Hands up all those who have ridden in, or better yet driven, the mighty Jeep CJ-7.
The CJ-7 was a long(er) wheelbase sibling of the equally legendary CJ-5, and they trickled into New Zealand as private imports. About the same time, J20 pickups were on sale new in NZ.
For many afficionado Jeepers, this was the last of the “real” Jeeps. With six cylinder or V-8, classic styling, and a no-frills interior, the CJ-7 remains a popular build platform for Jeep enthusiasts. The top of the range was the Golden Eagle, available in the 1980s (second or third hand in NZ) for around $25,000.
This one’s not a Golden Eagle, and it’s in its home country, not here in Godzone. But it’s worth a look, if only for components and clever accessories.
Like the ‘series’ Land Rover and the 40-Series Land Cruiser, there’s not much a good internet search can’t bring to light.
This CJ was new a good ten years before the Wrangler. It lives in coastal North Carolina, USA. The owner didn’t want anything too extreme, but a stocker wasn’t going to pass the cool test with his kids.
The CJ had undergone a tub swap from an ’87 Jeep Wrangler YJ and received a built 350ci GM V-8. It had a mild lift and a handful of bolt-on accessories, but it was far from the Jeep pictured.
Though it is primarily used as a weekend toy and family beach buggy, this CJ is a great example of a Jeep that balances the needs and wants of the owner.
The previous owner had done a good job of restoring the CJ, creating a rust-free platform. With 42-inch tyres were part of the plan, the Jeep would be a little on the tall side. To help with stability, the stock axles were changed out for a pair of full-width 8-lug units. Using a full-width leaf-spring conversion kit from Poison Spyder Customs, the new setup moves the springs outside of the frame and positions the shackles behind the axle.
Custom 6-inch springs are wrapped under the axle and use a set of Pro Comp shocks to dampen the ride. Protecting the Jeep are steel bumpers from Poison Spyder. The front bumper is set up for a winch, which will be a future upgrade. The rear bumper now sports a custom Low Range 4x4 – built tire carrier that allows the full-size spare to pivot downward if it’s needed.
Under the hood is a small-block Chevy V-8 with a Summit engine kit, including a cam, Comp springs, HEMI ignition, Holley intake manifold, and Truck Avenger carburettor. It’s mated to an SM465 manual transmission and gear-driven Dana 20 transfer case.
For the rear axle, a full-float Dana 60 was paired with a set of 4.88 gears and a Detroit Locker. The front axle is an 8-lug Dana 44.
Along with a custom steering conversion, Solid diff covers round out the axle upgrades. Beadlocks ensure the CJ can stay floating on top of the sand at single-digit air pressures.
Along with the tub from the ’87 Wrangler, the windshield frame, wipers, and seats are all from a Jeep YJ as well. During the YJ tub swap, the body was raised 2 inches over stock.
Fancy a CJ7 here in Godzone? Watch the auction sites, these 4WDs are few and far between. On Trademe there were two, a six-cylinder petrol-engined CJ7 in blue for (about) $26,000 and a diesel-engined CJ7 Laredo for $45,000. There are no bargains in this business.
