jeepfan.com blog

Factory CJ Air Conditioning

2009-11-21T06:43:00.002-05:00

Question: Do you have a close-up or a higher res image of the '82 Sun Yellow Laredo's window sticker from the 2007 Jeff Daniel's Jeep show? I am trying to find out the cost of air conditioning and the draw bar. Thanks Tom.

Answer: The Air Conditioning option in 1982 was $681. Click the link for a hi-res image. You have to admit it is a great find to have this kind of information still intact.

1982 CJ Factory MSRP sticker.

See more images of Eric's 1982 CJ at Jeff Daniel's Jeep Show.

Jeep Spotters Guide

Different Tire Size Front and Back

2009-11-19T17:14:00.002-05:00

Question: I just put tires on the back end of my 2006 liberty. I realized after I noticed the ESP light come on that the dealer put the wrong size on the back. I have 225/75 on the front, they put 225/70 on. I had them changed to 225/75 s is that going to be alright? Dwayne

Answer: If the light went off everything should be fine. As long as you didn't run in 4WD on the street for any extended time. Off road 4WD use should have been fine since the tire size wasn't drastically different.

CJ V8 Swap Question - 360 from a Wagoneer

2009-11-14T09:24:00.002-05:00

Question: I have a stock 1978 CJ7 and I want to put a 360 in it. I have a 3 speed transmission. If I take one out of a Wagoneer with an automatic transmission what will I have to change out? flywheel? bell housing? motor mounts?

Answer: You didn't mention the year of the Wagoneer but most had a driver side drop transfer case which will not work in a CJ. Often the later model Wagoneers had a Quadratrac or NP transfer case. Most likely you will need to use your transfer case or a Dana 300 from a 81 or later CJ. The Dana 300 will bolt right to a NP equipped automatic. To make matters more complex..if the Wagoneer had a 727 automatic you will need to make sure the Jeep has 3+ inches of lift or the front drive shaft will hit the transmission. The good thing here is the motor mounts are the same. Adding the automatic will require altering the front and rear drive shaft lengths.

If you wanted to keep the 3 speed the swap is simple. Just switch engines and everything will bolt right up.

Illuminated 4WD Indicator Light with a Dana 20

2009-11-11T05:53:00.002-05:00

Question: I have a Dana Spicer 20 T-case in a 79 CJ5. I am putting in a Painless wire kit. There is a wire for "4WD switch" which should be on the T-case. Could you tell me where on the T-case, and if it doesn't have one, can and where would I install it along with where I would buy one? Eric J

Answer: The wiring harness from Painless is near perfect and complete. The harness includes some wiring that isn't in some year Jeeps though. The CJ's equipped with a Dana 20 (72-79) did not have a switch for the 4WD indicator light and no provision for installing one. The Dana 300 transfer case (80-86) did have one. Our suggestion is to tape up the wire and tuck it out of the way.

CJ Wide Trak or Not? Quadratrac Info

2009-11-10T19:17:00.000-05:00

Question: I am looking to buy a 77 CJ-7 and not sure if it is the wide or narrow trak. What is the dimensions of both, I assume you measure from hub to hub. It also comes full time 4 wheel drive with a vacum type locker assembly??? How strong of a 4 wheel drive will this provide (standard off roading with 32" tires, all 4 tires turning when articulated)

Answer: The 77 model and all models prior to 1982 had the narrow trak axle so it's not likely the Jeep has wide traks. A Quadratrac model was never offered in a Jeep equipped with factory wide-trak axles since the rear differential is off-set to deal with the Quadratrac. The swap options in this model Jeep are almost zero if the Quadratrac is going to be retianed. The full-time system that came in the late 70's CJ-7's is actually a pretty strong system and should hold up to your kind of use just fine. We have seen many of these CJ's running trails for years.

CJ Camber and/or Caster Adjusting Sleeves

2009-11-08T18:45:00.004-05:00

Question: Where can I find the camber adjusting sleeves shown in the tech section on adjusting camber? Do you Know who might make them? I purchased a shim to adjust the spindle, but in the instruction it says that you can not use shims on a two bolt caliper setup. I tried it, but my brakes seem to tightened up. Any information on the adjusting sleeves would be greatly appreciated.

Answer: It is correct that the shims will not work on a Dana 30 with 2 bolt calipers. The calipers attach to the outer knuckle as opposed to the older style calipers that attach to the 6 bolts that holds on the spindle. The castor/camber adjusting upper ball joint sleeves are your only option. They are available from OK Auto. Their website it http://www.ok4wd.com or their phone number is 908-454-6973.

More info on caster/camber: Toe, Caster, and Camber - What does it mean and how to adjust it.

