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Ok did another test drive of another CJ this time a 1983 Jeep CJ 7 with a 258 5 speed manual the owner stated that it has 39000 original miles. Everything looked good on the jeep no rust and the body is clean. The only question is when I took it out for a test drive I put it in 1st gear and let out the clutch the clutch seamed to like shake and the shift handle shook until I gained speed then ran really good through the rest of the gears. Does the clutched need to be changed? Will this cost a lot to fix? Or should I keep looking? One more question when I ran the VIN through CARFAX it stated an alert for the vheicle not having the original miles. Thanks for your help in advanced.
I am not too sure on why it shakes, mine shakes too. I think someone once told me if it shakes a lot, then you might have a motor mount issue, which from reading numerous articles, is not that hard to replace. As for original miles, I highly doubt its original miles unless it was a show jeep and hardly run, 39,000 miles on a 83 is around 1500 miles a year....Id prolly tend to believe carfax. How much is the person asking? you say the jeep has no rust and body is clean, has it been lifted, does it have a lot of aftermarket parts?
The clutch could have some debris (dirt) on it, and that would cause it to slip
bluwtrsurfr

He is asking $11000 and everything is original nothing aftermarket or any lift. Jeeps in California are expensive. What do you think should I pass and keep on looking? I want something nice since its going to be daily driver.
It could be a problem with the flywheel having grease or oil or worn enough that it needs to be turned. If any of those scenarios; replace the clutch while it is apart. Could be a engine mount.
You say it has a 5 speed? and it is an "83"? is that four forward going gears, plus reverse? just curious, I think it should have theT-176 tranny. which is a four speed. maybe something has been changed.
Since you posted you want a daily driver, then I'd take another look at it. Does it pass smog? I know that's a biggie in Kali. And how adept are you mechanically? If you've never worked on old junk, then having one for a daily driver probably isn't a good idea.

The trans is the T5, 5spd overdrive, availabe in CJ's from 81-86. It's a light duty manual trans, with some known weak areas. On a daily driver, with stock tires, and not a bunch of driver abuse it should hold up fine. Start 'modifying' and all bets are off.

Swapping a clutch out isn't that big a deal. It's just can be a PITA, if you're working on your back. And don't have help. If you take it to a shop, expect to pay between $500-$800, depending on their labor rates and what they will charge for parts. Get the flywheel resurfaced while it's being done. It sounds like the previous drivers had a tendancy to ride the clutch and with all that shaking you've got a number of 'hot spots' on the flywheel/pressure plate.

Also check the trans and motor mounts. The originals are rubber and they will deteriorate over time. Face it the vehicle is 25+ years old, it probably needs new belts, hoses, etc. Plan on putting another $300+ into it (not including brakes), just to change fluids and other 'wear items'.
Some more thoughts and questions:

Does the CJ have both tops?
Are the tires in very good condition?
Does it have any options? AC?

$11K for an original, unmolested, and rust/damage free CJ is what I would consider 'Normal' (at least in my area-and sometimes it's higher). Owning a 25 year old CJ is more of a way of life, than just a way to comute daily. I don't know what the traffic situation is like where you live (I've been in the LA area so I know about the hordes of vehicles), but you might want to keep looking for an automatic trans vehicle. The CJ rides rough as it is. Toss in having to clutch, shift, etc. ...Slurping that double latte' or munchin' or that Big Mac while driving is gonna be tough. Get a Bluetooth.
thanks Hack saving me from a long reply. Also, have you driven it? Does the engine seem tired like when you go into 4th or OD and you push on the gas, it just doesnt seem to want to get out of its way? depending on the area you live in hills can be a ***** with a clutch.
How long has that seller been the 'owner'? When carfax issues an alert, they are not often wrong.

I would be suspecting they are curbers (buy writeoffs, fix cheap, sell expensive) if they are 'selling it for a friend' or haven't owned it long. At least here in Ontario Canada, we can get a vehicle history that shows all the owners.

I would be taking the vehicle to a proper Jeep mechanic and pay for a serious inspection with attention payed to mis matched and worn parts. Could be the best $100.00 you ever spend on it.

Things like the corner of the brake pedal and the floor right below the gas pedal and the outer corner of the drivers seat and the door latch show wear with higher miles also.
With that low miles nothing should shake. Look at the mounts at the skid plate were trans is mounted, that big one that is square must be spilt.
Dont be a sucker........11k hell no... And it doesnt have 39,000 ORIGINAL miles.... I dont care what the "owner" says . Cause if it did im sure it would have sold already....... I dont want to be a jerk but unless youre ready to buy this CJ and have it in the garage for a day or two ( maybe a work day ) get yourself something newer for a daily driver. good luck to ya.