Gryphon
New member
Ok, after about 6 months of trying to buy a 1st gen T4R and being refused financing, I tossed a half-hearted shot and scored me an '86 CJ7.
Some observations I have: The Jeep is actually about the same dimensions as our '90 4R, save for length. It does turn sharper, but a shorter wheelbase will do that.
This rig is a little beastie! Rear locker makes it fun and the big 4.2l I6 cranks out a LOT more tactile torque than my 3.0 V6. The gears are much lower too, letting me run 25 mph at 1500rpm in 3rd gear as opposed to 2000rpm in second with the 4R. 3rd in the 4R is too high to run at 25. It bogs the engine down at about 1200rpms.
I love the 4R because of it's road feel, and connection to the machine itself. It reminds me of the VW's we enjoy too; a "driver's machine".
The CJ is even more so. Less polished and the ride is horrible, but not bone-jarring. I guess the soft-top makes a lot of difference to me, enhancing the fun-factor. Yes, it is colder in the winter, but by next spring we will be in southern Arizona, so who cares?
The only drawback so far: cargo and passenger room suck, but I knew that before. I also have no manuals or anything for this rig, so I get to go find them too. Anyone know of a good Jeep forum? Good forums are hard to find!
I know I'll get a bunch of ribbing for buying a "Heep", but hey, I got a decent condition, last year of production CJ7 with a new motor for 2500 bucks, so I am not griping!
At least it is not a Pinto or a H2!!
Some observations I have: The Jeep is actually about the same dimensions as our '90 4R, save for length. It does turn sharper, but a shorter wheelbase will do that.
This rig is a little beastie! Rear locker makes it fun and the big 4.2l I6 cranks out a LOT more tactile torque than my 3.0 V6. The gears are much lower too, letting me run 25 mph at 1500rpm in 3rd gear as opposed to 2000rpm in second with the 4R. 3rd in the 4R is too high to run at 25. It bogs the engine down at about 1200rpms.
I love the 4R because of it's road feel, and connection to the machine itself. It reminds me of the VW's we enjoy too; a "driver's machine".
The CJ is even more so. Less polished and the ride is horrible, but not bone-jarring. I guess the soft-top makes a lot of difference to me, enhancing the fun-factor. Yes, it is colder in the winter, but by next spring we will be in southern Arizona, so who cares?
The only drawback so far: cargo and passenger room suck, but I knew that before. I also have no manuals or anything for this rig, so I get to go find them too. Anyone know of a good Jeep forum? Good forums are hard to find!
I know I'll get a bunch of ribbing for buying a "Heep", but hey, I got a decent condition, last year of production CJ7 with a new motor for 2500 bucks, so I am not griping!
At least it is not a Pinto or a H2!!
