🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

CJ-7

Year:

1980

Chassis Code:

CJ-7

Platform:

CJ (Constant Journey)

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) / Off-Road Vehicle.

Reputation:

Iconic off-road vehicle known for its ruggedness, simplicity, and versatility.

Key Competitors Era:

Toyota Land Cruiser, International Harvester Scout, Ford Bronco.

Off Road Capability:

Command-Trac part-time 4WD system, solid front and rear axles, high ground clearance.

Body Style:

Open-top (full-width removable doors and top), hardtop options.

Durability:

Body-on-frame construction, robust mechanicals.

Essential Resource:

Indispensable for maintaining, diagnosing, and repairing the 1980 Jeep CJ-7.

Mechanic Grade:

Provides the same level of detail and accuracy used by professional technicians.

📋 Manual Details

Overall Coverage:

Comprehensive service and repair instructions for the 1980 Jeep CJ-7.

Engine Coverage:

All engine variants offered for the 1980 CJ-7.

Transmission Coverage:

Manual and automatic transmission systems.

Chassis Coverage:

Frame, suspension, steering, brakes, axles, driveshafts.

Electrical Coverage:

Wiring diagrams, lighting, ignition, starting, charging systems, accessories.

Body Coverage:

Body panels, doors, interior trim, convertible top.

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 700-900 pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals of this era).

Type:

Service Repair Workshop Manual

Target Audience:

Professional Mechanics, DIY Enthusiasts

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF, but can be printed)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine mechanical, fuel delivery, ignition, cooling, lubrication, emission controls.

Powertrain Systems:

Clutch, transmission (manual & automatic), transfer case, driveshafts, axles.

Chassis Systems:

Suspension (front & rear), steering, brakes (hydraulic, parking), wheels, tires.

Electrical Systems:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system, ignition system, lighting (headlamps, tail lamps), instrumentation, horn, wipers, washers, radio, power accessories (if equipped).

Body And Frame:

Frame structure, body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, interior components, seat mechanisms, convertible top operation and repair.

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug service, belt adjustments, battery maintenance, lubrication points.

Repair Procedures:

Engine overhaul, cylinder head removal/installation, piston and rod service, crankshaft inspection, transmission rebuilds, clutch replacement, brake caliper and cylinder service, suspension component replacement, steering gear service, electrical component diagnosis and replacement.

Troubleshooting Guides:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults across all major vehicle systems.

Torque Specifications:

Detailed torque values for critical fasteners across all assemblies.

Special Tool Requirements:

Identification and usage instructions for specialized tools required for specific repair procedures.

Diagnostic Capabilities:

Advanced diagnostic procedures, fault code interpretation (where applicable to era), electrical circuit analysis.

Rebuild Instructions:

Complete disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly instructions for major components like engines and transmissions.

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed, often color-coded, wiring schematics for all electrical systems.

Illustrations And Diagrams:

Abundant exploded views, diagrams, and illustrations to clarify procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Typically fully text-searchable for keywords.

Print Ability:

Printable on standard office printers.

Digital Delivery:

Downloadable file.

Original Format:

Typically printed on durable, high-quality paper suitable for workshop environments.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

AMC 258 (Inline-6)

Displacement:

258 cubic inches (4.2 Liters)

Configuration:

Inline 6-Cylinder, Overhead Valve (OHV)

Bore X Stroke:

3.75 in x 3.89 in (95.25 mm x 98.91 mm)

Compression Ratio:

8.2:1 (typical)

Horsepower:

Approx. 112 hp @ 3500 RPM (net)

Torque:

Approx. 195 lb-ft @ 2000 RPM (net)

Fuel Delivery:

Carbureted (e.g., Motorcraft 2150 2-barrel carburetor)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Engine Code:

Optional: AMC 20 (Inline-4, less common for 1980, but possible)

Displacement:

151 cubic inches (2.5 Liters)

Configuration:

Inline 4-Cylinder, Overhead Valve (OHV)

Engine Cooling:

Pressurized coolant system, fan-assisted radiator.

Ignition System:

Distributor-based electronic ignition (e.g., Prestolite).

