Project: CJ Flip

[xo_jeep]

I recently sold/traded my Jeep Cherokee Crawler for a 1978 Jeep CJ

It was a decent deal but this thing needed some work. I'm not planning on keeping it. I'm buying a house and need money towards improvements so I'm going to fix it up and sell it. My thinking is that it will be easier to sell a clean CJ than an exo-caged, linked Cherokee.

Anyway here are the stats

Engine:
-26,XXX original miles
-304 V8 w/ Edelbrock 4 barrel carburetor
-Single exhaust

Front axle:
-84' CJ7 wide-track D30
-4.88:1, Detroit differential locker -New fluids
-Reinforced drive shaft w/ Spicer U-joints
-Superwinch hubs
-Brand new heavy duty steering box
-Extended braided steel brake lines
-New calipers & pads
-Spring over
-Brand new wheel bearings
-New steering box brace

Rear axle:
-84' CJ7 wide-track AMC 20
-4.88:1, ARB air locker
-Reinforced drive shaft w/ Spicer U-joints
-Adjusted pinion angle
-Crown one-piece shafts
-Spring over
-Extended braided steel brake line
-All new seals
-Brand new pinion yoke

Transmission/transfer case:
-Jeep T18a (4-speed) with granny first 6.32:1, mated to a Dana 20 transfer case
-New clutch
-1" transfer case drop

Suspension:
-Spring over lift w/ double military wrapped spring f/r
-4" shackles f/r
-Rancho RSX 9000 shocks (adjustable) in the front
-Skyjacker shocks in the rear
-ALL new suspension/body bushings (Energy Suspension)

Interior:
-Front seats are in OK condition
-Brand new Best Top rear seat
-All gauges work
-GRANT steering wheel
-Cobra 75 WX ST CB radio
-Bikini top
-6 point family roll cage with grab handles

Tires:
-(4) 35" BFgoodrich A/T's w/ new Pacer D-window rims
Tires & rims have less than 3000 miles on them

Cons:
-T18 Shifts like a semi
-Very minor rust
-Awful "Z-link" steering

Here it is the day I brought it home

[xo_jeep]

Couple more

[xo_jeep]

Plans are as follows

- New shocks
- Bumpers
- Reinforce frame near steering box
- Sliders
- New Stereo
- New suspension seats
- Engine tune up
- Cap/Rotor
- Plugs wires
- Tune carb
- New exhaust
- New gas tank skid
- New spare tire
- Possibly bed liner interior
- Possibly new paint
- Possibly a new cage



Planning on putting about $2k into it. I got it for $5k so hopefully I can get $7-7500 for it when I'm done. Any input would be appreciated. I'm trying to put the money in the right places to get this thing in the best marketable condition for a quick sale.

[xo_jeep]

Already threw some bling at it. The front shocks were completely blown from rubbing on the spring plates.

If you're gonna do it, might as well do it right



This thing better ride like a cadillac after this lol

[Rttoys]

Not sure if it would work on a CJ5, but how about some TJ rear flares for looks and give you better wheel to body clearance. You can usually find a whole set for $75 or so.

[xo_jeep]

Originally Posted by Rttoys

Not sure if it would work on a CJ5, but how about some TJ rear flares for looks and give you better wheel to body clearance. You can usually find a whole set for $75 or so.

I do like the look of the TJ flares. They update the look nicely. I could make it work. If I could find a set for $75 I would go for it. Gotta keep checking craigslist. Thanks for the idea.

Edit: Are YJ flares almost the same as TJ? They look more squared off in the rear than the CJ. I found a set of those locally that I might pick up and try.

[xo_jeep]

I really want to build a cage for this thing I'm just not sure it it's worth my time/money. It would be ideal if I had a buyer lined up and I could build it to suit their needs.

I recently built a cage for a friend's CJ. It came out awesome and would love to make something similar for this Jeep. The issue is it's almost $700 in material and probably 3-4 full days of work after bending, notching, fully welding, and then tying into the frame.

