Best CJ model and Year?

[wrangler000]

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[Gildo]

1984 CJ. (Because I have one of course)
Latest model every thing.
Longer wheelbase gives you a better ride, and more space inside.

Any CJ you find now will have been messed with by many a previous owners.
The last models of CJ7 some were lucky to have come with D44 in the rear so thats a bonus.

Stick with the latest you can find, that has had a hard top on for most (if not ALL ) of its life.
Avoid Quadratrack look for D300 Transfer case.
Plenty of Chev powered V8s around, not a bad choice of re-power.

[ness]

1985 J10 would have to be the best LOL
Will be selling ours soon

[wee doggie]

I'll help you out.

All CJs are sh1t boxes. Most people throw away or have to upgrade the original components. CJs in reality are junk but they do look cool.

The best is the CJ10. Bet you didn't see that coming. It's the best because it's built on a full size chassis. If you must have the true CJ look, swap on the CJ grill and guards. The guards will be the tricky bit.

Next best if you don't want a ute would be 83, 84 or 85 CJ7 or CJ8. They had power steering, disc brakes and a hand brake on the floor where it should be instead of that stupid foot brake of the earlier ones. You also get the 300 transfer as Gildo said and wide trac diffs. If still original, these years will all be 6 cylinders and either 3 speed auto or 5 speed manual. Don't change anything except fit one piece rear axles, keep it reasonably stock and maintain it. You should then have a fun classic Jeep. If you enjoy fixing things start taking it off road.

[Gildo]

Yep, if you want a Jeep Ute, that is a CJ, then a 10 is a pretty cool choice.
Better still with the SD33 Nissan Diesel you can update to a Turbo donk with reasonably easy to get spares.
1985 was the best year for these too, right Ness ??

[andyperth]

The best is a CJ3A its the last of the good looking flat fenders has the softies seats of the post war models all the mod cons for that year eg vent on the windscreen outstanding aircon and you will be guaranteed to see a hole better view of the country side as you drive it.

[DAVE M]

1974 CJ5/CJ6. The basic simplicity of early CJ's with good running gear. 6 cyl, D30,D44 diffs Spicer 20 transfer and 3 speed with synco first. After that they just get to complicated and flash