Wrangler YJ Doors and Windshield on a CJ

2009-11-03T19:45:00.003-05:00

Question: Will the half doors and windshield frame from an 87 wrangler fit an 86 cj7? Jody K

Answer: The doors will fit with no problem - this is a common swap. The windshield will fit the CJ but the YJ windshield has no ducts in them for the defroster. The YJ defroster ducts run inside the dash - that is why they actually work. There is no easy work around for the defroster issue. If your windshield frame is rusted a new replacement would probably be the best choice.

Take a look above at Mike's 77 CJ with YJ doors. See more of this Jeep - Mike's 77 CJ-7

Jeep CJ Golden Eagle or Not?

2009-11-02T16:25:00.006-05:00

Question: How do you tell if a Jeep is a true Golden Eagle? Henry

Answer: Anymore it seems it may be impossible to tell if a Jeep was a factory Golden Eagle. The VIN numbers never indicated specific features and we have never seen an other special codes that are a part of a Jeep that would indicate it. The original window sticker seems to be the only way of knowing. The bigger question we always have is does it really matter? Jeeps aren't rare, sought after collector items that require complete authenticity. If you want your Jeep to be a Golden Eagle make it that way. If you are looking to buy one - the fact that it's a Golden Eagle doesn't really mean anything. They package was mostly appearance.

For help with VIN decoding: Decoding Jeep VIN Numbers

New Products for the TJ Wrangler from Rough Country

2009-11-01T09:36:00.003-05:00

In a recent press release from Rough Country three new products for 97-06 Jeep Wrangler TJ were introduced.

Long Arm Upgrade Kit
The new 97-06 Jeep TJ long arm upgrade kit is available for TJ’s already lifted 4 to 6 inches. This kit delivers great features such as high clearance Y-link front design, high clearance four link design in the rear, rebuildable x-flex joints, and heavy duty quarter-inch steel control arm mounts. more

Adjustable Front Disconnects
Featuring a 90 degree spherical ball joint for full range of motion, this kit fits on Jeep TJ’s ranging from 4 – 6” of lift. The new adjustable TJ disconnects release quickly with an easy to use mounting pin and also include a frame mount bracket to keep the sway bar link away from all moving parts. more

4 & 6" Long Arm Suspension Kits
Their new 97-06 Jeep TJ X-series long arm kits, available in both 4 and 6” variations, include everything you need to hit the trails running. Available at an unbelievable value, these kits deliver great features such as high clearance Y-link front design, high clearance four link design in the rear, rebuildable x-flex joints, heavy duty quarter-inch steel control arm mounts, front and rear adjustable track-bars, and high performance 2.2 shocks for a great ride. more

2009-10-30T22:02:00.001-05:00

QUESTION: I have a 1986 CJ-7, inline 258 with a T-4 transmission and Dana 300 transfer case. Only street driven, never off-road. Can I install a 304 0r 360? Will it bolt up to what I have? Will the T-4 and the rear end hold up for normal street and highway use?
Thanks. John

ANSWER: Any 71 and up AMC V8 engines will bolt up to the transmission. This conversion is popular and pretty easy. You will need motor mounts for the V8 and possibly a better radiator - in most cases the 6cyl radiator will do. The transmission will hold up to "normal" driving.

More info on engine conversions: V8 Conversions

Converting a CJ-7 into a Scrambler - Is is possible?

2009-09-06T08:29:00.002-05:00

Question: I would like to convert my CJ-7 into a Scrambler..Can this be done?

Answer: Sure it's possible. The main difference is the frame, body, and some miscellaneous parts located in the center section of the frame (which is 10 inches longer). If you had a CJ-7 with a body and frame that was not worth saving replacing these two components is a start. From the doors front both Jeeps are identical.

Jeep CJ Rear Bumper or Not

2009-05-07T09:06:00.002-05:00

A reader writes us and asks...

Does an 1982 CJ-7 jeep originally have a back bumper ? Need to know for WV inspection sticker. Thanks, John

Well John, the 80's version of the CJ never had an actual rear bumper. Occasionally there were dealer installed bumpers and factory installed "bumperettes" on Laredos and Renegades which were mere metal loops that did essentially nothing.

TH350 Conversion in a CJ

2009-04-23T08:37:00.005-05:00

QUESTION: What do I need to put a TH350 transmission in my 1977 CJ-7 with the 258 I6 and a Dana 20 T-case? Mike D

ANSWER: Several companies offer adapters for this popular conversion. Novak Adapters are probably the best on the market. In this conversion you will need two adapters. The first adapts the TH350 to the AMC engine and the second adapts the TH350 to the Dana 20.

