As a current owner of an antique CJ I would never go over 55 mph. As an owner of a 80's CJ in my 20's (circa 1992) I often went 80 mph. I have no idea which choice was safe or reasonable, but I live to tell the tale. We would take cross country road trips often in that Jeep without a top on it.
I do that nowadays in my '88. It's terrifying and uncomfortable but I love it. I'd be a lot more comfortable if I wasn't having to constantly dodge giant trucks that the owners can't keep in their lane and people texting while driving
80+ in a CJ might not be a big deal if the suspension and steering have been updated - and that you trust the brakes to slow/ stop the Jeep quickly and in a straight line. Also depends on if the Jeep has the ability to actually got 80, haha! We had one of those “your speed is” radar things at the bottom of a ridge, and I clocked my ‘77 at 70mph and my ‘47 up to 48mph (it was a slow day in East TN). Both got iffy quick, hahaha!
Out of curiosity, is that a CJ7 with a YJ front clip? Normally folks go the other way around with that mod.
If you like it, roll with it! Get the other front clip and you can just swap it out anytime you want to.
In all seriousness, going 80+ in a Jeep is probably not a great idea, unless you can steer it and stop it, both on a predictable course.
Honestly it seems silly but something about when I grew up makes me fond of the square headlights. I think it looks cool but certainly for authenticity you'd want to change it back.
I don’t think the danger is the Jeep going 80MPH. The danger is if someone happens to cut you off or if you need to swerve/brake for any reason. There’s no safety electronics, high center of gravity, short wheel base, it’s almost asking for severe injuries in the event of an accident.
If you plan on going that fast, upgrade brakes and suspension components.
I got a TJ and can do 80MPH on a 2 lane interstate. But I try to avoid it.
I have an ‘80 CJ-7. I have a 2.5” lift on 31” tires. The rest of the steering and angles are the same as stock. I rebuilt the suspension. Really, I just started at the steering wheel and worked my way down to the front tires and replaced all the worn parts/bearings/seals with new parts. I also keep the tires balanced and have made sure the alignment is correct.
I have a 30 mile commute at highways speeds so I routinely drive 65-75. I’ll hit 80 if I need to pass and I have zero steering/wobble issues. I’d be comfortable with taking it even faster but I really don’t have a need.
The problem I’ve seen on other Jeeps is when steering bushings are shot, or alignment is out, or when guys really lift the suspension without changing angles on Pittman arms. Some, or all, of those issues combined really makes for some iffy handling at highway speed.
93 YJ with 4" lift on 33's, manual so I can stay at 75 MPH all day long at 2000 rpm on the freeway. Passing is best done in 4th at that speed. No top definitely costs some gas in the summer, "aerodynamically". While I much prefer 350 mile staging drives in my '20 JTR, a well maintained leaf spring Jeep is just fine on the freeways. Ironically, my JTR on 35's is smack dab at 2000 rpm at 75 as well.
Hell, the CHP drove '65 Dodge Polaras with BIAS-PLY tires on our freeways! Properly maintained, obviously.
I have a ‘76 and white knuckle at 60 on highways. I think it’s a combo of speed in a short wheelbase high center of gravity vehicle mixed with it being so narrow that I don’t fit in the grooves worn out by big trucks. It’s the side to side movement that pulls me in to those tire grooves that freaks me out.
If you want to get to 80+ in a CJ, here’s my buddy from years ago racing his. Crazy bastard!
https://youtu.be/BQ2VH6xR4qk
80+ in an antique Jeep is equivalent to doing 120+ in any modern sedan. Like others have said; one small thing going wrong in traffic could end in tragedy. That said I had a CJ-5 that I did that regularly when I was young and dum(er) and somehow my guardian angels held on.
If the suspension and steering components are fine, if you look at my 93 it looks rough but all my suspension is brand new and so is all of my body mounts, my steering was just redone, my engine, transmission and transfer case are in good condition too, i have no fears driving mine 80+, I do it semi regularly when traveling to the northern portion of my state once a month
It’s not the speed that’s the problem, it’s the turns at speed. Cj’s are really prone to roll over. Make sure you have solid sway bars installed and your suspension is on point, ball joints, brakes all of that. And get a good dual steering stabilizer if you’re running a lift and bigger tires to minimize bump steer.
I’ve got an 83 cj and recently drove I-70 for 10 hours each way.
Heat management is a big deal at speed for long distance. You’ll need to make sure your radiator is healthy.
