CJ7 79 to 80 differences

[Rollerman]

I have what I believe & titled as a 79 CJ7 , but the SR4 /300 Transmission /t case tells me 80ish?
I was so hoping to see a top loading Transmission when I first looked it over...
Since I'm wanting to order a Daystar body bushing kit.
They list two different kits for the 79 & 80 on.
Are the two years that different?
I'm wondering if a late 79 is built more along the lines of the 80 on version.

 

[caveman]

Sometimes it's hard to tell what year came with what on the CJs. It seems like AMC put what ever they swepped up from the floor from other projects into them. ALSO, The parts on them are so interchangeable that you never know what a previos owner might have done. The T-4 , T-5 and the SR4 will all bolt in where any of the others were.

 

[Rollerman]

Thanks for the reply Caveman.
This seems to sum it up best...

It seems like AMC put what ever they swepped up from the floor from other projects into them. ALSO, The parts on them are so interchangeable that you never know what a previos owner might have done.

 

[Petescj]

Are the sidemarker lights built into the taillights or are they on the rear quarter panels of the Cj? '79 was the last year they were on the side.

 

[Rollerman]

My CJ actually has a set of generic truck tail lights on the back.
No matter, I'll order the body mount kit for the 79 & prior.

Sorry about the vague questions...just armchair wrenching while anxiously awaiting parts to show up & the snow to melt so I can go break open some knuckles on my Jeep.

 

[Petescj]

just armchair wrenching while anxiously awaiting parts to show up & the snow to melt so I can go break open some knuckles on my Jeep.

I hear you. Its been a rough Winter for sure. Yesterday it was 50* and I dove home with the window down. I told Vicki she had to help me take off the hardtop and she gave me a look like . I had to tell her I was just joking

 

[jdcaples]

Are the sidemarker lights built into the taillights or are they on the rear quarter panels of the Cj? '79 was the last year they were on the side.

That's interesting. My VIN decodes as 1980, but have side lights mounted on the rear quarter panels.

View attachment 16650

Am I mis-interpreting "sidemarker lights" and "rear quarter panel?" I haven't worked shoulder to shoulder with a pro mechanic for 30-some-odd years, so my understanding of the lingo could be way off.

-Jon

 

[Petescj]

That's interesting. My VIN decodes as 1980, but have side lights mounted on the rear quarter panels.

View attachment 16650

Am I mis-interpreting "sidemarker lights" and "rear quarter panel?" I haven't worked shoulder to shoulder with a pro mechanic for 30-some-odd years, so my understanding of the lingo could be way off.

-Jon

Nope you read it right. That is crazy. My 80 didnt have them , but my 78 and 79 did. Vickis 81 doesnt and 81 was the last year for the rotary door handles as well

 

[jdcaples]

Thank you.

Looking at craigslist.org, I see a lot of ads for 1980 CJ7s with sidemarker lights on the rear quarter panels. I can't find an '81 with 'em, though.

-Jon

 

[LIVELY5R]

My 1980 CJ5 Renegade has the side markers on the fenders as well. Hope this helps!

 

[lutry]

In the AMC partsbook, it says until 80 side markers on rear panel,
nevertheless for the thriftside truck, they started 80 with the side markers on
the tail lamps. I would think that both versions would be feasible
for a 80 CJ...

 

[Petescj]

Thank you.

Looking at craigslist.org, I see a lot of ads for 1980 CJ7s with sidemarker lights on the rear quarter panels. I can't find an '81 with 'em, though.

-Jon

My 1980 CJ5 Renegade has the side markers on the fenders as well. Hope this helps!

That's interesting. My VIN decodes as 1980, but have side lights mounted on the rear quarter panels.

View attachment 16650

Am I mis-interpreting "sidemarker lights" and "rear quarter panel?" I haven't worked shoulder to shoulder with a pro mechanic for 30-some-odd years, so my understanding of the lingo could be way off.

-Jon

Maybe my 80 had a tub swap at some time? I never deciphered the v.i.n. on it. Couldve been repair panels as well I suppose?

 

[Petescj]

In the AMC partsbook, it says until 80 side markers on rear panel,
nevertheless for the thriftside truck, they started 80 with the side markers on
the tail lamps. I would think that both versions would be feasible
for a 80 CJ...

Leave it to AMC