Restoring a 1979 CJ7 Jeep

[CJSIT960]

Restoring a 1979 CJ7 Jeep - I have never done this type of project, I have built a few motorcycle from scratch , welded, Rip motors all apart rebuild them.

I have it all apart, down to just the frame on stands, which i am sandblasting it and sealing it up.
No much rust on it at all.

Any input on Which 8 Cylinder I should use, I want a stock
fuel injector motor, I am keeping the Transfer Case and Tranny.


Also any help were I can get brackets, wiring harness and many other option I will need jeep .

It was a Six Cylinder motor
GM Turbo 400 Tranny with the
Quadra trac Transfer Case

I am located in Long island NY - Any good tranny rebuilders in the area?

THX

 

[Peanut Butter]

Please check out my restoration build of the same Jeep. Link below. Most major systems can be rebuilt with a good service manual. There was no original engine that was fuel injected. Check out the "CJ Models" forum for more information about each model and year. The GM Turbo 400 Transmission is easy to rebuild. Here is a link to more information: http://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/f2/jeep-th400-technical-information-24384/

Let me know if you need any more help, there are others on here with the same setup too. Lots of experience, so you'll get a lot of input.

 

[gert]

Welcome aboard I think your easiest bet would be to swap to a 4.0 from a later Jeep. they are 190hp stock. and are pretty easy to swap and share many components from your current motor

Your next easiest swap would be an AMC V8 which would have been a stock option on your jeep all the parts you need to swap it in can be found at your local parts store/junk yard not fuel injected but you can add a Howell TBI system on it like pretty easily as I am planning to do to mine. AMC 360 from a 1979 Grand Wagoner

Failing those two options your are left with whatever brand motor you want and the associated adapters to with them

 

[CJSIT960]

Thx for info, the truck looks great. I Just have Purchase the Motor Mounts for the Chevy 350 and the GM Turbo 400 Transmission Kit to mount to the motor on the frame, it also has Quadra trac , Once i get the mounts setup i am going to sand blaster the frame an coat it with Por -15. Any suggestion feel free

 

[Lumpy Grits]

There was never a stock AMC '8' with FI.
The AMC 304 is OEM to your Jeep's era.
The AMC 360 & 401 are a direct swap for the AMC 304 .
I think your biggest challenge will be finding the brackets and such for the alternator, PS pump etc.
LG.

 

[CJSIT960]

Thx , I have a Chevy 350 Motor GEN II with Fuel injection I pulled it from a 2000 - 2500 truck that ran fine with alternator, PS pump all option. Thx for the info

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Thx for info, the truck looks great. I Just have Purchase the Motor Mounts for the Chevy 350 and the GM Turbo 400 Transmission Kit to mount to the motor on the frame, it also has Quadra trac , Once i get the mounts setup i am going to sand blaster the frame an coat it with Por -15. Any suggestion feel free

Jeep frames rust from the inside out. FLUSH/pressure washer the inside rails, and let dry for several days while the frame stands on it's tail for drainage.
Look'n for rust-Take a ball-peen hammer and using the ball side. Start taping along the frame. When you find a really bad spot. You'll know it, as the tone/sound will change.
LG

 

[Hedgehog]

I think part of the Engine confusion is in your title. If you plan a restoration you are attempting to bring you CJ back up to factory original condition which would obviously require a stock engine of some sort. It sounds like you are doing what they are not calling a Rest-o-mod. A stock looking CJ with modern or at least different often better components under the skin.