Can't Beat the Old Jeeps

by Jon
(Central Montana)

I've wheeled and driven both and can safely say I am always going to be partial to anything 1986 and older.

Newer Wranglers are just too refined and soft for me, and although a Rubicon is a very capable 4x4, I feel out of my element driving one. No metal dashboard, no round gauges, no airbags, no rough and tumble solid interior that can be washed with your garden hose, and most importantly, no simplicity in repair.

Plus you flat out just don't see many CJs anymore, and when you see one it's a rare occasion. But every time you turn around you're looking at a Wrangler. A CJ has a story to tell always, and you can usually read it judging by the condition it is in, how much trail damage it has, what kind of lift and tires it has and so on.

CJs are easy to work on, and any shade tree mechanic can do any repair on one. With a newer Wrangler, you have to take it to the dealership or a qualified mechanic.

Parts for a CJ are generally cheaper and can be had at any parts store since many parts from Ford, Chevy, and Dodge are all interchangeable on a CJ. My CJ has a GM alternator for example. Another thing is that CJs seem to be more rugged and can take harsher beatings. Just look at what they did to the Willys MB and Ford GPW in WWII! No modern Wrangler would be able to stand up to that I would doubt!

And lastly, whenever you go to a Jeep gathering what Jeep do all the other Jeepers come flocking to see? The CJ.


Larry's Comment: Hey Jon...I have to agree that the newer a Jeep (or any vehicle) is makes it that much more difficult for the average home mechanic to work on effectively.

For that matter I have known fully trained and certified mechanics who have difficulty diagnosing problems on newer vehicles...often leaving customers in the lurch.

The Jeep CJs and early Wranglers can still be worked on by most "shade tree" mechanics, but it is getting harder and harder to fix anything much newer than a 1999 model...at least from my experience.

I'm not taking anything away from the new Jeeps. They are fine vehicles, if not a little too plush for my liking, however, when something mechanical goes wrong it seems to require someone with a degree from MIT to diagnose and fix the darned things.

I have written several articles pleading with the Jeep designers to at least offer an old school, simple model reminiscent of the CJ, that would be easy to work on and maintain.

I am also keenly aware that a lot of the automotive world is being manipulated and controlled by excessive government regulation and unnecessary requirements, but instead of standing up to these political bully tactics the vehicle designers and engineers capitulate with more and more "technology" and less and less practicality.

Jon...if your CJ also has a story please send some photos and tell us more about your Jeep. Thanks!