The engine adapter - Novak 437AMC-1 kit is a plate style adapter that is precision laser cut and machined. Included are the crank spacer, flexplate, flexplate spacers, flexplate reinforcement ring and fastening hardware.

The transmission adapter - Novak 103 kit will adapt a TH350 to a Dana 20 utilizing a compact adapter casting, several bearings, and seals.

In general this is a popular conversion that will yield excellent results. The adapters will cost you though. You will be looking at a cost of just under $1000 for both adapters. Plus drive-shafts would most likely need to be lengthened/shortend to accomodate the added length.

Another option that would be less expensive and require no adapters would be to find a Chrysler 999/Dana 300 combo that was already in a Jeep. The 80-86 CJ-7 was available with this transmission/transfer case combo. You would be looking at a near bolt-in job. You could probably find factory drive shafts too.

Which automatic in my CJ-5 - Turbo 350 or 700r4

2009-04-06T08:28:00.002-05:00

QUESTION: I have 72 CJ-5 and I am swapping the AMC 304 with a Chevy 350. I am wondering what would be the best transmission to use? I have a 700r4 but think it will be too long which would only give me about a 6 inch rear drive line. I would like to use an automatic, I am thinking of a turbo 350 with a married up transfer case? Please tell me what you think. Thank you, Jon

ANSWER: An automatic in a CJ-5 is tough. A Turbo 400 will just squeak by but a Turbo 350 will give you better results. The TH350 is several inches shorter and will allow a longer rear drive shaft to avoid vibration from excess angles. Novak and Advance Adapters both make adapters to fit your automatic to your transfer case.

Identify my Jeep - Is it an M38 or CJ-5

2009-04-03T08:14:00.000-05:00

QUESTION: Good evening, a while back I traded into an old Jeep long abandoned. I can't identify whether it is an M38-A1 or CJ-5. The serial plate is long gone, it has a Ford V8 so no correct engine, and no title. Where else on this thing should a valid number to identify it so I can proceed to restore it.

ANSWER: There was minimal differences between the two. The body was one. The M38 had a large opening on the passenger side cowl and a recessed hole in the passenger side near where the Jeep logo would go. Most CJ-5 Jeeps had one piece windshields. The two piece could be special ordered and appear on many import CJ-5's. I'd probably guess you have an M38-A1.

JK Wheels on a TJ

2008-12-02T14:23:00.002-05:00

QUESTION: I am trying to put 32" JK 17" wheels on a 2005 TJ. I have the SpiderTrax adapters ordered, will the tires fit without a lift?

ANSWER: In general I don't think the tires will fit. While they may actually fit on the Jeep they will most likely rub over bumps and turns. 31" tires are about the max on an unlifted TJ. The wheel spacers will move the tires out slightly more and cause more issues with the flares.

An inexpensive 2" lift should solve your problems.

Check out a few of these...Rough Country 2” Suspension Lift – 1997-06 Jeep Wrangler TJ, Skyjacker 2" Budget Boost

GM Generation III Small Block as a Conversion Engine

2008-10-01T19:24:00.003-05:00

I have been reading more and more of how successful a GM Generation III Small Block into a Jeep has been. With growing aftermarket support and parts this conversion is sure to keep on going.

The Novak Conversions company has been making adapters and conversion components for Jeeps since the 60's and is still at it today. Here is what they had to say about the Generation III swaps.

The rise in poularity of the GM Generation III+ Small Block V8's has been meteoric. They feature tremendous power, efficiency, clean-burning, and well supported computer and wiring systems. Like their Small Block predecessors, the Gen. III+ family features availability, outstanding parts interchangeability, compactness and light weight, plus the fact that these engines fit nicely in most Jeeps. We expect them to surpass the Chevrolet Small Block in frequency of conversion before the end of this decade.

The Generation III small block showed up in GM vehicles in 1997 and is a complete redesign of the tried and true Chevy small block.

For more info and available conversion components check out the Novak website...

The Novak Guide to the GM Generation III V8 Engines

What tire size fits a TJ Wrangler?

2008-09-28T19:59:00.002-05:00

QUESTION: What is the largest tire that I can put on my stock 04 TJ. Tim

ANSWER: We answer that question time and again. It's true that there isn't an absolute answer...you could probably stuff a set of 33's on a stock unlifted TJ but they would rub the fenders on bumps in the street. Luckily we put together a "what fits" guide to help. Check it out.

See the article...Jeep Tire Fit Guide - What Fits?

Jeff Daniel's Jeep Show 2008

2008-09-28T08:42:00.003-05:00

Wow what a great show again! These guys really know how to throw a Jeep party that keeps getting bigger and bigger every year.

