Compatiblity between CJ5s and CJ7s

[Commando]

I know this only the second jeep topic in here, but I figured I will ask anyway. I am looking to buy a jeep, and there are a couple I am looking at, there are two that look like I may buy. So heres my question how compatible are cj7s and cj5s, the reason I ask is there is a 1979 cj7 with a decent frame and engine, but a rusty tub, and body also has bad seats and the 1966 cj5 has a decent tub and body, wheels, seats, and axles, but a bad frame and motor. So I figured for a grand I could buy both and combine the two, and make something out of them. Let me know what you think or if you have experience with the two. Thanks for looking.

[78D200]

The bodies are different. I would just get the cj7 and buy a fiberglass tub that way there you'll be set for life. never have to worry about rust and any damage is easily taken care of with the help of some fiberglass repairs kits.

While you have the body off, I would clean the frame and POR15 it.

Now the cj5 could have the old buick 225 which is a sweet little motor for a small jeep like that. the cj7 will either have the 4.2 or a 304. Both decent motors, but I would prefer the 304 as there are a lot more upgrades for it.

[Commando]

I forgot about posting down here in this section, but heres what happened; I confirmed the incompatibility between the 5 and the 7. Then my brother sends me this Craigslist ad for an 85 cj-7, I e-mail the guy and he sends me this,

"1985 jeep cj-7 engine replaced in 2000 256cid with Clifford intake,weber outlaw carb,headman headers custom made dual exhaust,t-5 trans centerforce clutch,dana 300 transfer case, amc 20 rear, with superior one piece axles,agr steering box,bracket and pump, drop pitman arm, hei ignition, tom woods driveshaft and joints,4” lift springs and shackles,new in 2005 steering wheel,windshield ,frame,hinges,and gasket. Body is rough holes throughout, but runs great. $1000.00 takes the jeep,title and spare parts."

I am reading this going I read 3 parts and the cost is already over $1000, so needless to say I bought this one:http://s294.photobucket.com/albums/m...o/1985%20CJ-7/

It runs and the description was very accurate and it is a straight 6 engine for those of you who don't know what an amc 256 is, I am happy with the deal, but now I have to teach myself body work to put a new tub on.

I am buying a cheap yj tub, the wrangler right after the cj-7, and hoping I can trade it for a nice cj-7 tub.

[78D200]

Sounds like you really made out on the deal. There are a decent amount of people out there that hate doing boy work and are willing to sell their rig cheap with a great drivetrain.

I would get a fiberglass tub/one-piece front end kit for it and call it a day. It'll take a some time to do the swap but you'll like it a lot better. Just test fir everything, remove it, paint it and then put it back together.