First of all do not own a Jeep at least not yet. Need ammo to help me sell the idea to the wife. She actually wants one, and I want it to plow with.
Have a few questions if anyone has the time or knows some links to help me out?
What is the last year a Jeep (CJ,YJ,etc...) that was built that had no computer parts?
The last year of no computer for a Jeep CJ model and any other Jeep model for that matter was the 1980 CJ5-CJ7. Mine, pictured here below, is a 1983. I got it as a total. It had the first SSI box and so, I stripped it all out and the computer and everything and went with a Holley 390 4 barrel, points and condenser ignition and NO computer whatsoever. I will not have one as well. This conversion cost then about $50, and now about $85. It is simple and the Jeep can be tuned up any place on Earth.
Is the inline straight 6 (4.0L) engine strong enough to plow with?
My Jeep, VEX, has 1,187,523 miles on it now, on its 5th inline 258 6 cylinder engine. Of my 46 years of Jeeps, this engine is the strongest I have ever had and ran. I've had VEX 20 years last month and its been in 123 of the World's 195 countries to date. I cannot praise this engine high enough. With a RV cam, and the 4 barrel, it is a power house. I get average about 220,000 miles of each engine, if taken care and ran hard for the rings to seat at first.
VEX also weighs in at a few pounds short of 3 tons. Most of that is the 12,000 lbs winches on it front and rear and the amount of steel welded to the frame, the bumpers and cross members so I do not pull it apart, as I did several Jeeps ago that was not modified.
Thus, yes, with chains front and rear on narrow tires, and ARB air lockers, you will have a very very competent tractor for plowing, as I used to do years ago home up in Montana on the ranch my folks had.
Any tips of hints I should know before buying? Sites with info to read so I can have a clue.
Thanks.
The best way to shop is here, and the many Jeep sites and the for sale areas across this digital plain that will have multitudes of Jeeps for sale.
This is a closeup of the 1" steel plate, lining the frame, both front and rear and inside/outside to allow for heavy industrial applications, especially out of the country. You will want to do the same to any Jeep, only much lighter, for snow plow duty. (You do not need to build one to this level, to do your yeomen work as a home tractor. You can go with 1/4" steel plate and gussets and do just fine and keep the weight down.)
On this last topic, I am so anal about this heavy stuff on VEX since at times I am ask to pull out really big things............
66,000 lb. Concrete Truck Pullout With VEX
You also mentioned your wife maiden to sell the idea too. For these 46 years of Jeeps, I've had 26. VEX is 26th. With my 2nd Jeep, I dated and courted the maiden below, when we were both 18. We are widowed now, and she came to the wilds of NM here to see me, after 40 years. Now, our lives are based, as always, around VEX, exploring the Great Desert Commons of the American Southwest in a Jeep. Also, you may have your wife come to this thread, see this, and call Audrey for them both to songbird chat about Jeeps and life, since
life is always within Jeepin' distance......
Sometimes, heart wins out over matter, every once upon a time........Behold
Hope this is helpful and should you need more questions answered on topic, fire away. I and many others here can help you and more than glad to do so. PM me if you need my cell number for your wife.
Welcome here also,
Robert
