New guy needs suggestions

[Temeaux]

Hello everyone I'm new to the forum
Just purchased a1986 CJ7 that shows 80,000 on speedo who knows if that is right but it is all stock as far as I know it has Dana front and rear axels and a i6
I'm assuming is a 4.2 still has stock distributor with external coil I'm going to make a daily driver out of it and was wondering what upgrades should I do first
I know the heater doesn't work so I'm going to install a ac and heater kit in it
Possibly an Hei upgrade any help for a new guy would be helpful

 

[Lumpy Grits]

First thing, you need is a copy of the REAL Factory Service Manual(MR-252).
Haynes and the like are useless-
Do you have to smog test this Jeep??
That can limit what you can do.
LG

 

[Temeaux]

No smog requirements here sky is the limit

 

[Flex BT]

Look up the nutter bypass / teamrush ignition upgrades!

Stock Carb? Your heat could be an easy fix depending on the issue, does the fan work?

There's a thread here called "What to do when you get that Jeep CJ home" that will have a ton of really good info:

http://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/f49/what-do-after-getting-cj-home-3563/

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Look real hard at Moser 1 piece rear axles.
The OEM 2 piece is and a known issue.
LG

 

[Saddle Tramp]

Look real hard at Moser 1 piece rear axles.
The OEM 2 piece is and a known issue.
LG

As this CJ is a 1986 model it could be that the rear is a Dana 44 which should be 1 piece shafts. Temeaux states that the rear is a Dana.

 

[Torxhead]

I would say your first priority would be to make sure everything is working right, as in proper maintaince. Your heater repair could be just a simple fix but research would help here, until then warm clothing would be the answer. Your oem ignition system is an excellent base to work from. It can be modified thru the "Team Rush" upgrade which will help with spark arcing under that small oem style distributor cap. I tend to go with all the repair manuals and online info I can get. In it last years the American Motors Co. fudged a bit on manufacturing and hopefully you can gain from us.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

As this CJ is a 1986 model it could be that the rear is a Dana 44 which should be 1 piece shafts. Temeaux states that the rear is a Dana.

Dana made the AMC model 20, rear axle also.
The factory rear D/44 used on the last CJ's, was an odd-ball deal also.
LG

 

[WINDSHEAR II]

Temeaux,
I have a completely stock '86 CJ7 that I use to travel the 40 miles round trip to work. The truck is not really happy at high sustained speeds (Interstate highway), but does so without much complaining. I'm talking 70+ mph here, with 235-75-15 AT tires. I get mid-16 to low-17 mpg, though I don't really try for high numbers. I'm running the factory ignition 'cause it hasn't broken yet. That said, an up-grade to the ignition system would be my FIRST performance mod. Do not ignore the condition of tires, brakes, and drivetrain fluids. Any problem there at speed won't be good. Good luck!

Stephen

 

[007]

Personally I would take inventory of what I had. Then make sure your brakes are good at whatever cost. Bad brakes can get you in to more trouble than low power can...and quicker! Do read the thread listed above. Great words there...


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Peanut Butter]

Another 2 cents here. -- I'm in the middle of a complete frame off restoration of my 79 CJ7. All of the bushings and seals need replacing. Basically anything that is rubber should be looked at. Replacing these things will prevent premature ware of the parts they protect and it should be easier before they fail. Fluids change too, like engine oil, transmission, TC, Brake Fluid, Diffs, etc. Then think about what you might want to upgrade or change. Good luck with your new jeep, and have some fun. :grinjeep: Rod

 

[danray48]

Another 2 cents here. -- I'm in the middle of a complete frame off restoration of my 79 CJ7. All of the bushings and seals need replacing. Basically anything that is rubber should be looked at. Replacing these things will prevent premature ware of the parts they protect and it should be easier before they fail. Fluids change too, like engine oil, transmission, TC, Brake Fluid, Diffs, etc. Then think about what you might want to upgrade or change. Good luck with your new jeep, and have some fun. :grinjeep: Rod

I'm also into a complete build, but before that I did a lot of checking fluids, brakes, etc. I also did the Team Rush ignition upgrade, and that's a good start.

 

[Saddle Tramp]

Dana made the AMC model 20, rear axle also.
The factory rear D/44 used on the last CJ's, was an odd-ball deal also.
LG

Lumpy-

I said “could” be. Last of the 1986 CJ as we all know run were.Dana 44s. In my mind a CJ Dana 44 is better than a CJ AMC20 any day of the week. Granted neither is perfect.

 

[Woolyworm]

What do you plan on doing with your new best buddy?


Wooly

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Seen more than a couple '86 CJ's that were OEM w/Dana 20 rear.
LG