Need Some help/advice on a CJ7 (83)

[diablokicks]

I am looking to buy a 83 CJ 7 with 67k miles on the origional engine. What should i know about a cj that old? I plan on putting a 4 inch suspention with a 2 inch body lift. Is there anything that would need to be replaced (the power steering was just replaced) or is there anything i should be concerned about? All input and advice is useful,
Thanks,
Patrick

 

[greenjeep]

It most likely has an AMC 20 with 2 piece shafts, uograding to 1 piece shafts should be your first priority. Also the Dana 30 5 bolt hubs are very failure prone, upgrade to some Warn premiums and carry spares. That'd be my 2 biggest suggestions.

 

[diablokicks]

Is that hard to do (sorry im extreemly new to this all)

 

[bobdog]

1" bodylift max, I would not use one at all if possibile.
Greenjeep is right about the 5 bolt hubs but I would not spend a dime on new 5bolts, been there done that. The bolts break off in the hub long before aftermarket lockouts explode, leaving you with a tough trail fix before you can install your spair. Studs instead of bolts will help. Convert to six bolt hubs and lockouts. It is cheep and I never had a problem after going to the pre 81 stuff.
Your carburator will give you fits. EFI conversion is a good thing.
For ignition tune up stuff tell the parts guy to give you stuff (cap, rotor, wires, and even the module if you ever need one) for a 81 Ford F150 with a 300ci strait six.
Be sure to upgrade or beef up your front shackle hangers when installing your lift.

 

[poorboyzdreamz]

Check all spring hangers and welds for cracks. check for rust near the roll cage mounts. check for rear main leaks and possible cracks in the transfer case. one other point of advice look into installing a remote oil filter because WHEN the motor mount breaks it will put a hole in the filter and leave you stranded they also make a lower profile filter that some parts stores will have.

 

[gijohn40]

what size tires are you planning on running? with 4 inch of lift and 2 inches of body lift you will clear 35's which I would not recommend for the axles you are going to have in that jeep... if you went with just the 4 inch lift you would be fine for 33's which would be as tall a tire I would go with.

When you go with the lift make sure your swaybar is adjusted for the 4 inchs of height as well as a drop pitman arm for the steering... as well as a transfer case lowering kit as well... and then when you have all that done get a short yoke kit for the back of the transfer case and then new drive lines with cv joints to cut out most the driveline wobble...

 

[bobdog]

what size tires are you planning on running? with 4 inch of lift and 2 inches of body lift you will clear 35's which I would not recommend for the axles you are going to have in that jeep... if you went with just the 4 inch lift you would be fine for 33's which would be as tall a tire I would go with.

When you go with the lift make sure your swaybar is adjusted for the 4 inchs of height as well as a drop pitman arm for the steering... as well as a transfer case lowering kit as well... and then when you have all that done get a short yoke kit for the back of the transfer case and then new drive lines with cv joints to cut out most the driveline wobble...

He can run 35s with no body lift and some trimming. Swaybar should go in the trash. 4" springs are stiff enough that there is no need for it. No such thing as a short yoke kit. A standard driveshaft will work just fine in a CJ with 4" lift springs spend the CV cash elsewhere. Also do not lower the TC.