Help Idenditify Year/Model

[krwaggie08]

Hello! I am new to the CJ community. Just got a CJ this weekend. PO said it is a '72, but I am not sure that is correct. From everything I have read online, and some of the identifying characteristics I have looked at (windshield width/angle, and body measurements) it appears to me to be a '76 or later... I can't find the VIN # ANYWHERE. It has Re-Issued/Assigned serial number from Ohio.

Any insight on what I have here would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Petescj]

Looks like 76 and up to me. The extra length in the front fenders is that era , windshield wiper motor on the inside , sidemarkers on the rear of the tub

 

[Hedgehog]

What does it say on the title? Yes, I did see where it's a re-issue VIN number. They should atleast gotten the year correct. From the outside it looks like a 1976 and newer body. Can you give some more information on the engine/transmision/Transfer Case ? Axles and such are also clues. If you don't know pictures would help.

I wonder if there is some sort of emissions inspection cut-off date that would benifit him by using an older manufacture date?

 

[Old Dog]

If the PO had it for awhile than YES the older model would have kept him from having to go through emissions here in Ohio. The law use to be nothing over 25 years old had to be tested.

 

[jdarg]

Looks like 76 and up to me. The extra length in the front fenders is that era , windshield wiper motor on the inside , sidemarkers on the rear of the tub

72-75 would have the extra front fender length too. The side marks could be added pretty easily too. IIRC they didn't become stock items until 71 although I could be wrong.

It could be a 72 with a 76+ windshield swapped on. That's definitely a 76+ windshield.

I'd have to see more photos of interior/exterior to determine for sure.

What kind of rear axle is in it? If its a Dana 44 vs. a Dana 20 thats more evidence toward it actually being a 72.

 

[krwaggie08]

I will get some more pictures up this evening. I am a complete newb when it comes to axle, engine, Transmission , Transfer Case identification. I will post some pictures and see if any of you knowledgeable folks can help me out!

 

[Petescj]

72-75 would have the extra front fender length too. The side marks could be added pretty easily too. IIRC they didn't become stock items until 71 although I could be wrong.

It could be a 72 with a 76+ windshield swapped on. That's definitely a 76+ windshield.

I'd have to see more photos of interior/exterior to determine for sure.

What kind of rear axle is in it? If its a D44 vs. a D20 thats more evidence toward it actually being a 72.

My fault. I always glaze over the 72-75 , your correct on the fenders and sidemarkers. Heres a couple other things that would make it pre '76. Does your tailgate have the block style lettering and use chains? Are the rear taillights round?

75 and earlier models had the block style lettering on the tub right below the windshield. 76 and up had the rounder style lettering on the bottom of the tub. Its a little tough to tell from the pic. Is the Jeep fiberglass? It looks very smooth. If its a 76 and up the vin should be right behind the windshield wiper motor on the windshield frame. Thats where it was from the factory. Now if you have a earlier model the vin was on the tub firewall. If its fiberglass that could explain why you cant find it.

 

[krwaggie08]

Yep...the tub is indeed fiberglass. I have found out that it was completely redone in 1998...hence the absence of any VIN anywhere. Attached is a couple pictures of the rear end.

So, I guess it was originally a 1972, but has been pieced together...

 

[Petescj]

Yep...the tub is indeed fiberglass. I have found out that it was completely redone in 1998...hence the absence of any VIN anywhere. Attached is a couple pictures of the rear end.

So, I guess it was originally a 1972, but has been pieced together...

I think your correct. The top is for a 76 and up. Thats the exact one that was on my 78. The fuel filler is in the wrong spot no matter what year but was probably the previous owners preference.

 

[krwaggie08]

That top is a sonofabitch to get on. I fiddled with it yesterday and quickly put it in the attic!

 

[Hedgehog]

Warm it up good before trying to attach. A cold top will fight you every step of the way.

So, it's a 72 with a newer style fiberglass tub on it. To bad, I rather like the old style tub. It's just funky enough with notches and other cool features like the tool box under the passenger seat.

 

[73CJ]

A 72-75 will have hanging clutch pedals. Pre the clutch went down through the floor.

The frame is different in the front with a tube crossmember. The steering linkage and the column are different as well.

Pre 72s also had a T-90 and D18 drivetrain.

They also had a closed knuckle front axle, D27. IIRC

 

[Hedgehog]

By "old style" I mean the '72-'75 tub. Modern swinging pedals and steering components with the interesting look of the older military style tub.