1979 CJ7 Quadra Trac to a 1985 CJ7 FRAME

[CJSIT960]

I am changing the frame from my 1979 CJ7 Quadra Trac with a GM Turbo 400 that is stock, to a frame of a 1985 CJ7 which I am adding a four inch life kit from Skyjacker, do i need any adapters to adjust anything ? Will i be able to take the Transfer Case cross member mount from the 1979 and mount it right on the 1985?

Any info will help

thx

 

[HackFabrication]

You are aware that the Q-Trac has an offset rear differential?

You also have a problem in that the 79 axles are narrow track and the 85 axles are wide track. So, you will need to swap both front and rear axles
over. This is going to create another issue with the shock mounts on the front, as the 79 is different than the 85.

As far as the 79 cross member 'bolting up' to the 85 frame, I'm no help. Best to yank it off the 79 and see if it will fit in the preferred location.

 

[CJSIT960]

Yes they are difference , I am using everything from the 79. Axles, Quadra trac and tranny, putting a 8 cylinder motor in it also . Has anybody done anything with the shock mounts on the front moving from a 1979 to a 1985 frame? I am going to pull off and the cross member and see where it mounts on the 85.

Thanks for the info ,

 

[Peanut Butter]

There are several ways to add shock mounts. Most that will work the best for you will need to be welded as the bolt holes are most likely not there or will not line up. Do a google search for Jeep shock mounts for a few options. I noticed that your QT TC is missing the Low Range unit. Depending on what your going to do with your Jeep, you might want to look for one. It is a simple bolt up where the round plate is on the back.

 

[CJSIT960]

There are several ways to add shock mounts. Most that will work the best for you will need to be welded as the bolt holes are most likely not there or will not line up. Do a google search for Jeep shock mounts for a few options. I noticed that your QT TC is missing the Low Range unit. Depending on what your going to do with your Jeep, you might want to look for one. It is a simple bolt up where the round plate is on the back.

Thanks, Is the low range unit the switch that was in the glove compartment i have that?

 

[CJSIT960]

Found some jeep CJ7 info on this service manual if anybody needs

Transfer Case information

http://oljeep.com/gw/79_tsm/79_Jeep_TSM.pdf

 

[Peanut Butter]

Thanks, Is the low range unit the switch that was in the glove compartment i have that?

No. That vacuum switch engages the differential inside the Transfer Case so that power goes to the front and rear wheels 100% of the time. It's called "Emergency Drive". When not engaged the differential inside the transfer case send power to the front or rear wheels depending on what needs the most traction. You only want to engage the "Emergency Drive" when off-road. Using it on a hard dry surface will tear the differentials inside to pieces over time. The low range unit bolts to the back of the TC where the round cover is. Most Jeeps with this will have a manual shift lever near the driver's seat located on the Transmission hump. This lever shift from high range to neutral to low range independent of the four wheel drive portion of the TC.

You also want to check the chain stretch in your TC. This can be done by removing the pipe plug on the bottom of the TC and inserting a screw driver. Measure the distance you can push the chain up. Anything over 1/2' is very bad. Anything between 1/4" and 1/2" will need the chain replaced soon. The fluid that comes out the bottom when you remove the plug should be discarded. It is a special fluid called TCL-1. You can get it through 4WD.com This special fluid is needed due to the differentials inside the TC. Only use automatic transmission fluid if a part-time kit was installed. The only way to know for sure if you have the part-time kit is to pull the TC apart. You Jeep should NOT have lock out hubs on the front axle with a QuadraTrac TC. If you do you may have the part-time kit, but that's not a guarantee. I've heard of more than one person putting the lockout hubs on their Jeep with the QT TC. It will only tear up the differentials inside the TC.

One more thing. If you need repair parts for your QT TC, go the BJ's Off-Road. They are the only supplier of USA made parts. A USA chain will last 30 to 40k, but the others may last 10 to 15k. A loose chain is the biggest problem with these TC's. They don't have to be with proper maintenance. Use ONLY TCL-1 fluid too. Here are a couple of links for more information: Jeep QuadraTrac https://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge/transfer-cases/quadratrac/

If you go through my build links, you'll see where I rebuilt my TC's. You'll hear a lot of bad things about the Quadratrac TC. It was the first Full Time TC. All others after this one are related. It was cutting edge technology back then. You just have to think of your Jeep being similar to the new AWD vehicles today, lot of good advantages. Don't be afraid to ask any questions.

 

[Peanut Butter]

One more thing, you have the AMC case GM Turbo 400 . See this article for more information: http://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/f2/jeep-th400-technical-information-24384/

 

[CJSIT960]

Once again thank you for all the INFO.
I will change the Chain and add the new fluid to the TC. The Chain by itself Cost
$250 damn. Is the chain hard to change or it just slide off?
Where can i get the low Range unit for the Transfer Case ?
I also got the Adapter from Novak for the AMC GM Turbo 400 to connect the Chevy Vortex 350 Motor.