[Rttoys]

Originally Posted by xo_jeep

I do like the look of the TJ flares. They update the look nicely. I could make it work. If I could find a set for $75 I would go for it. Gotta keep checking craigslist. Thanks for the idea.

Edit: Are YJ flares almost the same as TJ? They look more squared off in the rear than the CJ. I found a set of those locally that I might pick up and try.

A lot of people try to get $100+ for the TJ flares, but if you have time to wait, they can be had for under 100. Usually in the 50-75 range. Just depends, at least around here.

Don't know what the YJ flares would look like. I know thay had that whole molded ft to rear flare/step thing, don't remember just the flare. Off to find pics.

[xo_jeep]

Ya I saw that. I just figured I would cut it at the step. I think I can make it look clean.

[Deadman 94 xj]

Personally, since you're selling, I'd keep the cj flares unless you're stretching it or need the additional clearence. I also would put more into a nice paint job then the cage. Jmo, where a quick sale is concerned.

Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk 2

[xo_jeep]

Originally Posted by Deadman 94 xj

Personally, since you're selling, I'd keep the cj flares unless you're stretching it or need the additional clearence. I also would put more into a nice paint job then the cage. Jmo, where a quick sale is concerned.

Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk 2

I hear ya on that. If I did most of the work myself I bet I could do a nice paint job for about the same cost as a cage. I'm thinking a dark green.

[xo_jeep]

I installed some Corbeau Suspension seats. I slammed them all the way back against the inner fender, dropped the driver side about 2", and the passenger side an inch. I'm 6'3" and barely fit in this thing. It's marginally better than the stock seats but I was hoping for more. Are the CJ5s just that small?

Pics coming soon

[Rttoys]

Originally Posted by xo_jeep

Are the CJ5s just that small?

Yes they are. I have cheap ass race seats in mine all the way back and up a little to give me SOME leg room. Still sucks though. That's one reason why I'm ditching the 5 and going with a 7.

[xo_jeep]

I just don't fit in this thing. Don't think I could keep it if I wanted to. 6' would be comfortable but that's about it.

[dave_dj1]

Out here on the right coast that would be considered a clean cj5. You would be hard pressed to get 3k-3.5k for it in it's currant condition. I wouldn't spend too much on fixing it up, I think you already went overboard with the fox shocks

I guess if you can find a purist you might get a little more, just my .02 worth.

[Deadman 94 xj]

That's the only reason I suggested a paint job. Clean cjs tend to sell better than "built". At least that's how it seems to me.

As far as the seating, and I know this doesnt help you much, but we built my seats into the cage in a way that allows a lot more room. They're lowered, shifted back, and leaned up a bit. That along with a smaller grant style steering wheel help a bunch. I'm only 6' but there's room to spare.
Ive also seen guys notch out the rear wheelwells and push the seats back as far as necessary. But...if you're selling it, I wouldn't go through the trouble, imo.

I say keep it. They're a lot of fun. Hehe

Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk 2

[xo_jeep]

Originally Posted by dave_dj1

Out here on the right coast that would be considered a clean cj5. You would be hard pressed to get 3k-3.5k for it in it's currant condition. I wouldn't spend too much on fixing it up, I think you already went overboard with the fox shocks

I guess if you can find a purist you might get a little more, just my .02 worth.

I'm just going off of what I've been seeing them sell for locally. They can go anywhere from $4,000-$10,000 Hopefully I'm not being too optimistic.

Like I said, I'm just trying to throw some bling in the right places, that's why I appreciate everyone's opinion. I see myself getting to a certain point where it drives and looks nice and putting it up for sale, but continuing to work on it and make improvements until it does sell.

It will look 10x better than when I brought it home. You'll see

Originally Posted by Deadman 94 xj

That's the only reason I suggested a paint job. Clean cjs tend to sell better than "built". At least that's how it seems to me.

