Jeep Wrangler CJ-7: 10 Exclusive Insights Known Only to Die-Hard Off-Roaders

1985 Jeep CJ-7

The Jeep Wrangler CJ7 is popular because of its capability. It was made battle-tough and trail-ready. This vehicle is so impressive that really the only true way of explaining its power is to tell a story. In 1978, Mark Smith, an off-roading expert of over 25 years and 13 adventures went from Tierra del Fuego, Chile to Prudhoe Bay, Alaska in the Jeep Wrangler CJ-7 4×4. This trip was 21,000 miles long, spanning more than 10 countries, and took Mark and his team 122 days to complete. The CJ-7s were retrofitted with 31-inch wide tires, heavy-duty steel bull bars, electric winches, six-point roll cages, and locking hubs.

The Quest Of A CJ-7

1986 Jeep CJ-7

Using alloy ladders and winches, the team navigated rugged terrain that was not explored by almost anyone back then. This meant that Mark and his team crossed incredibly dangerous terrain, namely the Darien Gap. The Darien Gap is a stretch of the jungle so hostile that it had only been crossed by the British military, with lives lost, previously. Even today, the Darien Gap does not have a navigable road through it. Mark and his team made this journey in their CJ-7s in 30 days and came home with every adventurer they left home with.

Jeep Wrangler CJ-7 Costs A Pretty Penny Now

1986 Jeep CJ-7

Buyers are really spoiled with choices when it comes to this classic. The Jeep Wrangler CJ7 model after 1985 in quality condition with mild to little mileage sells for between $25,000 and $35,000 online. There have been instances where a CJ-7 has been sold for millions of dollars in efforts to raise money for charity. In this event, the vehicle sold for $1.3 million and was donated to the Gary Sinise Foundation, an organization dedicated to helping veterans and their loved ones. However, for those of us who want to restore a CJ-7 to its former glory, there are plenty of CJ-7s in less than great condition for under $15,000 found online. Limitless amounts of forums exist with people happy to help troubleshoot in the rebuilding of these vintage beasts; the excitement of this vehicle has definitely not faded.

This Is The CJ-7 Model You Should Buy

1983 Jeep CJ-7

For vehicles made before 1978, there is a sentiment that things were built to last with more quality materials. However, vehicles made after 1978 have more aftermarket and online support which is really important for an owner of a vehicle. Around 1978, disk brakes, power brakes, and power steering were becoming more common and this makes it much simpler to fix this vintage car when parts need replacement. A consideration to keep in mind is that one would normally prefer to replace the engine in a solid body without further problems than to find a stock V-8 in a 1976 CJ-7 but have a frame that is rusting and a multitude of problems to maintain and remedy

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