I had a shimmy problem with the 87 YJ I used to own [no flames pls. I know it was a big mistake] anywho... It turned out the trapizoid steering joints were all worn out and loose [the actual name for these parts escapes me at the mement] when I got up to hwy. speed the thing was all over the road, not safe at all, I sold it soon after to a guy to use as a farm beater.

As for the 82 i say keep it and restore it make it a project and work on her as funds allow. If you can get her back to as new you'll have a real collector's item there, mostly original too by the looks of it.

 

You have a single front axle already, All you need to do is fix the rust (maybe reinforce the frame) get a couple bucket seats for the front, raise that baby up and you are ready to go..
Oh yeah, you might wanna get a new engine if that one has seen its day. Especially if you are gonna be hitting trails.

To fix the floorboards there is a guy who did the same to a 1st gen, click this link to see what he did, very beautiful truck!
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f88/...uid-up-134847/

 

Came across this Rebel edition on Pirate4x4, Its "bluetoyz" truck.



more pics here: http://s269.photobucket.com/albums/j...uggy/ESapr508/

 

if you decide to get rid of her, let me know, i'm in central florida, so it cant be to far from you, if your in the south.
but if you decide to keep it, have your buddy teach you how to weld, cauce thats somthing you can use the rest of your life.