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

Manual Transmission

Manual Transmission Model:

Tercy T-176 (4-speed)

Transmission Type:

Automatic Transmission

Automatic Transmission Model:

TorqueFlite A999 (3-speed automatic)

Transfer Case:

Dana 300 (2-speed, part-time 4WD)

Clutch Type:

Dry, single plate (for manual transmission).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

93.5 inches (2375 mm)

Length:

156.4 inches (3973 mm)

Width Body:

67.2 inches (1707 mm)

Height To Top:

71.3 inches (1811 mm) (with soft top)

Ground Clearance:

Approx. 8-10 inches (depending on tire size and suspension)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3,000 - 3,400 lbs (1361 - 1542 kg), depending on equipment.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 4,750 lbs (2155 kg)

Towing Capacity:

Varies by engine and configuration, typically around 2,000 - 3,500 lbs.

Payload Capacity:

Approx. 1,500 lbs (680 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

Limited official crash test data available from NHTSA for this era of CJ. Focus was on robustness, not passive safety features as understood today.

Braking System:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes. Hydraulic actuation.

Steering System:

Recirculating ball steering, power steering optional.

Seat Belts:

Lap belts standard, shoulder belts often optional or dealer-installed.

Rollover Protection:

Factory-installed roll bar behind front seats. Aftermarket roll cages common.

Body Construction:

Body-on-frame design contributes to structural integrity but differs from modern unibody safety structures.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory-installed AM/FM radio, often with basic speaker setup. Aftermarket upgrades common.

Gauges And Instrumentation:

Basic analog gauges: speedometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, oil pressure gauge, ammeter. Warning lights for brakes and oil.

Cruise Control:

Optional on some models.

Anti Lock Brakes:

Not available.

Traction Control:

Not available.

Connectivity Features:

Minimal by modern standards; primarily functional connectivity for vehicle operation.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first (typical for the era).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Manual: Every 24,000 miles. Automatic: Every 24,000 miles or 24 months.

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 24,000 miles or 24 months.

Differential Fluid Change:

Every 24,000 miles.

Tune Up Intervals:

Spark plugs, points (if applicable), and condenser every 12,000-15,000 miles. Ignition timing adjustments as needed.

Engine Oil Type:

API SF, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check manual for specific viscosity based on temperature).

Engine Oil Capacity:

5 US quarts (4.7 Liters) with filter.

Coolant Type:

Permanent type antifreeze (ethylene glycol based), 50/50 mix with water.

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) Type A or Dexron II.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

GL-4 Gear Oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 (check manual).

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) Type A Suffix A or Dexron II.

Differential Fluid:

API GL-5, SAE 80W-90 (or 75W-140 for synthetic).

Rust Prone Areas:

Wheel wells, rocker panels, floor pans, tailgate, firewall.

Engine Peripherals:

Carburetor tuning, vacuum leaks, ignition component wear, radiator/hose condition.

Transmission Engagement:

Clutch wear, shifter linkage adjustment, potential for synchronizer wear in manual transmissions.

Electrical Gremlins:

Corroded wiring connections, aging switchgear, voltage regulator issues.

Suspension Wear:

Worn bushings, ball joints, kingpins (if applicable), shock absorbers.

📚 Vehicle History

Jeep Legacy:

Direct descendant of WWII Willys MB, representing Jeep's core identity in civilian vehicles.

Cj Series:

CJ-7 represents a significant evolution from the CJ-5, offering a longer wheelbase, improved ride quality, and updated features.

Introduction Year:

CJ-7 introduced in 1976.

Key Cj7 Advancements:

Longer wheelbase, improved seating, optional automatic transmission, stronger Dana 300 transfer case, optional power steering, updated tub and chassis design.

Manufacturer:

American Motors Corporation (AMC)

Production Period Cj7:

1976-1986

Manufacturing Location:

Toledo, Ohio, USA

Market Impact:

Crucial model for AMC, reinforcing Jeep's dominance in the recreational off-road market.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Off Road Accolades:

Consistently recognized as one of the most capable production off-road vehicles of its era. Favored in exploration and recreation.

Reliability Perception:

Perceived as robust and dependable with proper maintenance, though parts availability and age can be factors.

Manual Endorsement:

Endorsed by mechanics worldwide for its comprehensive and accurate repair data.