Well after finally deciding that the modification of my Cherokee isnt as practical as that of a CJ, I have began looking. Shortly after I began I stumbled across a CJ-5. I havent talked to the owner yet, only his nephew so my knowledge is limited.

Between years 1972-1975
AMC Engine (304, 360?)
4 Speed Transmission T-18
Dana Model 20 Transfer Case
Dana 30 Front Axle with drums
Dana 44 Rear Axle with drums
Newer Edelbrock Performer Carb
Newer Edelbrock RPM Air Gap intake manifold

Body wise this Jeep is in pretty good condition. The few spots of rust ill adress, but not with a great amount of care as this jeep will be entirely Line-x sprayed. I have been told that it runs well, However when i went and saw it the motor appears pretty trashed in terms of wiring, and it looks like the oil breather hose is missing. It appears that the Carb has been shooting flames (see pic). Also the valve covers are leaking a bit, as well as the trasfercase (see pics). The guy who owns this thought that the front axle was a good recovery point, so its bent and needs replacing

The Questions:

1. Is the backfiring most likely a timing issue, or a improperly adjusted carb?
2. If yes to one of the above, are they fixes that can be done by the intermediate mechanic?
3. How should i go about making sure all necessary hoses are intact?
4. If the shifter on the transmission is a bit sloppy, is that an internal issue, or just the shifter bushing? (not sure if thats the right term)
5. If the transfercase is leaking, does that mean its spent, or just needs some new gasketry?
6. How much will a used front axle and drivshaft set me back?
7. Is this thing worth the $800 hes asking or should I shoot him a lower price?

Thanks in advance everyone!

guess im really a newbie...cant post pics

heres the URL's for em

http://putfile.com/pic.php?pic=10/27417505444.jpg&s=x1
http://putfile.com/pic.php?pic=10/27417511086.jpg&s=x1
http://putfile.com/pic.php?pic=10/27417513644.jpg&s=x1
http://putfile.com/pic.php?pic=10/27417520689.jpg&s=x1

1.The backfiring is the Jeeps way of saying it needs a tune up.

If it's a v8 unless someone has installed one bigger it'll be a 304.

2.Yes an intermediate mechanic can do the tune up and also a carb rebuild.

3.On checking for the proper hose placement open your eyes

4.Tranny being sloppy it's in the shifter just a bushing.

5.T-case leaking it 30 years old it has a right. Possibly a new gasket, upon purchase drain ALL fluids and change check old oil for shavings or chunks. refill and powerwash check again for leaks at that time.

6.As for the cost of the front axle it depends on what your future plans are. You can convert it to discs.

7.Is it worth $800 to YOU? I'd offer $500 just because I want everything for nothing.

Everything I buy, even at the 4wd shops I try to get it cheaper. I have made some awesome deals. Very seldom do I pay the asking price.

If you want it I don't think you'll get hurt with $800 you should be able to part it out on ebay for that.

thanks for the reply man, your the first person with any positive feedback on the thing. im sure ill be back with more questions someday so i hope to hear from you again.

Matt

After looking at the pics if you don't want it PM me as to where it is in KS as I'd like to take a look at it. It's worth $800 from what I can see. Hows the rust on the tub.

none other than what can be seen in the shot from behind....the fracture looking thing above the body mounts. Ill be sure to PM you if it falls through on me

Looking at the pics I'd say it was a good deal. As for the rust on the rear that will be an easy fix.

if you're gonna turn it into a trail rig and do pretty much all the work yourself anyways -> get it