1983 CJ7 Oil Leak (Probably Transmission)

[ranie82]

Hi,

I would like to present myself, I am very new to jeeps and probably some of my initial questions will be considered as dumb to say the least, but I am really looking forward to learn and understand everything around my "new" 1983 CJ7 , which has become my new project.

I finally picked it up today, but when I parked it at home (on a white floor) I saw it had a rather extensive oil leak, I went under and took some pictures, which I hope someone can help me shed some light on, you can quite clearly see the oil dripping from all over the place.

I have also had an issue related to the gears, first gears just randomly pops out if I am not holding the stick and I have not been able to change the differential, it just kind of sits there wobbly in neutral (I think)... maybe its just me that doesn't really understand how to change to 4X4?

I also have a very "smooth" steering wheel to say the least, and driving the jeep on a highway was an absolute nightmare.

I hope someone can help me out in knowing what to look for and how I can identify potential problems, at the moment I don't really trust it much to take it out for another ride.

It does look pretty though...

anyways, please help :/

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Welcome
Ck the back of your engine's valve cover to see if it's wet with oil. The oil will drain down to the tranny and make you think it's the Transmission leaking.
CK the oil level in the Transmission ASAP-
LG

 

[Torxhead]

That hole in the bellhousing does not look good as it is cast aluminum and could get worse. Making that oil leak a simple issue.

 

[Hedgehog]

Nomenclature:

Drive train =
1-Engine (makes you go),

2-clutch (transfers power from engine to Transmission ),

3-Transmission (primary gear set that takes power from the clutch, through a series of shiftable gears while the vehicle is driving),

4-Transfer Case (in the CJ this is a stop and shift secondary Transmission takes power from the primary Transmission and allows you to split to front and rear axles along with a high or low speed or range),

5-drive shafts (takes power from the Transfer Case to the differentials),

6-differentials (transfers power from the drives hafts to the axles, they contain a final set of unshiftable gears, there are lots of ways the differential can transfer power, lockers, Limited slip, open spools),

7-axles,

8-locking hubs

9-tires

Okay so why did I go into that detail? You (ranie82) used differential where I believe you were speaking of the Transfer Case . For easy and smooth transfer of information we all need to be on the same page. Many threads have gone down the entirely wrong path from misusing seemingly common phrases or words. For instance the word "crank" or "cranking". It has become obvious that the word "crank" has different meanings to different people.

 

[Posi]

Welcome,
It appears you have more then one component leaking by the looks of the floor.
The two bushing on your Transfer Case shifter is worn causing the slop.
If you can drive your Jeep your Transfer Case is not in neutral, chances are it's in 2 wheel drive where it should be for over the road driving.
You have either worn gears or syncros in the Transmission which most likey is the cause of it popping out of first gear.
Degrease the engine, Transmission , and Transfer Case it will help pinpoint your leaks.
Look for a used bellhousing to replace your broken one.
Search for a factory service manual online or buy a hard copy it will make working on the Jeep easier for you.

 

[jdcaples]

Hi,

<snip>
I also have a very "smooth" steering wheel to say the least, and driving the jeep on a highway was an absolute nightmare.

I hope someone can help me out in knowing what to look for and how I can identify potential problems, at the moment I don't really trust it much to take it out for another ride.

It does look pretty though...

anyways, please help :/

Welcome to the forum!

For steering issues, this is a good read:

http://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/f99/troubleshooting-correcting-your-steering-4106/

-Jon