wardvette

I'd like to sell my 2001 V8 Grand Cherokee and get something more fun since it's no longer my daily driver. This will be used to haul the dog, pull a small 18' boat several miles to the lake, and travel 2 hours to see family in the winters (NC mountains with snow). Might also take it offroad occationally.

I was originally planning on a K5 Blazer but my wife likes full convertibles and the 68-75 Blazers are pretty expensive. Also looked at a Jeep but the TJs are still pretty expensive and it's hard to find nice CJs and YJs. From what I understand, the 700R4 in the Blazer could be reused but the Jeep would require a tranny and adapter for the transfer case.

I plan to buy a 5.3 or 6.0 and put a cam in it before installation for 350 - 400 hp. I want something that is rust free and has nice body/paint or is cheap enough to get it painted. Hope to keep it all under $6K - $7K. I'm thinking a nice K5 blazer, older TJ or a YJ or CJ could be found for around $3500 with a bad engine and maybe transmission and spend another $2500 - $3500 on the swap. I would do all the work unless it requires welding.

Are there any other advantages that should sway me one way or another? Would one vehicle be much easier than the others? Any other vehicles I should consider?

hookemdevils22

iTrader: (12)

Get a 75-80 IH Scout II. D44s front and rear, fully convertable (with fiberglass top), and MUCH better looking than the blazers. There have been a couple swaps already- check out Binder Planet for some ideas. I wish I'd have a)kept mine, and b) done an lsx swap in it.

debreshnev

iTrader: (1)

Jeeps CJ and YJs make poor tow vehicles because of their short wheelbase. You mentioned that you only tow the boat a few miles, that is probably fine. But you probably do not want to get into a situation where you are towing your boat long distances or at speed with a short wheelbase Jeep.

wardvette

Good call... Scout has always been on the list but they seem to be harder to find than the others. Although that's one of the reasons why I like them.

Any reason why I should target 75-80?

wardvette

Yeah, there's pretty much no chance I'll need to tow it other than the few miles on a side road. I almost didn't consider a Jeep then realized it should be fine at lower speeds and short distance. Thanks!

wardvette

I've added Jeepster Commando to the list. So, out of the following vehicles, would any of them be significantly cheaper and easier to swap? I'm guessing the Blazer would be easier since there is more info out there.

K5 Blazer
Jeep TJ
Jeep YJ
Jeep CJ
Jeep Commando
Scout

hookemdevils22

iTrader: (12)

IH made discs and the D44 standard in late-74/75, so the vast majority of pre-75s have a D30 up front and drums on all 4 corners. But they're still great trucks regardless - my 72 was an absolute blast.

Some SII swap info I saved - Bo185 on here can help ya if you find a Scout.

wardvette

Wow... tons of great info in there. Thanks!

Altitude 65

I wouldn't have considered a 62. But this one makes me drool a little. If I could fit a mountain bike in the bed of this, I would have to consider this for my next project.

http://www.hotrod.com/featuredvehicl.../photo_03.html

Thanks for getting me daydreaming guys.

scorpio516

Not the easiest chassis, and I have no idea how common on the east coast (or un-rusted out), but early (pre-90) 4runners. They had removable hard tops.

Or 66-77 Broncos. Problem is they are just about as expensive as the vert Blazers.

hookemdevils22

iTrader: (12)

@altitude, I saw that one being trailered back from a show in scottsdale about a year ago. man, what a cherry piece.

ls1nova71

iTrader: (4)

Is this SPAM? Well placed SPAM??? I just looked at the pics, and it's not a convertible and looks kind of small, not to mention probably not available here?