Hey all I am thinking of buying a CJ-7 that my neighbor has. All I know is that it has the AMC 360, with an auto tranny with a hard top. My question is what do I need to know to look at to see if it is any good or not, also what tranny did they come with the 727 or the Turbo 400, and what front and rear diffs also I don't know what year it is, and I think it has that full time 4wd system, any info you guys could give would really help me out. THANKS <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Well, CJ-7 Jeeps never came with an AMC 360 in them, so your vehicle has obviousl been altered. For example, my CJ-7 originally had a 6-cylinder engine, but now has the AMC 360. It also has a TF999 tranny and a D300 transfer case, which never came mounted together from the factory.

Because of that, it's impossible to state just from the year and model what transmission, transfer case, or axles it hass in it. You're going to have to look at them and find out. Take some pictures and post them here, and the guys can probably tell you what you have.

CJ-7s had D30 front axles. Most of the time they had AMC20 rear axles, but a few were produced with D44 rear axles.

Well maybe it doesn't have the AMC 36 in it they guy who owns it is now living away from home and it is at a relatives house and they don't want me coming to look at it and he told me that he thought it had a V-8 and I thought that the 36 was the only one they made. Hopefully I will get to look at it within the next couple of weeks.

most likely it is a 304. If so good for you!
Big Jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

Actually my 84 CJ7 came from the factory with a TF999 and a Dana 300 behind the 258. Do you know what year this 7 is?

I think it might be early 80's what is the 304 it is a good motor, and also what size tires do you think I could put on it without breaking axleshafts, I am thinking like 35" tires but am not sure.

I would do a good tune up and fluid change and drive it a while to see if it has any issues before I started worrying about 35s. However, it really depends on which axles it has. take a picture of the axles and we'll tell you what they are. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Well I always do a tune up usually the day I get it but I was just wondering what I could do to it for when I get it so I can hurry up and get on the trails, because he did tell me that it needs new tires so I figured I would rather buy one set right off the bat. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

As I was doing a visual on my CJ I noticed the rotor had grooves. Just though a brake job would do. Turns out a wheel bearing was trashed. Ended up putting $400 into rotors, bearings, hub, brakes within a week. Drive it and make sure it shifts into all gears, take it off road and test the hubs and transfer case. Crawl under and look for leaks. Don't be surprised to find the T-case and transmission, but look at the brakes, brake lines. Good luck

Like most CJ Jeep engines it's safe to say it WAS a good motor (and is probably worn out unless it was rebuilt). Whether it still is or not depends on a lot of variables. When you do the Tune up, include a compression test. That will give you some clues as to it's condition, good oil pressure is a sign of good bearings. before you go wheeling you should change oil in EVERYTHING unless the P.O. can convince you he has done it in the last six months and hasn't been in deep water since. Tire size also depends much on where and how you drive it. 32's are as big as you should go without regearing the diffs and you would need at least a 1.5" shackle lift for those. Even then you will get some rubbing. 35's are a bit much for stock axles (a lot of lift and/or fender well cutting goes without saying),'specially if it is a narrow track Jeep (pre 82 I think). the Dana 30 and AMC 20 can work with 35's if you baby the thing offroad. For serious wheeling 32's are pushing the limits of the two piece AMC 20 axles. Results vary widely with the Dana 30, some people wheel 35's on stock axles with out much problem and others tear them up with 33's on a regular basis, again, it all depends who is driving and where. Oh yeah, inspect the brakes and figure on rebuilding at least the rear ones before you drive it much. Good Luck! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />