1979 cj7 tub vs 1985?
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1979 cj7 tub vs 1985?
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Other than the roll bar not being the same I cant think of anything. The early style roll bar mounted on top of wheel wells only. Your later style has the bar that runs to the floor. If you can get the '79 roll bar with the tub do it.
Dan77CJ7
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Pete would you consider the later roll bar an upgrade?
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Yes its definately a sturdier design.
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There are SEVERAL differences between the two tubs that can make a difference. I'll highlight the main ones.
Roll bar: 79 is a transition year so if there are 4 large bolt heads visible on the side panel above the rear tire, that would be the early roll bar that sits on top of the rear fender and bolts there and through the tub side. Also the B bar is more vertical.
Between the two, the later bar is what you want. You'll need to fill in these holes if you use the later bar.
Tub B pillar / door striker: The 82 on tubs have a re enforced striker area with a full vertical structure that spans from the top down to the floor. The 81 back uses a small triangle plate that often cracks or breaks leaving the door area weakened and allows movement.....not good. This all ties into the actual door striker which also changed at this time.The 82 on used a striker post and paddle handle doors vs the rotary handles and no post. The problem is the older tubs don't have the structure to attach the later post plates. So IF you have hard doors on your 85, this WILL be an issue that needs to be addressed.
Rear seat: The 85 and 86 CJs used a fold n tumble rear seat. The 84 back used a fixed rear seat. The difference will no be JUST the seat, but ALL the brackets that attach it to the tub. The hols in the tub are also in different locations. The older tub will also be lacking the under tub support IF you swap in the later seat.
Rear running lights. The 79 will have holes in the tub for the red lens of the tub side lights. You can again, fill them and use your taillights that have side lights, or leave them and switch over to the older style tail lights.
In my opinion only, I would hold out for a 82 to 86 CJ tub or ANY 87 to 95 YJ tub. The mods needed to the YJ tub will give you a near exact copy of your 85 tub even VS the few mods needed to the 79 tub. The 79 tubs lack of door support will never win me over as a good swap candidate.
Roll bar: 79 is a transition year so if there are 4 large bolt heads visible on the side panel above the rear tire, that would be the early roll bar that sits on top of the rear fender and bolts there and through the tub side. Also the B bar is more vertical.
Between the two, the later bar is what you want. You'll need to fill in these holes if you use the later bar.
Tub B pillar / door striker: The 82 on tubs have a re enforced striker area with a full vertical structure that spans from the top down to the floor. The 81 back uses a small triangle plate that often cracks or breaks leaving the door area weakened and allows movement.....not good. This all ties into the actual door striker which also changed at this time.The 82 on used a striker post and paddle handle doors vs the rotary handles and no post. The problem is the older tubs don't have the structure to attach the later post plates. So IF you have hard doors on your 85, this WILL be an issue that needs to be addressed.
Rear seat: The 85 and 86 CJs used a fold n tumble rear seat. The 84 back used a fixed rear seat. The difference will no be JUST the seat, but ALL the brackets that attach it to the tub. The hols in the tub are also in different locations. The older tub will also be lacking the under tub support IF you swap in the later seat.
Rear running lights. The 79 will have holes in the tub for the red lens of the tub side lights. You can again, fill them and use your taillights that have side lights, or leave them and switch over to the older style tail lights.
In my opinion only, I would hold out for a 82 to 86 CJ tub or ANY 87 to 95 YJ tub. The mods needed to the YJ tub will give you a near exact copy of your 85 tub even VS the few mods needed to the 79 tub. The 79 tubs lack of door support will never win me over as a good swap candidate.
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I was just going to add the door striker and pillar this morning after I put my doors on. Without the hardtop on that area is pretty flimsy on my 81. Mine will accomadate both door styles. I just added the late model striker on mine.
Never knew that the 85/86 always had fold and tumble. My 85 had the rear floor replaced but I never saw provisions for the mounts on the wheelwells either.
Plain forgot about the older style side markers. I can see why you'd like the Yj tub but there is a fair amount of fab that needs to be done with the cowl, moving body mounts , and swapping in the Cj tailgate. That said I'm doing one myself. I think the OP was looking for a bolt in swap.
Never knew that the 85/86 always had fold and tumble. My 85 had the rear floor replaced but I never saw provisions for the mounts on the wheelwells either.
Plain forgot about the older style side markers. I can see why you'd like the Yj tub but there is a fair amount of fab that needs to be done with the cowl, moving body mounts , and swapping in the Cj tailgate. That said I'm doing one myself. I think the OP was looking for a bolt in swap.
I went and looked at the 79' before I saw your posts. although the tub appeared to be in decent shape for its age no noticeable rot, but the left side rear tailgate opening was leaning in at the top. I didnt see anything that caught my eye , but something seemed off? I passed on it and i'm glad i did , I found one from texas, needs a little work around the right tailight , but very clean. The Po pointed those things out that you guys mentioned, b post , rear tumble seat brackets. I'm happy
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WOW, my `81 must be a 1 off, because it has the newer b-pillar w/nuts, but came with the old door striker, or because it was made in July 1981, right before the `82`s came out. Also my antenna is on the DS, I always thought that was because of A/C.
I Took a good look at my 81 while I was swapping the water pump. Mine is set up for both doors as well. No a/c and the antenna is passenger side. I don't think the b pillar is nearly as strong as later versions. I Can flex the side of my tub on the 81 but not the 83.