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Drivetrain evaluation help

Drivetrain evaluation help

FrankenJeep78

Jeeper
Posts
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Location
South Texas
Vehicle(s)
1978 CJ7, AMC 258ci, 4 speed.
My 78, for as long as I can remember this thing has lived a life of neglect. Now that I’m taking care of it I would like to first get a baseline for how all of my drivetrain past the engine is doing. My problem being that I have absolutely no experience with this stuff.

You have the output shaft from the engine going into the clutch then to the Transmission and then to the Transfer Case that splits front and rear wheel drive which go to respective front and rear differentials correct? After I figure out all the components I can begin to look up how to check them and take care of them.
Thanks in advance.
 
If it runs OK-Then drain all fluids and refill.
Don't try to fix, what may not be broke.
I strongly suggest you buy and read a FSM for your CJ.
LG
 
If it runs OK-Then drain all fluids and refill.
Don't try to fix, what may not be broke.
I strongly suggest you buy and read a FSM for your CJ.
LG

Is there anything obvious I can at least look for? And what fluids will I need, I thought a lot of it was just grease. It’s a standard 4 speed.
 
Is there anything obvious I can at least look for? And what fluids will I need, I thought a lot of it was just grease. It’s a standard 4 speed.

While "grease" is used in the front hubs, u-joints and AMC20 rear axle bearings, oil is used in the engine, Transmission , Transfer Case and front axle as well in rear end. The engine oil is usually a 10w-30 weight oil, Transmission and transfer cases use a 80w-90 gear oil as well as the front and rear ends.
As L/G suggested get a FSM manual read up on your jeep. Each of these units have a certain amount oil needed to operate properly. These amounts can be found by using the search feature too.
 
Last edited:
Don't forget to check radiator coolant and brake fluid. Not just that they are full, but both break down over time, so it's a good idea to change them.
 
I would suggest getting a repair manual like the ones made by Haynes, Chilton, and Clymer. The factory service manual is the best bet though.
 
OP-Here's the manuals.....
Jeep® Parts Manuals online

The diffs, tranny and t'case take gear oil.
If your engine has some miles on it, try a 15w-40 or a 20w-50(what I use)oil.
Brake fluid will be DOT3.

LG
 

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