Build Thread 79 CJ7 build help

Build Thread 79 CJ7 build help
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Gonna be bringing home a 79 CJ7 this weekend and have some questions about some things as I am clueless when it comes to jeeps. From what I know its a 3spd with the inline 6 AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l I think it is? Anyways just have some general questions. Its gonna be used for mostly offroading (mainly mud and trails, not alot of rock climbing) and an occasional trip around town. Would like to run 33s, who makes some good lift kits? What about lockers? Would like to put one in the rear and maybe up front. Where are some good places to buy parts? what is the most common thing people do to their jeeps for trail riding? Would like to get some better axels too.

Thanks for the help. Heres a few pics

IMG_20110122_125527-1.png
IMG_20110122_125543.png
 
First Off - I am not trying to tell you what to do or which Jeep to buy.

Here is a list I made up ( replied to a post on another Jeep forum ) of
things you should do or ask regarding the Jeep you want to buy:

1.) Does owner of CJ have free and clear title to Jeep in hand. Ask to see
the title. Check for liens.

2.) Ask for any history on the CJ. Any prior owners you can call and ask
questions about the Jeep?

3.) Ask for maintenance records. Fluids changed regularly? Any new parts
installed recently?

4.) Take a friend with you who is knowledgeable and can give you an
objective opinion on the Jeep.

5.) Look the Jeep over from top to bottom - then do it again 4 or 5 more
times. Take your time. No rush here.

6.) Check the tires and all fluid levels if possible.

7.) Test Drive - How easy does the Jeep start, run, turn, steer, stop, etc.
Check 4WD ! ! !

8.) Check for any noises.

9.) Check all lights, horn, wipers, wiper washer, etc.

10.) Check the frame! - Check the frame! - Check the frame! - Any rust
through? Especially at the rear spring hangers.

Remember - There are other CJs out there for sale.


As far as mods such as lift, tires, lockers, etc. I would first concentrate on the
basics. Make sure the engine is good then check drivetrain components ( 4WD,
axles, Transfer Case and Transmission ) and brakes, steering, electrical, etc.

I recommend taking it slowly until you are certain the " basics " are in order.

Good Luck!
 
Last edited:
Orange79CJ7 said:
First Off - I am not trying to tell you what to do or which Jeep to buy.

Here is a list I made up ( replied to a post on another Jeep forum ) of
things you should do or ask regarding the Jeep you want to buy:

1.) Does owner of CJ have free and clear title to Jeep in hand. Ask to see
the title. Check for liens.

2.) Ask for any history on the CJ. Any prior owners you can call and ask
questions about the Jeep?

3.) Ask for maintenance records. Fluids changed regularly? Any new parts
installed recently?

4.) Take a friend with you who is knowledgeable and can give you an
objective opinion on the Jeep.

5.) Look the Jeep over from top to bottom - then do it again 4 or 5 more
times. Take your time. No rush here.

6.) Check the tires and all fluid levels if possible.

7.) Test Drive - How easy does the Jeep start, run, turn, steer, stop, etc.
Check 4WD ! ! !

8.) Check for any noises.

9.) Check all lights, horn, wipers, wiper washer, etc.

10.) Check the frame! - Check the frame! - Check the frame! - Any rust
through? Especially at the rear spring hangers.

Remember - There are other CJs out there for sale.


As far as mods such as lift, tires, lockers, etc. I would first concentrate on the
basics. Make sure the engine is good then check drivetrain components ( 4WD,
axles, Transfer Case and Transmission ) and brakes, steering, electrical, etc.

I recommend taking it slowly until you are certain the " basics " are in order.

Good Luck!
Click to expand...


Thanks for the info. From what I am told its been garage kept since 97. Theres hardly no rust and it runs fine but we will go over everything once we get it back. Just trying to figure out what these jeeps like and dont like parts wise :confused:

My 2 favorite places to get new parts are.

1. Quadratec. Jeep Parts, Jeep Accessories, and Jeep Soft Tops from The Jeep Parts Specialists | Morris 4x4 Center

2. Morris 4X4. Jeep Parts, Jeep Accessories, and Jeep Soft Tops from The Jeep Parts Specialists | Morris 4x4 Center

They also have a lot of free access to manuals, diagrams, help, etc.
Click to expand...
:notworthy:
 
Ok so a little update. We got it home last Saturday and starting ripping everything apart going over it. Welp turns out its gonna be alot more than expected, which is no biggie. The "frame-to-body" mounts are in bad shape, 2 are rusted out, and the others look on the verge of heading out soon so we ordered the new mounts. Most of the bolts were rusted pretty bad and ended up snapping or needed to be grinded off because they just kept spinning so we're gonna need some new bolts. The guy had a new bag of the body mounts but no bolts but Im thinking of maybe just getting a 1" body lift and the hardware instead of just buying the hardware kit to install the mounts as its not that much more expensive? I plan on doing a suspension lift as well and would like to run 35s in the near future. What do you guys think? Also, what are some good lift kits? I've heard different opinions (Rubicon Express, BDS)? Like I said I would like to run 35s on it and would mostly be mudding/trail riding with minimal rock climbing if that makes a difference?

Heres a few pics of where we are at. The batteries in the camera died and I had it on the wrong settings (imagine that :rolleyes:). I will have some better ones up tomorrow.

DSC04480.png
DSC04477-1.png
 
If your ging to run 35s Id get some 4 in. springs from either company you named and add Superlift into it. You'll need that body lift as well for 35s. Your gonna want to upgrade to 1 piece axles at the least in the rear AMC20 .
 
Thanks!

Am I gonna need a longer driveshaft and other things if I go with a 4"? What some better options rather than sticking with the AMC20 ?
 
I didnt need to change driveshafts on my 78. I had the 3 spd. Dana 20 behind a 360. What is it you dont like about the Dana 20 ?
 
Again I am clueless when it comes to jeeps, but from the info I've been reading, the AMC20 is weak? So if I buy the 1 piece axels they should be pretty tough for 35s for the average offroader? While we are one the topic of rear-ends, I'd like to get a locker as well, how are the OXs?
 
Gotcha I thought you were talking about your Transfer Case , thats a Dana 20 . 1 piece axles upgrade the AMC20 pretty good. The tubes are still a little thin and they are pressed into the center section.Throw a good weld around the tubes where they meet the centersection and you have a axle that can handle 35s. Just be careful not to warp the tubes.

The only lockers Ive been able to use myself are the lunchbox lockers. If I had the cash Id love to give the Ox a shot. The only bad thing Ive heard about them is that sometimes its a little difficult to adjust the cable correctly. Otherwise nothing but praise for them.
 
Petescj said:
Gotcha I thought you were talking about your Transfer Case , thats a Dana 20 . 1 piece axles upgrade the AMC20 pretty good. The tubes are still a little thin and they are pressed into the center section.Throw a good weld around the tubes where they meet the centersection and you have a axle that can handle 35s. Just be careful not to warp the tubes.

The only lockers Ive been able to use myself are the lunchbox lockers. If I had the cash Id love to give the Ox a shot. The only bad thing Ive heard about them is that sometimes its a little difficult to adjust the cable correctly. Otherwise nothing but praise for them.
Click to expand...

The rear end is next after the frame and body are finished. Still up in the air which locker to use though, either the OX or the Detriot. But I wont have to make that decision for a few weeks. That and which gears to run, probably 4.56s. Also how strong is the T-150 ? I've read it is pretty decent and for now I wanna stick with it.

Is there any place I can order one of these? DSC04489-1.png

Thanks
 
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