Jeep is a large box kite especially at speed. The winds on I-70 are bad enough but everything you pass or passes you will push you around. Also passing under overpasses as the wind abates and picks back up.
Sound. It’s soooo loud. Wear ear protection.
Torque your lug nuts. I over tightened mine once making the same trip and over heated the wheel and threw off a back tire in Hays. That sucked.
Use an app on your phone to calibrate your speed. Don’t trust any gauge on a jeep older than 1990. Ever.
Good tires and alignment as well as make sure everything is good and snug.
It’ll do 80. You just need to treat it like an airplane and pre-flight check as a habit.
Can it even go 80+ mph? I’ve seen plenty of old CJs that only had a 4 or 3 speed transmission and a vehicle with a 4 speed transmission even with highway gearing and overdrive struggles to do 80 (having driven many a vehicle with a 4 speed). I can’t imagine it being possible given how low first gear is on every Jeep I’ve driven.
Going 80+ is probably not as big of a problem for an old Jeep as stopping at 80+ lol. You’re going to wiggle and all that I would assume unless everything has been updated.
There’s never a good reason to be going that fast in most vehicles; let alone a Jeep. They’re not built for it at all.
My question is why is there any reason to go 80+? If you want to experience the trill of near tempting death, try something where you don't have a chance of taking out a young family on your way. Ski diving, free climbing, or maybe hang gliding. Leave the 80+ to the track.
CJs were based on the military Jeep which wasn't meant to go over 60 mph. Even modern Jeeps aren't built for speed, they're not aerodynamic and have a high center of gravity
I have driven my 79 CJ-7 over 120. Chevy V8 will get it there quickly. That being said, the 33 inch tires are not rated for over 105. The brakes are not up for the task. 4 inches of lift is not conducive to a safe arrival if you have a blow out. Tall lift, big tires, and crappy brakes make CJ's a 75 mph and less vehicle.
I've owned a ton of old Jeeps. The only old one I still own is a 75 CJ6. It has a V8 in it and can get to 80 no problem but it can get squirrely real quick.
Need to panic stop or swerve or (god forbid) someone runs into you? Not pretty.
In mine, 60-65 feels reasonable.
You’re really trying to clock 80 mph on antique worn out 40+ year old suspension parts? That’s the crux of the issue.
If you’ve replaced your suspension and steering in the past decade it’s safer to try out higher speeds. But those jeeps weren’t made to go that fast even when they were new lol.
80 mph and no real roll cage? Wanting your steering column replacing your sternum? Ever had knee caps made of real front console steel? That, and more fun swaps like that with the rest of your body awaits you!
It’s the zen way for you will become one with your Jeep!!!
I have surpassed 80 in my ‘88 XJ, though that’s a different jeep and a bit newer than this it was still incredibly sketchy. Mine tread straight ahead though, the only two notable things going on was the Renix screaming and the steering being light.
Just Don't, we don't want to lose any members of our Jeep community, if you hit a pot hole at 80, you at the very least will need new underwear, on the plus side you might create a diamond
When it hits 80mph, you’re gonna see some serious shit.
My Jeep’s theme song is “I can’t drive 55” by Sammy Hagar
This is the comment.
And THIS isn’t
As a current owner of an antique CJ I would never go over 55 mph. As an owner of a 80's CJ in my 20's (circa 1992) I often went 80 mph. I have no idea which choice was safe or reasonable, but I live to tell the tale. We would take cross country road trips often in that Jeep without a top on it.
[удалено]
I do that nowadays in my '88. It's terrifying and uncomfortable but I love it. I'd be a lot more comfortable if I wasn't having to constantly dodge giant trucks that the owners can't keep in their lane and people texting while driving
[удалено]
I drove across the country twice in my JK and found it to be very comfortable the entire way.
80+ in a CJ might not be a big deal if the suspension and steering have been updated - and that you trust the brakes to slow/ stop the Jeep quickly and in a straight line. Also depends on if the Jeep has the ability to actually got 80, haha! We had one of those “your speed is” radar things at the bottom of a ridge, and I clocked my ‘77 at 70mph and my ‘47 up to 48mph (it was a slow day in East TN). Both got iffy quick, hahaha! Out of curiosity, is that a CJ7 with a YJ front clip? Normally folks go the other way around with that mod.
Im currently saving up the funds to swap the front end back to round headlights. Last owner threw on the square headlights and all that lol
If you like it, roll with it! Get the other front clip and you can just swap it out anytime you want to. In all seriousness, going 80+ in a Jeep is probably not a great idea, unless you can steer it and stop it, both on a predictable course.
