7. J-truck
Expect to pay $800-$1,100
Any J-truck is three tons of fun just waiting for you to discover it. With all kinds of V-8 options and drivetrains to support them, if you hanker for a big Jeep, look right here.When searching for your new jewel, look for things like "body needs work" or "transmission seized." These things are big and ugly all while burning way too much gas for people to put more money into fixing them. Again, like the V-8 CJ, if you can get it started and it doesn't smoke, the drivetrain will work itself out.
Finding them with a rear Dana 60 and front Dana 44 isn't unheard of. Just go looking for the trucks with 8-lug rims and buy from there. The biggest downside to these is that the beds will almost always be rusted, dented in the worst ways, or just plain gone. Again, we aren't buying daily drivers here, just Jeeps that are plain fun to drive. Although they sure do make commuting more adventurous.
6. Willys Wagon
Expect to pay $500-$800
We aren't too sure why these things are consistently turning up for dirt cheap. They've got timeless styling, can haul the whole family, and if you are fearless with a metal saw, can fit 36-inch tires front and rear without a lift.
Sure, there are little things like usually having all the glass broken out, being full of bullet holes, or just having no floor left, but these are minor inconveniences. Not to mention finding them with a drivetrain is rare, unless it's in the back seat, but that doesn't keep us from liking them.
Don't bother looking for the wagon with the original drivetrain. That's no fun at all. Find one with a swapped-in Chevy V-8 and drivetrain or something similar and go from there. This isn't going to be a comfortable ride unless you pour tons of money into it. They ride a lot like an MB, but with the bonus of a tin roof. For under $1,000, fix it until it runs, bolt in however many seats you want, cut away, and then go wheeling.
Oh, if you are going to clear 36s with a Sawzall, tell your friends who are riding in the back to bring goggles because they will get very dirty.
5. '67-'72 Jeepster Commando
Expect to pay $1,000
Regardless of whether you choose the early or later Jeepster from this era, you still get a ton of goodies.
With the earlier ones (C-101) made from '67-'71, you can get the optionalV-6, T-18, and D-20 transfer case. Also included is a nice 101-inch wheelbase that makes these rigs very stable. If you don't like the weird grille, swap in one from a CJ. Even the axles aren't all bad with stock power. Granted, there are drums front and rear, but swap in a later set of brakes and power booster and it'll be good.
The later Jeepsters (C-104) have some better drivetrain components in the form of an available V-8, Turbo 400 trans, and Dana 20 T-case. The axles will survive if you don't put on huge tires. They did get the Scoutish grille, which you will either love or hate and a 104-inch wheelbase that the early ones didn't have for a whole extra 3 inches of wall-climbing ability.
Overall, whether you go for a C-101 or C-104, try to find one that the owner just no longer wants, while looking out for closed-knuckle and four-cylinder models. Just like all older Jeeps, they've got some rust problems, so inspect the body to be sure its somewhat safe before you buy it.
4. '87-'92 4.0L Comanche
Expect to pay $1,200
Ignore the '86 model year entirely because the engine choices were horrible and they are really hard to convert to something worthwhile. From '87-'90 you can find deals on them due to the "unreliable" Renix fuel injection. While it is true that the Renix engines don't put out the power of the later H.O. engines, they aren't unreliable. However, they are saddled with the Peugot transmission. Fortunately, it's a simple swap to an AX-15 from a later MJ or XJ.
There are a few wiring quirks in the earlier MJs that make for some weird behaviors, but once you find them it's a solid Jeep and a blast to have. All the MJs share drivetrains with their XJ counterparts, so modifications and fixes for one will work for the other. The later H.O. Comanches are a lot of fun too, and you'll find more aftermarket engine hop ups.
Often, you can find them not running well, which is going to come down to either a vacuum leak or sensor issue. If the truck runs at all and doesn't smoke or knock, grab it -- it's a steal. Don't settle for broken mechanical things even when it's under $1,000.