1981 cj

[Super Stroked]

Hey guys, i'm new to owning jeeps and looking for some input. I'm looking at a 1981 Jeep at the moment. It has a AMC 304 installed with a 999 tranny in it. It has been rebuilt and is in great shape overall with many extras, tops, winch, etc. What are some things to look out for?? i know most of the basics; frame, wiring, abuse, etc... I'm going to be test driving it today or tomorrow and give it a good once over to look at the overall condition. I've looked at it from the outside, but he had the doors locked so i couldn't look at the interior and under the dash. Not really looking for a daily driver, just something the wife and i could enjoy. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Matt

 

[IOPort51]

Check the frame for rust and cracks near the spring mounts, look under the dash to see if the wiring has been field modified, Find something with as few modifications as possible, you should be looking for bone stock so you don't buy someone else's problems they could never fix. Good luck.
A 999 Transmission ?? new one on me.

Hey guys, i'm new to owning jeeps and looking for some input. I'm looking at a 1981 Jeep at the moment. It has a AMC 304 installed with a 999 tranny in it. It has been rebuilt and is in great shape overall with many extras, tops, winch, etc. What are some things to look out for?? i know most of the basics; frame, wiring, abuse, etc... I'm going to be test driving it today or tomorrow and give it a good once over to look at the overall condition. I've looked at it from the outside, but he had the doors locked so i couldn't look at the interior and under the dash. Not really looking for a daily driver, just something the wife and i could enjoy. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Matt

 

[Super Stroked]

the 999 is a Chrysler medium duty 3 speed auto used in CJ with v6's and v8's

 

[TDHofstetter]

...to see if the wiring has been field modified...

It has.

Trust me, it HAS.

...but it's always fixable. These things are EASY to work on... provided you have no trouble standing on your left ear.

 

[Super Stroked]

Well i went and drove it this afternoon and got to get a better look at it and talk to the owner. Older gentleman that just doesn't need this any more. Looking to start downsizing getting ready for retirement. All in all it's a pretty good CJ. Does have a few minor issues, but nothing that can't be fixed relatively easily. Wiring is in pretty good shape, just a few small issues and needs to be cleaned up with routing and such. Idle needs to be adjusted and i think it just needs to be ran since it's been sitting while he's been trying to sell it. He says in stop and go traffic it's gets kinda warm on the temp gauge, but not too hot. Pedal is a little stiff, but not too bad. Interior has also been lined. Here are a few specs on it.

81 CJ7 ; AMC 304 V8 with Howell TB fuel injection; 999 Transmission w/ B&M shifter; Both diffs rebuilt; summers one piece axle in rear; disc brakes added in rear; a/c; corbeau seats; new gauges; new fuel pump; new water pump; all three tops (hard, soft, bikini); new body bushings; new be-cool radiator; paint is in good condition; 5 new tires; 4" lift; and a winch. Most of the parts that are new were replace in 09, with the majority of the stuff done in 2002-03. it's got 8000 miles on it since the rebuild in 2002. They only used it around town and never took it on trips. Said they took his grand cherokee for those.

He wanted $9500 for it. I've got it down to $8500 so far.

 

[TDHofstetter]

The frame? Especially at the rear, above the shackles?

 

[Super Stroked]

Yea, forgot that. The frame looks good. No cracks, repairs, or anything. All in all it is a real good base for a great CJ. A little TLC and a few fixes here and there and i think it will be a good vehicle.

 

[TDHofstetter]

Sounds dang nice!

 

[Super Stroked]

I'm thinking it's pretty good cj at this point. Not in perfect shape, but in good enough shape to drive it and enjoy it while making it into a nice cj.

 

[fishinfool98]

Any pics of it??
welcome to the site

 

[Super Stroked]

i took the camera to get some pics...... turned it on.... dead battery.... Got back in the truck and forgot i had my cell phone.... but he was already driving off...

 

[dslywalker]

Welcome.
The Howell fuel injection was probably 1200 bucks plus whatever it cost to put on.Sounds like it needs adjusting for idle.If this helps
Mike

 

[BajaEdition]

Many a AMC 304 has had idle cooling problems, it is workable