This project is on a 1974 Jeep Cherokee. I began my search for a Jeep after realizing that while the 1981 Ford F100 that I have is a decent truck, it is in a year where things “got weird” with electronics and technology. Manufacturers are trying out different technologies with ignition, trying to bring convenience to carburetors, etc. While it was an honorable attempt, it usually causes odd failures and becomes more of a headache after 40 years. I do enjoy Ford using the same design in most of their mechanical operation which means part availability is plentiful and affordable, I just didn’t want to dig into this vehicle and “make it my own”. I wanted 4×4 capability and also a little more gusto for bigger towing tasks. I frequently find it is easier for me to build something the way I want it from the ground up than to put modify an existing platform into a way I appreciate.

A key factor in this decision is the realization that we may end up in a state that has more stringent inspection and emissions requirements which the Ford would not pass. Those requirements usually encompass the 1980’s. More on this in the Requirements section but TLDR: there is a reason why I targeted 1974 for the Jeep.

When I started looking into my vintage 4×4 options the Jeep fit the bill, literally. Old Bronco’s are expensive but decent part supply, International Scouts are also expensive. I didn’t want the feature that both came with, which is a removable top. I view that as opportunity to leak and have no desire to drive a truck like a convertible. I also wanted more space. Dodge had… whatever they had, I’m not sure, and the Chevy Suburban is cool but seemed too murder-van in look and feel. Import options always seemed small and coming from the Datsun community, their part supply can be shotty, or quickly get shotty over time. AMC/Jeep/Chrystler were affordable, had the base features I was looking for, and they ran the series between the J-trucks and Wagoneers from 1963 to 1992(?). Tons of parts, tons of after market support, and while I’m not a true “Jeeper”, the fanbase keeps the cars alive well.

I prowled for Jeeps for a few months and had limits in terms of distance. I wanted something no further than 400-500 miles. It needed to be structurally sound in regards to the frame but the body did not have to be perfect. It would be nice to start with a manual transmission option so I don’t have to source clutch pedals, etc. There were a lot of options but they always had a catch, like no title, which is a huge risk in my opinion. The work around is to get a bonded title however if an owner miraculously appears you have to give the car to them or pay fair price to them, and you must maintain this bonded title for something like 3 years. Not a hassle I was willing to go through (much to the dismay of some of the sellers that seemed to take that personally).

I honed in on 2 Jeeps for the price of… half of one, from a firefighter, but they were too far gone for my liking. Aside from rust there is real value in having all the little things that would add up like switches, buttons, gauges, lights, etc. and it was missing many of those. After being bummed, we drove home and on the way back we see what was a tow yard but it seemed like a junkyard too. I saw a Wagoneer front grill in the corner of my eye and quickly turned into it to see what was up. At this point we’re 1.5hrs out from our suburbs – this is where you find good deals. I spoke to the gentleman and it was the same story… All of these cars are his projects that he will some day build. He was pretty stern with “I buy cars, I don’t sell them”, but I put the bug in his ear that I’d be willing to purchase. He eventually bent the knee and I was able to pick this Jeep up. It had a 3 speed manual gearbox, the usual AMC 360CI V8, some cool local features, and most importantly a title. It seemed complete, some rust, but nothing impossible. Surprisingly it ran too. This is a good starting point. The pictures below were how I found.