'78 CJ7, Need your thoughts

[MJT77]

I'm a newb to the site and know you all are the right people to ask. I've never owned a CJ, but, I have the chance to buy a 78 CJ7 Golden Eagle . Its got an AMC 360 with a 4 speed auto Transmission . I like the idea of having the larger V8, but is there anything I need to be concerned about with this year, model, engine/ Transmission , etc...

Also, is $4K a fair price for it?

Thanks for your help in advance.

 

[BusaDave9]

CJs never came with a 360. In the 70's many came with a AMC 304 and swapping them out for a 360 is easy. That must be what the PO did.

 

[Shazam]

Well, the price depends on condition, etc. But the only think I can think to be wary of - other than the craftmanship of the swap - would be one piece axles for the rear with the 360 power. Other members, please feel free to check me on this. Thanks.

 

[Cheepjeep85]

i'd be curious to know exactly what tranny it has behind it, if the quality of the swap is good and it has a T-18 behind it i'd go for it.

 

[MJT77]

What are some obvious signs of a hacked engine swap? I can try to get some info on the Transmission , but is there a Transmission I should avoid altogether?

 

[gert]

I'm a newb to the site and know you all are the right people to ask. I've never owned a CJ, but, I have the chance to buy a 78 CJ7 Golden Eagle . Its got an AMC 360 with a 4 speed auto Transmission . I like the idea of having the larger V8, but is there anything I need to be concerned about with this year, model, engine/ Transmission , etc...

Also, is $4K a fair price for it?

Thanks for your help in advance.

4k is a good price depending on shape of vehicle...you say it has a 4 speed AUTO I am not aware of any 4 speed auto trannies that fit a 360 you might want to educate yourself on what it has and what you want to do with it.....then you can make that decesion of wether it fits your desires and needs pics also help the peanut gallery throw opinions for you

 

[Cheepjeep85]

oh he said auto, could be 700r4 with adapter.

 

[elwood blues]

Pictures!!! Take lot's and lot's of pictures, that always helps. Gert makes a very good point, I'm not aware what AMC automatic Transmission lines up behind a 360, but with an adapter the posibilities are borderline endless. Without pics it's tough to tell a hack job from a good quality swap.

Some things to look out for, clearance in the engine bay, for instance is there enough room for the fan? Does the oil pan look like it could bounce off the front axle if you seriously bounce it around off road. Does the CJ sit level, is the engine in the bay properly, pictures will help a ton.

I'm all for someone else around here with a Golden Eagle , just make sure you're not buying someone's project that went horribly wrong......

 

[MJT77]

Here are a few pics I received from the seller. I haven't seen the Jeep in person yet. I'm trying to get that set up. Hope these pics help.

 

[kickitandholdit]

Well its worth what the buyer is willing to pay for it. Do you want to spend $4,000 on a brown jeep with a 360 and automatic tranny? I advise you to look on several different web sites such as craigslist.org tell"n"sell ebay.com and autotrader.com and look at other jeeps posted at $4,000 and compare them. There are thousands of jeeps in all different shapes and sizes and they are everywhere so dont buy if your unsure about it.

But if your set on this jeep then,

From the looks of under the hood he ran it through some mud holes and he didnt clean it for pictures to sell. this might suggest he doenst have much care or pride for the jeep. This isn't necessarily a bad thing. everything on jeeps can and eventually will we replaced or rebuilt so dont fear.

This gives you the opportunity to have a little fun, haha say "Man from all the mud up under the hood I can tell this thing has been rode hard and put up dirty so I have no way of knowing what kind of condition the drive train is in". then act unsure about the jeep followed with the question "can I see the top and the doors" and if he replies he doesn't have any he now feels unconfident about the jeep. So then you look around under the hood a bit and say "man there is mud everywhere on this thing" then point out any oil leaks and the brake booster is leaking ect. THEN say "man ill tell ya what, ill give ya 3000 cash for it" and then you start your $ argument. (remember remain looking reluctant and unsure about the jeep) and fight to keep your offers low and once he falls for a low price you than buy the jeep and take the $ you saved and get some new rims and have a merry christmas!

Pointing out all the normal things about jeep (leaks, mud, ect.) can convince your seller to break at a lower price. Doing this is fun and saves $ and creates great stories.

 

[elwood blues]

Do you want to spend $4,000 on a brown jeep

HEY, there's nothing wrong with a brown CJ with a screaming turkey on the hood

In all seriousness though, kickitandholdit makes some very good points, there are lot's of CJ's out there, and unless you are deadset on getting this particular CJ...

 

[MJT77]

He's right. I'm not dead set on this one, I can hold out. I definitely want a CJ with a V8. I just found out this particular Jeep passed the emmissions test, but failed a fuel pressure test so I won't pass the smog test as it is.

Thanks for everyone's input.

 

[battleship]

tell"n"sell ebay.com

Is this an actual site or am I missing something if it is a site link please.

 

[CoreyYoungCj577]

He's right. I'm not dead set on this one, I can hold out. I definitely want a CJ with a V8. I just found out this particular Jeep passed the emmissions test, but failed a fuel pressure test so I won't pass the smog test as it is.

Thanks for everyone's input.

Sooooooo glad i live in montana for the reason underlined above! but if I were you i would take the advice and actually hold out for one that doesnt need a lot of work and you can fix up as you drive it and i dont think a jeep is a jeep with out a 4 speed sitting behind it, it just offers more speed control for creeping around, look for something close to stock with minimal lift no hack job wiring and just enjoy the hell out of it.