As far as the seating, and I know this doesnt help you much, but we built my seats into the cage in a way that allows a lot more room. They're lowered, shifted back, and leaned up a bit. That along with a smaller grant style steering wheel help a bunch. I'm only 6' but there's room to spare.
Ive also seen guys notch out the rear wheelwells and push the seats back as far as necessary. But...if you're selling it, I wouldn't go through the trouble, imo.

I say keep it. They're a lot of fun. Hehe

Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk 2

It does have a Grant steering wheel. I'm considering getting a steering wheel disconnect to make it easier to get in and out. And as additional anti-theft I looked at cutting the fenders but had the same thought that you did, it's not worth my time considering what I'm planning on doing with this.

I would like to keep it to drive on nice days, but I'm trying to be responsible and buy a house. Toys will have to wait until everything gets settled down again. Growing up sucks...

[xo_jeep]

I've been knocking some more stuff out.

Gas tank skid done.

Old vs. new



New seats



Pulled the rear shocks off to inspect and SURPRISE completely blown

Old vs. new



I didn't end up using those mounts but remounted them lower on the axle to fit a little bigger shock. The Bilsteins were recycled off my F350. Now it's a budget build! Haha

[alex211]

That thing needs a high steer setup for the soa, that drag link is scary.

[xo_jeep]

Originally Posted by alex211

That thing needs a high steer setup for the soa, that drag link is scary.

I agree. You have no idea. But what are my options? Dana 44 knuckles with high steer? I need this thing clean, running, and driving nice ASAP and for the least amount of money.

I do have a set of WJ (Grand Cherokee) knuckles left over from my XJ build. I think they could work on this. The problem is they also require new calipers and rotors which cost about $300. It's a pain in the ass. I already went halfway through it with the Cherokee before I gave up.

[jlane99xj]

i agree about keeping it closER to factory for a re-sale to many "upgrades" and mods the jeep Purists will shy away..
around here the CJs that sell for the big bux are the ones with Shiny paint & flashy graphics "RENEGADE"

of course i have no idea if the sellers actually get their asking prices of $10,000 for a 1980 CJ but thats just what i see..

less time & money on custom cage & bumpers & more bolt-on chrome may yield you more profit & will be easier to accomplish also..

although I would personally make an effort to reinforce the current roll-bar to the frame if its not already just so as its not a liability to you as the seller..

[xo_jeep]

I agree with the purist view. My idea is just to update it a little and make it more comfortable. It was literally undrivable when I got it. And I think things like seats and bumpers are small pieces of bling that many average Jeepers will love. The rear bumper had to go. It was hideous...

I'm also shocked when I see the asking prices of old CJs. Hopefully for me, they are getting those prices

I can tie the cage into the frame very easily. The sandwich plates are already there. Just need to weld in a kicker.

[landscraper]

Think about a fresh coat of paint on the dash and Herculiner for the floorboards. Low $, labor intensive, and big "curb appeal" for a prospective buyer.

I don't see how you're going to get your investment back, let alone turn a profit, buying high end shocks and the like. Spend time, not $, and you might see a profit!

[xo_jeep]

I hear ya. I got hooked up on the shocks, don't worry. They were marginally more expensive than a set of bilsteins or comparable.

As much as it needs to look good, it needs to drive good also. It was scary with no shocks. Definitely couldn't have sold it the way I bought it. Now I just keep getting deeper and deeper and find more issues. There's just something in me that won't let me sell a POS car. But I'm starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Unfortunately I'm moving soon and that may delay some progress. But after I move I'll have a full shop all to myself, which will be nice.

[jamespadgett]

Originally Posted by xo_jeep

I do like the look of the TJ flares. They update the look nicely. I could make it work. If I could find a set for $75 I would go for it. Gotta keep checking craigslist. Thanks for the idea.

Edit: Are YJ flares almost the same as TJ? They look more squared off in the rear than the CJ. I found a set of those locally that I might pick up and try.

i have some tj flares you can have for 50