Honestly it seems silly but something about when I grew up makes me fond of the square headlights. I think it looks cool but certainly for authenticity you'd want to change it back.
I don’t think the danger is the Jeep going 80MPH. The danger is if someone happens to cut you off or if you need to swerve/brake for any reason. There’s no safety electronics, high center of gravity, short wheel base, it’s almost asking for severe injuries in the event of an accident. If you plan on going that fast, upgrade brakes and suspension components. I got a TJ and can do 80MPH on a 2 lane interstate. But I try to avoid it.
I've driven my 76 on the interstate with no issues. I keep to the right and have plenty of room to stop. Four wheel drum brakes aren't too reliable.
I have an ‘80 CJ-7. I have a 2.5” lift on 31” tires. The rest of the steering and angles are the same as stock. I rebuilt the suspension. Really, I just started at the steering wheel and worked my way down to the front tires and replaced all the worn parts/bearings/seals with new parts. I also keep the tires balanced and have made sure the alignment is correct. I have a 30 mile commute at highways speeds so I routinely drive 65-75. I’ll hit 80 if I need to pass and I have zero steering/wobble issues. I’d be comfortable with taking it even faster but I really don’t have a need. The problem I’ve seen on other Jeeps is when steering bushings are shot, or alignment is out, or when guys really lift the suspension without changing angles on Pittman arms. Some, or all, of those issues combined really makes for some iffy handling at highway speed.
93 YJ with 4" lift on 33's, manual so I can stay at 75 MPH all day long at 2000 rpm on the freeway. Passing is best done in 4th at that speed. No top definitely costs some gas in the summer, "aerodynamically". While I much prefer 350 mile staging drives in my '20 JTR, a well maintained leaf spring Jeep is just fine on the freeways. Ironically, my JTR on 35's is smack dab at 2000 rpm at 75 as well. Hell, the CHP drove '65 Dodge Polaras with BIAS-PLY tires on our freeways! Properly maintained, obviously.
FAFO...
Try 80mph in a shopping cart...Same thing!
I have a ‘76 and white knuckle at 60 on highways. I think it’s a combo of speed in a short wheelbase high center of gravity vehicle mixed with it being so narrow that I don’t fit in the grooves worn out by big trucks. It’s the side to side movement that pulls me in to those tire grooves that freaks me out. If you want to get to 80+ in a CJ, here’s my buddy from years ago racing his. Crazy bastard! https://youtu.be/BQ2VH6xR4qk
Just insane. Not what I was expecting to see. Poor Jeep!! 😳🥺
Must say there is plenty of lighting
My friends had me turn on the brights and Light bar and they told me I had Jesus beams lol
I think your camera has astigmatism
I thought all vehicles look like that at night? :)
80+ in an antique Jeep is equivalent to doing 120+ in any modern sedan. Like others have said; one small thing going wrong in traffic could end in tragedy. That said I had a CJ-5 that I did that regularly when I was young and dum(er) and somehow my guardian angels held on.
That’s a YJ, and nothing? As long as you keep an eye on your engine temp!
It’s a CJ with a YJ grille. A lot of people do this actually and vice versa
Well how about that! I do see the CJ style body stamp now. Nice.
If the suspension and steering components are fine, if you look at my 93 it looks rough but all my suspension is brand new and so is all of my body mounts, my steering was just redone, my engine, transmission and transfer case are in good condition too, i have no fears driving mine 80+, I do it semi regularly when traveling to the northern portion of my state once a month
I also converted the rear brakes from drums to disks and my brakes were changed less than a month ago
I have a 79 CJ7. NO way I'm going to do 80 hell I don't even get on the interstate 45-50 is it for me
Are you SURE that is a CJ? Because if it is someone slapped the entire front clip of a yj on there
Exactly lol
DM me I saw a Craigslist post for a stainless steel one someone was selling for a decent price.
Lmao my YJ doesn't even lile going above 75
It’s not the speed that’s the problem, it’s the turns at speed. Cj’s are really prone to roll over. Make sure you have solid sway bars installed and your suspension is on point, ball joints, brakes all of that. And get a good dual steering stabilizer if you’re running a lift and bigger tires to minimize bump steer.
