97 And up Eh..

 

actually i shouldnt of said autolocking hubs.......they are the same setup as the dodge trucks, a splined unit bearing.....

 

Logan pretty well hit the nail on the head with his description. On the last models, you could get a 6-speed manual also. Stay away from the 4 cylinder models unless you plan on ripping it out for a swap project.
Something else I would suggest is to try and find one with the Dana 44 rear. The Dana 35 is about as strong as a wet toothpick, and isn't worth throwing money at it to beef it up. I've seen a couple of friends break stock axles in the D35 with stock tires and stock gears. A Ford 8.8 from an Explorer is a pretty easy swap as well, and has disc brakes.
Most anything you need can be bought in the aftermarket and like Logan said, is more often than not better quality than factory parts.
The transfer case is a NVG 231-J, and are simple to rebuild. One weakness on all of them is the slip yoke. I suggest getting a slip yoke eliminator and a CV type driveshaft in the rear. Not all, but a lot of them have rear driveline vibration problems from the factory.
The 4.0 will run 250-300K+ if maintained properly. I have just under 100K on my 4.0 and the only thing I've had to replace is the idler pulley.
Unless you're just dead set on a removeable top, you might also consider an XJ Cherokee. 5K should buy a nice 4x4.

 

Screw all that noise and get you a CJ7 chad.

5 grand will buy a nice one these days, or at least good bones to start with. Just have to be picky cause they are getting rusty anymore.

When I get mine back together, its got a fresh 304 V8, T-18 HD 4spd and scout Dana 300 transfer case. And Dana 44's front and rear. Pretty much unbeatable combo. Only thing I might change in the future is swap a 401 in place of the 304. The next one I want to build though is a scrambler with a 4bt and nv4500.

 

We have one. It is nice. Its a 2005. It is a 6cyl 6 speed. The wife loves putting the top down!

 

I have a 89 but I got rid of the weak parts,saved the frame and tub but had to do major repairs to them

 

As much as I love the CJ's (I have 3) I'd have to agree with the other's get a TJ- '97 and up. Great all around vehicle, huge aftermarket and spare parts are plentyfull.

Now finding a 4cly 5 speed under $5k is fairly easy, finding a 6cyl might be hard for under $5k. $7-10k easy, but under $5...... Remember, Jeeps hold their value very well.

 

i bought a virtually rust free 93 yj 4cyl 5sp with 119000 on it for about $3000. it had new tires/wheels, exhaust, shocks/springs and some kc hiliters. all you need to do is search craigslist for the guy that is getting in a divorce and either is going to get it taken away by his wife or is going to take a loss on it

 

Craigslist is awesome just picked up that 98 for 1k and 500 later in body parts and im back on the road

 

Sweet