What have I got myself into?! '86 CJ-7

[CJim7]

I feel your pain. This is my first post and joined after reading some really good ideas on rust and CJ7 's. I just purchased an '85 CJ7 and its going to be a process. Am stripping floor and going after rust. I read that you need to get under it and pressure wash it real well to expose the areas to work on. Do you guys have specials jacks or blocks or….

I am not a mechanic, just a good horse trainer. So I am following all threads related to my issues and hoping to not screw it up.

Will post pics of floor rust and wondering about the roll bar attachment to…is it called the wheel well when looking at it from inside?

Ramps work really well to get your CJ up in the air. Having 6 inches of lift and 36" tires also works

You are correct, the roll bar attaches to the top of the wheel well.

 

[99jpxj]

Ramps work really well to get your CJ up in the air. Having 6 inches of lift and 36" tires also works

You are correct, the roll bar attaches to the top of the wheel well.

Yeah ramps have worked well enough for me so far. Just enough clearance to get under it and move around.

I slacked off on the CJ after hurting my back 2 weekends ago, but I got back to it over the past few days and have got the fuel tank cleaned and back in place, and have it running and driving, although not real well. I still haven't dealt with the vacuum leaks so I don't expect a whole lot from it at this point though. It does start right up without issue so I am still impressed. As far as the fluid leaks, once I got it degreased it turned out to really just be a Transmission cooler line connection leaking all over the front axle and driveshaft. I'm actually shocked that it leaks less than my XJ, it just doesn't seem right especially after sitting that long.

 

[woodboatwayne]

Yeah ramps have worked well enough for me so far. Just enough clearance to get under it and move around.

I slacked off on the CJ after hurting my back 2 weekends ago, but I got back to it over the past few days and have got the fuel tank cleaned and back in place, and have it running and driving, although not real well. I still haven't dealt with the vacuum leaks so I don't expect a whole lot from it at this point though. It does start right up without issue so I am still impressed. As far as the fluid leaks, once I got it degreased it turned out to really just be a Transmission cooler line connection leaking all over the front axle and driveshaft. I'm actually shocked that it leaks less than my XJ, it just doesn't seem right especially after sitting that long.

Had the same carb/vacuum issues and replaced it with a used weber. Remove all but vacuum advance to distributer. Eventually got all the vac leaks done. Increased mileage from 14 to 22 MPG. Your tub looks better than mine in pics, but my frame has no rust holes. Good luck with the project