Market Segment:
Iconic off-road vehicle, recreational utility vehicle.
Competitors Era:
Land Rover Defender, Toyota Land Cruiser (FJ60/62 series), Ford Bronco.
Vehicle Philosophy:
Rugged, durable, go-anywhere capability, simple and robust mechanicals.
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners and technicians with the precise knowledge needed to maintain and repair the legendary Jeep CJ-7.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system.
Drivetrain:
Transmission (manual & automatic), transfer case, driveshafts, axles, differentials.
Chassis:
Suspension (front & rear), steering system, braking system (front disc, rear drum).
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, fuses, relays, power accessories.
Body:
Body panels, doors, glass, interior trim, seats, convertible top.
Scheduled Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, lubrication, tune-ups, belt inspections, fluid checks and changes.
Component Repair:
Detailed step-by-step procedures for engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake component replacement, suspension repair, steering linkage replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting guides for common issues.
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, and other critical measurements.
Component Overhaul:
In-depth instructions for dismantling, inspecting, repairing, and reassembling major components.
Depth Of Information:
Factory-level technical detail, suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts. Covers from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
Print Quality Digital:
High-resolution, printable pages with clear diagrams and text.
Binding Type Physical:
Spiral-bound or perfect-bound (typical for workshop manuals, allowing lay-flat use).
Paper Type Physical:
Heavy-duty, coated paper to withstand workshop environments.
Engine Type:
Inline 6-cylinder, Overhead Valve (OHV)
Engine Code Common:
AMC 258 (4.2L)
Displacement:
258 cubic inches (4.2 Liters)
Horsepower Gross:
Approximately 112 HP @ 3200 RPM (1986 spec)
Torque Gross:
Approximately 210 lb-ft @ 1600 RPM (1986 spec)
Fuel Delivery:
Rochester 2-barrel carburetor (typical for 258 cid engine).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Optional Engine:
Optional: 4.0L 6-cylinder (less common in '86 CJ-7, more prevalent in YJ).
Standard Transmission Type:
4-speed Manual (T-176 or T-4)
Optional Transmission Type:
3-speed Automatic (Terkuff 727)
Transfer Case:
Dana 300 2-speed, part-time 4WD system (standard for CJ-7).
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III/Mercon ATF or equivalent GL-4 gear oil (refer to manual for specific recommendation).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III/Mercon ATF
Wheelbase:
93.5 inches (2375 mm)
Overall Length:
155.3 inches (3945 mm)
Overall Width:
69.3 inches (1760 mm)
Overall Height:
66.9 inches (1700 mm) (with hardtop)
Curb Weight Approx:
3500-4000 lbs (1588-1814 kg), depending on configuration.
Payload Capacity Approx:
800-1000 lbs (363-454 kg)
Towing Capacity Approx:
2000-3500 lbs (907-1588 kg), depending on equipment and trailer brakes.
Crash Test History:
NHTSA testing was less standardized for this era and vehicle type. Focus is on mechanical integrity and driver awareness.
Braking System:
Front: Power-assisted disc brakes. Rear: Drum brakes.
Steering Type:
Power steering (optional on some models, standard on many later CJ-7s).
Seat Belts:
Three-point front seat belts, lap belts for rear passengers.
Rollover Protection:
Roll bar (standard equipment).
Infotainment System:
Basic AM/FM radio, optional cassette player. No integrated navigation or digital displays.
Driver Assistance Features:
None (pre-dates modern driver-assistance systems).
Connectivity Options:
None. Focus is on mechanical simplicity and off-road performance.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months (depending on usage and oil type).
Tune Up Interval:
Approximately every 15,000-30,000 miles (spark plugs, distributor cap/rotor, etc.)
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 25,000-50,000 miles (refer to manual).
Engine Oil Type:
API SG/SF, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check manual for specific viscosity under different temperature ranges).
Engine Oil Capacity:
5 US Quarts (4.7 Liters) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze (50/50 mix with distilled water).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Common Wear Items:
Carburetor issues (vacuum leaks, adjustment), distributor advance mechanisms, clutch wear, exhaust system rust, leaf spring fatigue, body tub rust, electrical gremlins.
Engine Specific Concerns:
AMC 258 can be prone to oil leaks from the rear main seal and intake manifold gasket.
Transmission Specific Concerns:
Manual transmissions may experience worn synchros. Automatic transmissions can develop seal leaks.
Jeep Legacy:
Direct descendant of the WWII Willys MB Jeep, built for military and civilian off-road use.
Cj Lineage:
CJ-7 replaced the CJ-6 and CJ-5, offering a longer wheelbase and improved ride over its predecessors.
Production Years:
1976-1986
Manufacturing Location:
Toledo, Ohio, USA
Last Year Cj:
1986 marked the final year for the CJ line, succeeded by the Jeep Wrangler (YJ).