The 2008 show took up about nine acres and featured almost every Jeep possible from JK's to MB's. Expanding to 20 classes this year the voting was busy. Rausch Creek Off-Road Park was there with several hard-core trail Jeeps showing off their stuff on Jeff Daniel's mini off-road course. Food, fun, and fireworks were on too.

Check out the full article...Jeff Daniel's Jeep Show 2008

Mayonnaise hate mail - again

2008-09-19T10:25:00.003-05:00

So we put a silly article referring to a site that is all about Mayonnaise. Evidently readers believe that we - the jeepfan.com people run/own the site and have something to do with Mayonnaise manufacturing. Here is the most recent message...

How can you possibly let some young kid tattooed all over as your spokesman on TV?
That is the end of my purchases of Hellmans products. Don Graham

Thanks for writing Don but sorry we can't help you.

Check out the World of Mayonnaise yourself!

CJ-5 Hard Top

2008-09-16T20:44:00.002-05:00

QUESTION: Do you guys know of anyone that makes custom hard tops for 1974 CJ-5? Chris Smith

ANSWER: Not anymore. The CJ-5 has been out of production since 82 and manufacturers can't justify producing them anymore. The CJ-5 model has been fading (or rusting) more and more every year. Your best bet is keep an eye on swap meets, eBay, and anywhere else you can find old parts.

Keep in mind that that 72-75 CJ-5 uses a different top than a 76-82. Most fiberglass hard tops were made for the 76-82. By the way you can use a later top if you swap out the windshield.

Going Racing - Someday

2008-09-12T21:04:00.005-05:00

Ever since I was a kid I proclaimed when I am old enough I am going to build a Jeep and take it East Coast 4WD Association Racing. I was going to run a Jeep with a V8 that was loud and sounded cool. I would give the Jeep a name and run paddle tires whenever I could.

30 years laters and still no racing or racer. It's gotta happen.

Here's the plan...Buy a square headlight Wrangler. These babies go pretty cheap now-a-days - $500 to $1500. The 1st generation Wrangler still had leaf springs which do well with the pounding a racer can take. In addition they have a wider and stronger frame than a CJ while still keeping the 94" wheelbase.

My plans would include stripping the Wrangler of near everything but a body and frame. The engine, transmission, and axles would all be replaced with something stronger.

This will be an ongoing project with ideas brewing all along.

To check out EC4WDA Racing visit the jeepfan.com Racing section

Complaining about the big three

2008-09-01T07:37:00.003-05:00

Here's a bit of mail from one of our ex-readers...

I am bitterly disappointed that your name is "Jeep fan" but it seems you are more "JK, TJ, & CJ fan". I will never again visit these pages. You guys need to acknowledge that there are other Jeeps than those 3, and some even legendary, like the XJ. Clearly you are bandwagoners, jumping to the latest fad rather than offering a true representation of "Jeep". It's a shame you all choose to forget the rest of us, but I and my friends and NAXJA will certainly forget you.

I guess this does go under the saying you can't please everyone but our ex-reader is partially correct. We do tend to focus on the larger population of Jeep vehicles but being accused of forgetting, bandwagoning, and jumping to the latest fad is completely inaccurate. Are CJ's still a fad? Remember when the TJ first arrived and traditional Jeepers were like - what is this? The TJ turned out to be the most popular and capable Jeep ever - hardly a fad.

Our ex-reader only really seemed interested in the Jeep he or she owned - the XJ. (BTW - The XJ is a very capable and popular Jeep itself. It is a shame the the model was discontinued in 2000 to make way for the Liberty) We actually do have a few XJ's mixed around the site and would gladly add more. Perhaps we should have been reminded about not forgetting other Jeeps too like the J Series trucks, FS Cherokee, Wagoneer, Commando, Liberty, etc. Our ex-reader isn't probably interested in them though.

Anyway, sorry you feel that way.

The club our ex-reader referred to is the North American XJ Association www.naxja.com obviously a club for XJ and MJ owners only.

CJ Engines

2008-07-13T18:43:00.002-05:00

QUESTION: I just got a 1975 CJ-5, however, the VIN is 1974. It's supposed to have a 401 in it, and the VIN says 304. how do i tell if it is a 304 or a 401? Thanks, Jess. By the way...it is freekin' cool!

ANSWER: First off, Jess you didn't send your e-mail with your message so we couldn't respond directly. Anyway, CJ's never came factory with anything larger than a 304 so the VIN is correct. It's possible to exchange engines though and sometimes Jeep dealers would offer special models with alternate engines in which the VIN wouldn't reflect. Identifying the engine - on the side of the engine block near the motor mount is typically an engine size marker cast into the block. The numbers are on both sides and pretty big. That will tell you for sure.