[kecklogan]

I am looking into getting a CJ-7 between the years 78-81 and I am wondering what some of the problems are that I should be looking for while buying.

What are some of the common problems that everyone has found with them?

Thank you
Logan

 

[4.0l sahara]

check for rust.

 

[Dare2BSquare]

Then check again for rust.

 

[Vector6]

most of them rust....

 

[debruins]

i thin they had a problme with rusting,

but in all seriousness, i beleive they had problems with the 4WD mechanism, but im not really an expert

personally i would ask over at earlycj5.com/forums, they will know over there for sure

 

[penguin_in_a_cj]

the biggest thing to look for is rust around the spring shackles and at the back and front of the bumper if theres rust there leave it alone... not all the 4x4 parts are worn out you just need to look for one with a floor shift.

the only downfall I know of with a cj is you need to know how to drive. letting your suspension flex get you through something is not an option with old grumpy. but if you take care of them they will make sure that you get where you need to go .. hope you got a good one man be nice to hear of one more jeep saved

 

[kecklogan]

Hmmm... I had no idea j/k

OK guys, I already knew about the rust problem. What I am most concerned about are the mechanics of these. Is there any other mechanic problems besides the 4wd??? OK well thanks for those fast responses.

Thanks again,
Logan

 

[debruins]

nope they were built tough, and lasted forever, like all the other CJ's

 

[NalinMFG]

i'd just go with a TJ:rofl:

 

[debruins]

than you'd be stupid


but y a 7, why not a 5??

 

[4Jeepn]

I have owned to CJ-7's. a 79 and 85. I liked the 85 better. Wider axles, dana 300 t-case vs model 20 t-case. High back seats vs low back seats, little things like that. As for rust, the newest Cj would be what 21 years old... so yeah its going to have rust, nothing some new weld in plates can't handle. The other issue is the carter carb... the venturi tube will get clogged with crap and make it run well...like crap.. clean them out and check all your vacum lines and you should be good to go. Model 20 axle gets a bad wrap sometimes, but replace it with some 1pc axle shafts and it will handle 35-36" tires just fine. Check the spring hangers as well. Also if you don't have an oil leak after 100k miles your out of oil..lol The rear mains do tend to leak a lot ont he CJ's. Also the top plastic valve cover's are crap and leak too. Get an aftermaket one and all will be well.

 

[Militia_CJ]

when buying a older CJ check the frame where it starts under the seat to the rear where the shackles are, this is the most common rust point.

2nd- check and see that the floor on the driver side is still in good shape, another rust area cause it is a high traffic area

3rd- stay away from the "IRON DUKE" that little four cylinder is a great engine but only of your doing city driving. find one with inline-6 or a AMC V-8

4th- the Cj's with the wide trac axles are awsome and if your lucky enough to find an 86 CJ you might get one with Dana 44's on it from the factory

thats all for now off the top of my head and im sure there more so ill be back later with more.