948000
Okay. That info helps. If you're looking at late seventies/early-to-mid eighties, you're looking strictly at CJ's. The YJ's weren't produced until the '87 model year. Within the CJ's, you have a realistic choice between the CJ-5, CJ-6, CJ-7, and CJ-8. The five and seven are shorter wheelbase, while the six and eight are longer (both commonly referred to as "scramblers", although I think only the eight actually carried that designation). The five is the shorter than the seven, and the six is shorter than the eight. In general, the average seven or eight is newer than the average five or six, although there were some years of overlap where the five, seven, and perhaps eight were all built.
You mentioned Rocky mountain passes. In general, if you're going to be doing really steep stuff, you'll appreciate the longer wheelbase of a CJ-8. For very tight switchbacks, a -7 or -5 is better, but be aware that larger tires can drastically cut your turning radius. If it were me, I'd take the longer wheelbase and back up to make a turn if I had to. I drive a five, and sometimes even going up a small ledge, you feel like you're on a launching pad, looking up at the sky.
The search for a jeep is really a search for reliability and features. You can get lots of advice about which one is better in stock condition, but they've all been modified so much, that some of those differences are pretty moot by now.
Having said that, I'd prefer anything that had a Dana 44 rear axle over a Model 20 (at least unless a LOT of modifications have been made to it). This means early to mid seventies CJ-5's, and a 1986 CJ-7. However, lots of axles have been swapped in to lots of vehicles over the years. I'm also a fan of bigger engines, but I live in the South, where we need them for climbing slick, muddy rocks. Out west, a smaller engine can be useful for control of the vehicle. Having said that, you want it to have enough power to get out of its own way on the interstate, unless you plan for it to be a trail-only vehicle. I'd suggest an I-6 engine at least, and wouldn't shy away from a V-8.
You need to know what kind of transmission the jeep has, also. Several mid-eighties transmissions weren't very strong. I don't remember which ones were the weak ones: I think T-4, T-5, and SR-5? Someone can correct me on this. Look for a T-176 or T-18.
Regarding axle gears, it will depend on your engine and transmission, but I'd suggest at least 3.73's, and probably 4.10's if you're planning to do any serious rock crawling and/or you have a smaller engine.
Most jeeps made during the time which you are looking for came with the Dana 300 transfer case, which is excellent and desirable. The Dana 20 (on earlier CJ's) isn't bad at all, but has a smaller ratio low range (i.e.,less of a crawl ratio).
You'll want a suspension lift--at least 2.5", with 4" being better. Body lifts will clear tires, but won't help you on the trail (to the contrary, they can hurt the body). Spring-overs are great, but be sure they're done right.
Unless you want to spend a bunch of money off the bat, be sure the jeep has a set of trail-worthy MT tires already. I'd suggest at least 33", but that gets into axle ratios, engines, lifts, etc.
Traction assistance devices are great--I'd look for a jeep with at least one locker, or be prepared to install one yourself. Be sure you have power steering if you're going to lock the front end.
I could go on and on, but this is getting pretty long already. In general: the CJ-8 is probably the most trail capable. It's also the most expensive and rare. The CJ-7 is a great jeep. It has more room and a longer wheelbase than the five, and EVERYBODY makes aftermarket stuff for it. Whatever you look for, be ready to get dirty inspecting it. Go with a flashlight and a rag. Get into the engine and on the ground under the jeep. I'd personally take it to a good 4wd shop and have them look it over, to be sure that you're not missing something. There will be a lot of
