Depends on the year of the CJ and the make. you have pretty much two groups. The early CJs 45-71 CJ2a, 3a, 3b and 5. They share pretty much the same drivetrains. The stock steering is not that condusive to big lifts. Smaller brakes. 71-75 CJ5 is the middle of early and later, some things are kind of like the earlys and the newer stuff is starting to get installed. And later 76-86 CJ5 and 7. CJs i find have more character but then again i am biased. They can be made to be reliable. The early stuff really is realiable, but usually when you get one if it is a project it will take a bit of work to get it back to shape. The later CJs had some trannies that just are not robust. Rust can be a big issue because they all do, it is just up to the buyer if he has the wallet or skills to fix. Early jeeps have a rougher suspension and can be a bit rough if you are not used to the ride. Newer springs can help. The later ones have power steering and power brakes. The early ones can be upgraded. It takes alot of love to own a CJ, but they are just real fun... and the devil at the same time.