1981 CJ7 Renegade

[BigSouth]

Picked up this Renegade for $600. AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l I6, Holley 4bbl carb, Offenhauser 4bbl intake, SR4 Transmission , Dana 300 . There is MUCH work to be done. The engine does not currently run and I will be pulling that and the transmission out in the next week or so.

QUESTIONS: Should I keep and rebuild the 258 I6 or upgrade to a V8 engine? Which tranny should I upgrade to? I do want to run at least 33" tires...maybe even 35". I am aware I would need a regear. My primary use will be as a "fun in the sun" driver (I have a separate daily driver)...driving on the beach, playin in mud, etc. I do not plan to do heavy offroading/rock climbing, etc but I still want it to be a badass CJ. With all that in mind, what setup would be best for me? If I should upgrade to V8, which motor and transmission is most recommended? Will I need to upgrade my axles/driveshaft as well? Pretty sure i have a Dana 30 on the front. This is my first time doing a frame off restore but I have the help and tools of a guy that has been doing it for over 30 years..he just doesnt have experience with Jeep/Offroad vehicles. Any suggestions/tips would be appreciated. Thanks!

Jeep CJ7 :: DSCI0198.jpg picture by fcfordlord - Photobucket

 

[NorthwestCJer]

You are the only one that can answer all those questions!
Nobody on this board is you.
A lot of things come into play when we build our jeeps. Mostly budget!
Then what is the purpose of the jeep? etc, ect.
Maybe instead of looking for someone to tell YOU what to do. Spend some time researching around forums to see what you like for looks and investigate what those rigs have for drivetrain and parts.

Everyones jeep is built different, some will tell you it aint a jeep unless it has a AMC engine in it. Or some will say CHevy or Ford.????!!!??
Its your money and your jeep. Build it how you want it!
AND trust me, you will never be done with it!

 

[Jimbos76cj]

Heres some quick info. A AMC V-8 will bolt right in with exception of the Passenger side (I think) motor to frame mount. so there should be really no difficult fabrication to it. Those motors are pretty tough so unless its froze up I would see about getting it running again. I did a build with a motor that had 2 cylinder filled with water. I sanded the cylinder with some fine grit emory clothe replaced cleaned that valves and replaced the valve seals and it runs like a champ.

You can grab a 360 out of a wagoneer or J-truck. you can also run a 727 Transmission that comes with the auto waggy or J-truck with your Dana 300 T/C. One of the big issues with putting a auto trans in a CJ is it lengthens the drive train and shortens the rear drive shaft so the angle becomes a problem. that is for AMC motor and trans or any thing else. Since you have a 81 your Dana 300 should have the short output for the rear which will make the angle problem a little better.

As for a Chevy or Ford swap you can really put any thing you want into them as long as you got the cash for adapters or can custom fabricate those types of things.

Axles.. if you plan on making it a "Bad ***" Cj with tons of power from the motor and 35" tires you will need to upgrade the rear to one peice shafts and at least 3:55 gears but 4:10 or higher would be the best for ya. The 20 rear is in its stock form. If you re gear the rear you will need to regear the front also. While your paying for installs get some lockers for the front and rear also.

Good luck with it. Ive bought them in a lot worse shape.

 

[savedbyzero]

How 'bout one of the new Hemis ?

 

[Jimbos76cj]

The motor is the easy part.. Finding the right Transmission and pass side drop Transfer Case is the hard part.

 

[rr41mag]

I have the same jeep. I put a dui distributor in it, a set of dual collector headers with exhaust coming out the side. A 4" suspension lift, 1" body lift. 35 tires.