Recommendations for a newbie to FSJ's

[bwildered]

I think I have narrowed my selections down to the following three (my previous choice of a 1988 GW fell through).
So what I need is some advice, on the following selections. I am not a master mechanic, but I am willing and capable of the wrenching that is ahead of me. I currently own 2 other jeeps, but one will probably be sold off shortly (2k Cherokee sport 4x4). Years ago I owned a 1972 Blazer, so I am not unfamiliar with what will need to go into an older vehicle. What I am trying to do is weigh out my options for each of these. I am wanting to build the selected vehicle into a family (1 wife & 1 daughter) trail rig, so things like a lift, bigger tires, etc. will be on the list eventually. This will not be a daily driver.

I do have a 2008 Dodge 1500 that could handle towing all these vehicles.
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Vehicle 1 - 1985 GW - Looks the most promising (possibly least amount of work), but is 3-4 hours away (one way) and will need to be towed, due to distance.

http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showthread.php?t=86662

Already has the lift and talking with gmarblestone, sounds like he has taken very good care of it. In the pictures, it looks to be in very good shape. My concerns are the towing.
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Vehilce 2 - 1970 Wagoneer - Much older model, but that maybe a plus, makes things easier to work on (No computer/ECM, etc). At least that's how it was with my blazer. Parts availability concerns me, as does the need to use a lead additive to the gas (if that is still needed).
Is located about 30 minutes away.

http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/cto/1070904316.html
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Vehicle 3 - 1977 Cherokee Chief - Not quite as old as previous selection. My concerns are with the Quadratrac. I have never had a QT vehicle, and heard that parts are getting hard to come by and I will eventually need to convert the drivetrain. But it has a lift already, and the original equipment winch is kinda unique (although it could be completely useless). Also, worried if I go out there I will change my mind and end with the CJ or both. Yikes, don't want to think of what the wife would say about that.
Is located 2.5 hours (one way) away.

http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/cto/1064263030.html
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Any advice on the pluses/minuses of these vehicles it would be greatly appreciated.
Sorry for the long post, I have done a lot of reading on all these models, but would still like the opinions of those that actually have done some work on these.

[trellis8]

All three are pretty cool in their own way. The '85 looks like a really nice street rig that could be decent offroad. The '70 is cool because of the age, but harder to lift and offroad. The '77 Cheif is by far the best offroad option and looks to be pretty close to being turn key for that. It's a 2 door, which is a bit tougher for the family. The widetrack is better offroad. Don't be afraid of the Q-track. Lots of parts around yet and decent for offroad. It depends on what you will ultimately use it for. If mostly offroad, I'd go with the '77 Cheif. If combined use, I'd definitely go with the '85. Looks like a really nice truck. Or, buy all three! You know you want to.

[cajun_lad]

If it were just you, I'd say go for the 77 Chief. I loved my 78 Cherokee, my fiance on the other hand hated it. Realize that most women require creature comforts, and b/c you mentioned a wife and a daughter, you have a 50% chance that one or the other is gonna be uncomfortable in the Chief. Not to mention, the 2 doors are a royal PITA to get in and out of the back. I would go with the 85 GW. All the comforts of a luxury SUV with all the muscle of an FSJ. The GW's seem to be a little more problematic electrically, so keeping window switches and door locks working may be a pain, but at least the wife and daughter will be comfortable offroad, which makes the experience so much more enjoyable.

[fulsizjeep]

If you don't need a 4 door, it might be worth your time taking a closer look at the Cherokee. The Quadratrac is not hard to keep running once you have a good working one on hand. Some came without low range, so might ask about that too. Otherwise, the 85 would be a good start. edit: just noticed the 85 has a lift already so if comfort and 4 doors provides better family off roader, go for that. I like the 4 doors for easy access to gear in the back when the back seat is deleted.

[smearig]

Do you have emissions testing in Allen? I'd hate to try to get an '85 past the tailpipe sniffer. I'd take the Cherokee first and the '85 Waggy second.

[Casey]

The Chief wins for coolness.

I have two 2 door Cherokees (1 w/t and 1 n/t). I love me a 2 door!

That said, my wife and kids prefered the added utility and comfort of the GWs I've had.


Go for the late model, add a cheap lift and some 31" tires and see where that takes you.

my .02

Good luck!

[bwildered]

Yes..we do have emissions in my county, but according to TXDOT

"In conjunction with the annual safety inspection all gasoline powered vehicles from 2 through 24 years old which are registered or primarily operated in emissions counties will be subject to one of the following emissions tests."

So next year, it would be exempt, since it's not gong to be a daily driver, that would give me a number of months to work on it, before I worry about making it street legal.

[Casey]

The one listed here...

http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showthread.php?t=86662

why does it have to be towed? Buy it and drive it home.

[tgreese]

In favor of the '70, it does have the very desirable Buick 350 engine (looks like the Buick to me, but I can't be sure from that picture). Against it, the '70 will have a closed-knuckle style front axle, and drum brakes. If you want big tires and lift, this will be something of an obstacle. Service parts won't be a problem. In that condition, $1000 is a lot for that car - if it's really in good shape and they just haven't brought it out of the barn to clean it up, then maybe. If it has problems (sp. does not run and drive), then $1000 is way too much.

In general, these cars don't sell for a lot of money unless they are in beautiful, pristine, low-mileage condition. Bide your time and watch for a good one. If you want a stockish family hauler/camper, get the newest one you can. For an off-road machine, get a '70s wide-track Cherokee. If you come across a bargain, just about any years except the very earliest will be a good start. I suggest you do a little research and familiarize yourself with the models and drivetrains - it will pay off.

[J.J.]

It would be nice to have an older rig, but the 85 looks like a much better start for you. And seems like the 4 door would be better to load the family into.