Talk me out of buying one

Everywhere else on the 'net I'm known as Jeepaholic, I've owned about 14 Jeeps ranging from a 46 to a 2000, from a Grand Wagoneer to a flat fender, little 4 bangers to big ol v-8's, stock to seriously build but I've never owned a Scrambler. I can't afford a nice one yet, but I'm hoping by spring maybe.
Here's what I want to do with it. Buy one that runs and drives, then start the build-up. Drop in the 4.0L and AW4 from a Cherokee, 8.8 from a mustang and Dana 44 front from a Canadian Comanche. Lift it about 4" to fit 33's, add a winch on the front, and most importantly, add a second rear seat and full 'cage so I can take my wife and 3 kids wheeling.
The problem is, it'll be my DD and I don't expect much about mid teens for fuel economy. I suspect gas will jump back up to $4 a gallon once Obama saves us all and the economy starts to pick up. Maybe convert it to propane or drop a cummins 4BT??
Or should I just knock it off, get the GLH back on the track and have fun that way?

Well.... swap that gas engine for a Cummins, convert it to biodiesel, and pull a frankenhybrid on it, and you got something that will have stupid amounts of torque, get huge mileage, and smell like KFC!

There's no way that I can talk you out of buying a Scrambler.

Do it. Think of it this way - that Scrambler needs a good home.

If your serious about not buying one, I can only suggest that you buy two!

Bruce

Rust?

Sorry, thats the only argument I have against it. I want it.

Buy it and add a locker to your build plans. We aren't very helpful, are we?

mndsm wrote: Well.... swap that gas engine for a Cummins, convert it to biodiesel, and pull a frankenhybrid on it, and you got something that will have stupid amounts of torque, get huge mileage, and smell like KFC!

Or the diesel that was in the Grand Cherokee, perhaps?

Wasnt the only diesel in the XJ cherokee (at least that came in any jeep until the liberty)? Those things go for like $10k.

I don't think I have ever seen one with no rust. EVER.

But they are cool all the same.

Joey

DrBoost wrote: Everywhere else on the 'net I'm known as Jeepaholic, I've owned about 14 Jeeps ranging from a 46 to a 2000, from a Grand Wagoneer to a flat fender, little 4 bangers to big ol v-8's, stock to seriously build but I've never owned a Scrambler. I can't afford a nice one yet, but I'm hoping by spring maybe. Here's what I want to do with it. Buy one that runs and drives, then start the build-up. Drop in the 4.0L and AW4 from a Cherokee, 8.8 from a mustang and Dana 44 front from a Canadian Comanche. Lift it about 4" to fit 33's, add a winch on the front, and most importantly, add a second rear seat and full 'cage so I can take my wife and 3 kids wheeling. The problem is, it'll be my DD and I don't expect much about mid teens for fuel economy. I suspect gas will jump back up to $4 a gallon once Obama saves us all and the economy starts to pick up. Maybe convert it to propane or drop a cummins 4BT?? Or should I just knock it off, get the GLH back on the track and have fun that way?

If you are adding an extra row of seats, go for the CJ6 over the Scrambler. Love both, never owned either.

CJ6's are harder to find, way harder. They are essentially a Cj5 with 20" (I think) added between the wheels. And, in response snowwinnibego, dual lockers are a must. I'm thinking Ozzie lockers, cable actuated.
My last CJ7 had dual detroits in the 44's and while they were more amazing off road than any single other mod, I want selectable ones for street manners.

You people have been NO HELP!!! But thank you.

Scramblers are my favorite Jeep. I like the 1/2 cab myself, but that blue fully open one would be nice to have too....

What makes a "Scrambler"? All Jeeps look the same to me (except YJs -- I understand "real" jeeps have round headlights).

Go for it..

Scramblers are demanding silly prices now aren't they?

I would also caution you against a 4bt for a daily driver. The damn thing will rattle out your teeth. Your wife and kids will hate it. While the 4bt is a stellar engine, I've seen a fair share of swapped over daily driver rigs up for sale because of the harshness of the engine, only a year or so after the swap was done.

Maybe an Isuzu with a Chevy Trans behind it.. http://www.isuzudieselswapper.com/ The engine is just as reliable and a little more refined...

Scrambler is longer. Im not into jeeps just becase driving with my knees touching my ears isnt my idea of fun. Get an early bronco or a blazer or something. lol

Why don't you buy this, delete the plough, and add a police-spec bumper bar?

My wife had a scrambler when I met her. It was pretty rough. I restored it for her, and we used in our wedding. When you get one, let me know, I might have some scrambler specific parts. We did have a full soft top, but we never used it, so we sold it. I do enjoy putting the bikini top on it and going for an ice cream cruise. Now we have a 10 month old boy, I'm not sure we'll get to do that much for the next few summers.

I don't have many pictures available on this computer. But here he was in process.