2-door Cherokee running and driving only needing minor mechanical tinkering here and there and about average rust-repair for $1000 even

I've put a few hundred $$ in brakes,belts,hoses and other minor things and I feel like I could drive it every day if I wanted to

Keep shopping around and don't be afraid to pass something up for a better deal

[Tad]

I guess I'd have to ask what propane costs up there?
Having a back seat and rear doors can be very handy at times.

[swmpdonkey]

Okay i guess i should mention the 2door "has" Had the lots of mechanical done (but i want to see receipts first, the GW is in al around good shape, body is pretty good. Both have lift kits and decent tires. The GW i beleive is probably in better condition just cannot beleive the price diff there is such a range casue some are asking 500 and others 8000 very very very similar stuff so i am not sure what is normal.

Oh and propane is if i remember about 52cents a litre gas is 95 cents a litre. And for those in the stated i beleive it is about 3.5 to 4 litres a gallon. And not that long ago i was having to pay 1.50-.160 litre for gas.

Is there any byears i should try to stay away from or look for for any particualr reason. I am looking for a vehicle i can drive and fix at the same time. I have another project I am going to sell, because i have lost interest, have never been able to drive.

[FSJ Guy]

I have another project I am going to sell, because i have lost interest, have never been able to drive.

Uh, then you probably don't want an FSJ. ;)

[swmpdonkey]

let me rehrase that, i want a new project but one that is somewhat complete. I have lost interest :banghead: in doing a complete frame off build as i nolonger have my shop. And would like a project i could slowly build and use at the same time. My willys is soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo far from even being usable at the moment it is not even funny:( and it will be a little hard to tote the family around in which is another major factor. Aslo have always had a soft spot for these FSJ's

[Bob Barry]

I'd suggest the GW over the Cherokee.

One other thing; the 360 cannot be bored out to a 401; not enough meat in the cylinders, and the crank is different anyway.

[jaber]

First off, WELCOME to the land of empty pockets and unfinished projects.
If you keep the Willys, the GW will keep looking that much better...:p

I'd suggest the GW over the Cherokee.

One other thing; the 360 cannot be bored out to a 401; not enough meat in the cylinders, and the crank is different anyway.

I believe he is saying the bored 360 is mounted to a 401 drivetrain. Thats how I read it. If thats not right, run Forest, run...

I agree with the rest, go for the '88.

[TheJeeper]

It sounds like a WAY better deal. I wish I could run across Jeep's like that down here, all I can find are those "rare" ones that were "special ordered" with full time four wheel drive.

[Heimeken]

If you ultimately want to build more of an off-road rig, then get the cherokee. It is easier to put larger tires with less lift without having to cut fenders. If you want an all-around, mild wheeler, passenger truck, then get the one with the best body condition.

[Danbert]

I am throwing my hat in for the wag. With that price difference you could do a lot of work to the wag to fix anything that is wrong with it. 3000 can go a long way to making it that much better if you do it right.

[swmpdonkey]

Well they are both so nice i do not know what to do, the cherokee has that "look" But i will make an offer on the cherokee tommorow once i have another go over on it. But it will be nowhere the asking price. (An old boss i have buys everything he wants for next to nothing, the trick show up with cash in your pocket show it offer, if they say no put it back in the pocket. People tend to take low low offers if they see the money up front for some reason. it makes me sick the deals he gets.) If not I am gonna get the 4dr i think have to have another go over on it too. but it on the other had is priced exactly right i beleive.

Is there anything specifically i should look for on either of these units that could be very problematic (curious cause i am new to the FSJ)

I do know there is a bolt missing from the tcase shift cover or shifter on the 88. I do not think this to be problematic. (owner told me it was missing)

[jaber]

In your area, the frame next to the fuel tank is a problem. Salt gets in there and is hard to get out, so the rust sets in.