I think part of it is that I’m wanting to tinker and stuff, I have a good amount of free time on my hands when I’m taking a break from everything else, and need something productive to do.
So here’s my idea. I want something fun, simple, 2 doors, 4x4, manual transmission, and preferably something I can take the doors/top off of. Kind of an around the town fun vehicle combined with a off-road adventure/hunting/fishing vehicle. Initially I thought of a Suzuki Samurai. I’ve always loved them. But man, they’re up to jeep prices now, and in worse shape with way fewer of them in circulation. Also, with a max towing capacity of 1000lbs, and a 80” wheelbase, towing my 5x10, 1400ish pound camper that I’m in the planning stages on would be out of the question. Just the frame, axles, tires, and plywood would put me over that limit.
So, the obvious choice: a jeep. But I dislike the new ones both due to mechanical reliability, lack of simplicity, and price. BUT, a CJ7 fits all my requirements, has a better aftermarket (I think), and likely is a much safer platform to tow my little camper.
Thoughts? Anyone know of some good sources for parts/finding a decent CJ7?
next thing: I want to drop a diesel into it. I’m a fan of the 4BT to be honest. Backed by an NV4500. My guess is the best luck I will have is finding a bread truck. So I’m guessing that I’m looking for a graveyard/junk yard/whatever for UPS, FedEx, Wonderbread, Frito Lay, and other “bread trucks”. Really I’m just looking for a Cummins 4BT on the cheap. It can come out of a vibrator roller for all I care. Any ideas on graveyards for such vehicles or equipment in OK?
So here’s my idea. I want something fun, simple, 2 doors, 4x4, manual transmission, and preferably something I can take the doors/top off of. Kind of an around the town fun vehicle combined with a off-road adventure/hunting/fishing vehicle. Initially I thought of a Suzuki Samurai. I’ve always loved them. But man, they’re up to jeep prices now, and in worse shape with way fewer of them in circulation. Also, with a max towing capacity of 1000lbs, and a 80” wheelbase, towing my 5x10, 1400ish pound camper that I’m in the planning stages on would be out of the question. Just the frame, axles, tires, and plywood would put me over that limit.
So, the obvious choice: a jeep. But I dislike the new ones both due to mechanical reliability, lack of simplicity, and price. BUT, a CJ7 fits all my requirements, has a better aftermarket (I think), and likely is a much safer platform to tow my little camper.
Thoughts? Anyone know of some good sources for parts/finding a decent CJ7?
next thing: I want to drop a diesel into it. I’m a fan of the 4BT to be honest. Backed by an NV4500. My guess is the best luck I will have is finding a bread truck. So I’m guessing that I’m looking for a graveyard/junk yard/whatever for UPS, FedEx, Wonderbread, Frito Lay, and other “bread trucks”. Really I’m just looking for a Cummins 4BT on the cheap. It can come out of a vibrator roller for all I care. Any ideas on graveyards for such vehicles or equipment in OK?