1980 Jeep CJ7 - rust free, Dana 44s, disk brakes, winch

YouTube UnCEn-nfHq8 for walkaround video.

I bought this 1980 Jeep CJ7 three years ago. Somebody else built it years ago and it has changed hands a few times. I have refreshed, rebuilt and changed a lot of things on it. Several of my early projects were filmed and included on my Youtube channel. That channel can be accessed by going to cars suck dot com.

The differentials are Dana 44s out of a 1969 IH Scout. These are stronger, wider and have been upgraded to disc brakes; Fords in the front, Cadillacs in the rear. Yes, the parking brake works.

The wheels are 70’s vintage Jackmans. They have been painted black but are ⅜” plate steel spokes. The tires are 33”x12.5”x15”. They are old and slightly weather checked but they hold air and don’t shake wobble or hum so I am not replacing them yet.

The engine is a 4.2L straight six out of an ‘82 with a Holley carburetor. It runs fine. I have not had it apart other than ignition tune up, new water pump, replaced the valve cover and other small refreshes.

When I bought this Jeep it had an automatic transmission. I changed that out for a Borg Warner T150. I rebuilt that this winter with new bearings, seals, gaskets and synchros. The clutch was new when I did the swap. It now has only a few thousand miles on it.

The body is all steel. The tub was replaced at some time. It appears to be mid 90s. There is no real difference between CJ and YJ tubs other than a couple holes for things like clutch master cylinder and dome light switches. It does have the CJ drop tailgate. The front fenders are un-repaired three piece. I am not sure when they went from 3 to 2 piece but I think it’s kind of cool to have the old school seam down the middle of the fender. Even the window frame and front grille are steel and rust free. The paint job is OK. I have seen better and worse. If you watch the YouTube walk around you will get an idea of what to expect.

I mostly drive it doors off and bikini topped. I have a full Best Top top and rust free half doors. I also have a rear seat that I very rarely use.

The gas gauge doesn’t work. Long story there. If you find a CJ with a stock gas gauge that works, buy it and let everyone study it. I just fill the tank every 100 miles.

All the lights and switches and wipers and such work except the defroster. It never had the stove pipe connector. Not much need for it with the top off. There is no radio. There are 6”x9” speakers in the rear tuffy boxes. Knock yourself out putting whatever sound system you want in it. I like listening to the Jeep.

The 8,000 pound winch includes a remote and works great.

The farm jack is mounted to the winch and the lug wrench is under the driver seat. There are hooks up front and d-rings in the back. The bumpers are custom 4”x2” rectangular tube.

There is a playlist dedicated to this Jeep on the YouTube channel. I stopped filming and posting due to time constraints but I never stopped improving the Jeep. These old CJs are never “done.” But this one is done enough to pass on before it gets so expensive I can’t sell it.

No you can’t drive it until you buy it. I will give you a ride.

YouTube UnCEn-nfHq8. If you don’t know how to do that, ask your neighbor kid.

Jeep On!