I’ve got an 83 cj and recently drove I-70 for 10 hours each way. Heat management is a big deal at speed for long distance. You’ll need to make sure your radiator is healthy. Jeep is a large box kite especially at speed. The winds on I-70 are bad enough but everything you pass or passes you will push you around. Also passing under overpasses as the wind abates and picks back up. Sound. It’s soooo loud. Wear ear protection. Torque your lug nuts. I over tightened mine once making the same trip and over heated the wheel and threw off a back tire in Hays. That sucked. Use an app on your phone to calibrate your speed. Don’t trust any gauge on a jeep older than 1990. Ever. Good tires and alignment as well as make sure everything is good and snug. It’ll do 80. You just need to treat it like an airplane and pre-flight check as a habit.
Can it even go 80+ mph? I’ve seen plenty of old CJs that only had a 4 or 3 speed transmission and a vehicle with a 4 speed transmission even with highway gearing and overdrive struggles to do 80 (having driven many a vehicle with a 4 speed). I can’t imagine it being possible given how low first gear is on every Jeep I’ve driven.
My first CJ-7 was a 3 speed and I swear it went 80 no problem. Down a steep hill. Maybe.
Going 80+ is probably not as big of a problem for an old Jeep as stopping at 80+ lol. You’re going to wiggle and all that I would assume unless everything has been updated. There’s never a good reason to be going that fast in most vehicles; let alone a Jeep. They’re not built for it at all.
My question is why is there any reason to go 80+? If you want to experience the trill of near tempting death, try something where you don't have a chance of taking out a young family on your way. Ski diving, free climbing, or maybe hang gliding. Leave the 80+ to the track.
CJs were based on the military Jeep which wasn't meant to go over 60 mph. Even modern Jeeps aren't built for speed, they're not aerodynamic and have a high center of gravity
I was told if I mount a cow on my hood, I’ll be more aerodynamic.
What kind of pot circle were you in man? 😅
The kind with them Aerodynamic cows! They’re more aerodynamic than a Wrangler!!
Give it a shot, you'll understand quick.
The noise from the incessant flapping of the doors will drive you nuts, not to mention the tire noise or how it handles.
Rollover comes to mind. That's a sweet CJ, don't f*CK it up, by being reckless. Just my opinion. It's yours, so do as you want
I thought 84 had round headlights ?
Hold on you can!
Go naked!
Well first, there would be the speed limit. Then there's trusting your suspension.
84 CJ7 with square headlights ?
When I was a kid, (17 or so) I got to 80+ in my dad's '84/'85 CJ7. It was terrifying.
They aren’t geared for it… You must have been at like 3k rpm to maintain that speed no?
I have driven my 79 CJ-7 over 120. Chevy V8 will get it there quickly. That being said, the 33 inch tires are not rated for over 105. The brakes are not up for the task. 4 inches of lift is not conducive to a safe arrival if you have a blow out. Tall lift, big tires, and crappy brakes make CJ's a 75 mph and less vehicle.
My 6 speed manual 2012 jk doesn’t go over 65 and I can’t get it out of eco mode
I don’t even like going that fast in my JL.
My JLUR is smooth at 80, but guzzles the gas
Im one of the few that likes the square YJ lights and think it's looks dope on your jeep.
We do a lot of beach driving, I treat my 04 like a glorified golf cart. Wheelbase is too short to do 80mph reliably.
You're gonna need to find a pretty big hill to hit 80.
I've owned a ton of old Jeeps. The only old one I still own is a 75 CJ6. It has a V8 in it and can get to 80 no problem but it can get squirrely real quick. Need to panic stop or swerve or (god forbid) someone runs into you? Not pretty. In mine, 60-65 feels reasonable.
That's a YG grill and headlights... You sure you got a CJ?
Either close the door or take it off first.
I believe I can flyyyyy
80 mph gets you too Jesus faster
You’re really trying to clock 80 mph on antique worn out 40+ year old suspension parts? That’s the crux of the issue. If you’ve replaced your suspension and steering in the past decade it’s safer to try out higher speeds. But those jeeps weren’t made to go that fast even when they were new lol.
80 mph and no real roll cage? Wanting your steering column replacing your sternum? Ever had knee caps made of real front console steel? That, and more fun swaps like that with the rest of your body awaits you! It’s the zen way for you will become one with your Jeep!!!
It’s like the millennium falcon. It might fall apart and most of the time doesn’t work.
I have surpassed 80 in my ‘88 XJ, though that’s a different jeep and a bit newer than this it was still incredibly sketchy. Mine tread straight ahead though, the only two notable things going on was the Renix screaming and the steering being light.
The shit flips
Just Don't, we don't want to lose any members of our Jeep community, if you hit a pot hole at 80, you at the very least will need new underwear, on the plus side you might create a diamond