help with identification

[phinleft]

I usually am a guy that likes stock original cj's. A friend approached me about buying his 78 CJ7 . He bought it for fun with out alot of knowledge and knows it has a small block v8, but doesn't know what type.

How do i determine the engine type, axles types, and Transmission ?

i know i need to change the oil, but don't know what filter to replace. i am a novice. thanks in advance.

 

[BusaDave9]

Since you have a '78 CJ7 I am going to make some guesses.
You should have a AMC20 rear end. It has a very round diff cover like this:

If I am wrong it could be a Dana 44 rear end.
Next is the front axle. That should be a Dana 30 .

Your Transfer Case should be a Dana 20 . The way you can tell is to see how the shift levers are attached. The Dana 20 has a round bar going out the front of the TCase like this. (this picture shows a twin stick but you might not have that. Just look how the levers are attached)


Now for the engine. Are you sure you don't have an AMC 304 . The difference is a AMC V8 has the distributor in the front. A Chevy V8 has it in back. (BTW a ford V8 also has the distributor in front)

 

[BusaDave9]

Now for the Transmission . What do you have? A 3 speed, 4 speed or an automatic?

 

[phinleft]

automatic

 

[Old Dog]

some pix of the engine and Transmission pan will help us.

 

[phinleft]

must be a amc 308 v8. distrib is up front.

 

[BusaDave9]

automatic

If it's an automatic, I may have to take back by guess about the TCase. In the late '70s a lot of CJs with automatic had the QuadraTrac TCase. That should be easy to verify. The QuadraTrac had an offset rear output. If the rear differential is on the passenger side of the axle then you have a QuadraTrac .
The QuadraTrac always came with a GM Turbo 400 automatic Transmission , an excellent tranny.

 

[phinleft]

pictures are coming. thanks for all of your help.

 

[Petescj]

Since it looks like you determined the V-8 to be a Amc you can look on the drivers side of the block for the size. There should be a number there like AMC 304 , 360 or if your real lucky 401.

 

[phinleft]

Thanks for all the help. Photobucket is giving me trouble so pics are out. From the pictures and advice you have provided this is what i have. tell me how I fare for a jeep to start with.
AMC20
Dana 30
AMC 304 v8 - 401
QuadraTrac GM Turbo 400

someone mentioned i would be real lucky if the block was stamped 401. It is. What is the advantage?

 

[kickitandholdit]

someone mentioned i would be real lucky if the block was stamped 401. It is. What is the advantage?

big motor = more power

buy it

 

[Petescj]

Someone mentioned i would be real lucky if the block was stamped 401. It is. What is the advantage?

Wow that is a bigtime bonus. Basically the "Holy Grail" of Jeep motors. Like stated above its about the cubic inches.

 

[kickitandholdit]

Wow that is a bigtime bonus. Basically the "Holy Grail" of Jeep motors. Like stated above its about the cubic inches.

if he doesnt have some outrageous price it would be a smart buy i think. especially if your going to make the jeep look original. you dont see original looking jeeps every day, MUCH LESS with that motor

keep us posted with what you decide to do.

 

[mylittlecj5]

How about 97 more cubic inches to play with? is that a good reason?

 

[phinleft]

got it for 4k. not an ounce of rust, which in louisiana hard to find. all gauges work, all new seats, paint is 2 yrs old, got the soft top, soft doors, its in great shape. let the fun begin.

 

[BrockGrimes]

Thanks for all the help. Photobucket is giving me trouble so pics are out. From the pictures and advice you have provided this is what i have. tell me how I fare for a jeep to start with.
AMC20
Dana 30
AMC 304 v8 - 401
QuadraTrac GM Turbo 400

someone mentioned i would be real lucky if the block was stamped 401. It is. What is the advantage?

Wait you typed AMC 304 v8 - 401...
On the block what are the numbers AMC 304 or 401?
The 401 is the holy grail of amc v8's it's got forged goodies from the factory.