Help me save my Jeep!

Ok, so here's the deal.  I've got a 1984 Jeep CJ7 that needs some serious TLC.  Here's the rundown of the vehicle:

  • Stock Suspension
  • Stock brakes
  • Stock Axles
  • Manual Steering
  • Manual Brakes
  • Frame has some rust, but otherwise solid.  All body mounts are still solid as well as rear cross member (as far as I can tell).
  • Body, plenty of rust.  Both sides and portion of body under seat rusted.
  • Wiring - Hacked by previous owner.  Seems like 75% of all wires are yellow.
  • Engine - Converted by previous owner to small block Chevy.  This engine has been a nightmare.  Keeps blowing seals, eats up oil, etc..
  • Anything else not mentioned - Just assume stock

So, what's going on?

Well, this is the rundown.  I love the Jeep.  It's a great vehicle for driving around during the summer.  But, like I said, it needs some serious TLC.  Every time I think I have the engine running well, it ends up with another problem.  The last one being a blown seal somewhere in the front.  I haven't gotten around to troubleshooting it yet, but I lost about 3 quarts of oil over 40 miles.  It was not a good situation.  Also, my wife keeps saying I should just get rid of it.  I really don't want it to come to this.  So, I'm putting up this website in the hope that some of my fellow Offroaders will give me one of three things to get my beloved CJ back on the road and running well. 

  1. Advice
  2. Spare Parts
  3. Dontation

You decide the outcome of the rebuild

The path I'm taking will vary depending on you.  Yes, you will get to decide how I refurbish this classic Jeep.  I am going to be putting up Polls to get a concensus on what everyone wants to see happen.  For example.  Do I stick with the small block chevy, take it to an engine shop and have it completely repaired?  Or do I try to find an orignal 258 for it?  Or go with a cummins 4bt that I've heard people talking about.  Or maybe you've got another idea.  Like I said, it will depend on the readers. 

In return, I will post a weekly/bi-weekly newsletter that keeps everyone updated on the progress.  Likewise, the entire process will be documented on the site.  My goal is to get enough support to go through a complete tear down and rebuild.