Model Years Covered:
1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986
Vehicle Segment:
Compact SUV / Off-Road Vehicle
Key Appeal:
Off-road capability, ruggedness, iconic design, customization potential
Competitors Era:
Ford Bronco, Chevrolet K5 Blazer, Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40
Design Philosophy:
Body-on-frame construction, solid axles (front and rear), removable roof (full metal or soft top options)
Powertrain Versatility:
Offered with a range of inline-4 and inline-6 gasoline engines, and a V8 option during its lifespan.
Primary Coverage:
Complete Workshop Service and Repair
Secondary Coverage:
Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics, Overhaul
Estimated Pages:
Hundreds (Specific count not provided in product info, typical for comprehensive manuals)
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, cooling system, lubrication system, ignition system, emission control systems
Drivetrain Systems:
Manual transmission, automatic transmission (if applicable), transfer case, axles, driveshafts, differentials
Suspension Steering:
Front suspension, rear suspension, steering system, power steering (if equipped)
Braking Systems:
Front brakes (disc/drum), rear brakes (drum), parking brake, brake hydraulics, ABS (if equipped, unlikely for early models)
Electrical Systems:
Battery, starting system, charging system, lighting, gauges, wiring diagrams, fuse boxes, accessory circuits
Body Chassis:
Frame, body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, interior trim, seats, bumpers
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (if equipped)
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, lubrication, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement
Repair Procedures:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, clutch replacement, brake caliper/wheel cylinder repair, suspension component replacement, steering gear repair, electrical component diagnosis and replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides for common issues
Diagnostics:
Component testing, electrical system diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (where applicable)
Depth:
Comprehensive (covering everything from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds)
Detail Level:
Detailed step-by-step instructions with accompanying diagrams and illustrations
Engine Options 1976-1986:
2.5L AMC 'Iron Duke' I4, 4.2L AMC '304' I6, 4.8L AMC '360' V8, 5.0L (302) Ford V8 (early models in some markets/conversions), 2.1L (122ci) VM Motori Turbo Diesel (later models in select markets)
Typical Horsepower Range:
85 hp (Iron Duke) to 190 hp (360 V8)
Typical Torque Range:
130 lb-ft (Iron Duke) to 300 lb-ft (360 V8)
Fuel Delivery:
Carbureted (e.g., Rochester, Motorcraft) for most gasoline engines; fuel injection introduced on some later models/engines.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based (e.g., conventional green coolant)
Oil Capacity 4.2L I6:
5 Quarts (with filter), SAE 10W-30 recommended
Manual Transmission:
4-speed manual (e.g., T-18A, T-176, T-150)
Automatic Transmission:
3-speed automatic (e.g., TH400, 904 TF)
Transfer Case:
2-speed manual transfer case (e.g., Dana 20, NP208)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil (viscosity varies by temperature, typically 80W-90)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron-III or equivalent
Wheelbase:
Approx. 103.5 inches (2629 mm)
Overall Length:
Approx. 153.8 inches (3907 mm)
Overall Width:
Approx. 68.7 inches (1745 mm)
Overall Height:
Approx. 65.1 inches (1654 mm) (with hardtop, varies)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3,000 - 3,500 lbs (1360 - 1588 kg) (varies by engine and equipment)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (Gvw R):
Approx. 4,500 - 5,000 lbs (2041 - 2268 kg)
Bolt Pattern:
5x5.5 inch (139.7 mm)
Typical Tire Size:
235/75R15, 31x10.50R15 (common aftermarket fitments)
Crash Test Data:
Limited modern crash test data available for this era of vehicle. Design prioritizes robustness over advanced safety features.
ABS:
Not standard; may have been available as a rare option on later models.
Airbags:
Not equipped with airbags.
Seat Belts:
Lap belts standard; shoulder belts became more common through the model run.
Roll Cage:
Integral roll bar behind front seats (part of chassis structure).
Oil Change Frequency:
Every 3,000 miles or 6 months (typical for the era, depending on usage)
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles (manual and automatic, depending on usage and fluid type)
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF Dexron-II/III or specific power steering fluid (check vehicle specifics)
Common Wear Items:
Leaf springs, bushings, U-joints, clutch components, brake wear, rust (especially body panels and frame), carburetor issues, exhaust leaks.
Electrical Quirks:
Wiring harness degradation, corrosion on connections, gauge sender failures.
Engine Common Problems:
Oil leaks from valve covers/oil pan, cooling system issues (radiator, water pump), carburetor tuning problems.
Parts Status:
Many parts are still available through aftermarket suppliers or specialist Jeep parts dealers. Some OEM parts are rare or discontinued.
Jeep Legacy:
Descended from military Willys MB Jeeps of WWII, establishing a reputation for off-road prowess and utility.
Cj Lineage:
CJ-7 replaced the CJ-5 and CJ-6. It offered a longer wheelbase and wider track than the CJ-5, improving ride comfort and stability.
Key Changes 1976-1986:
Introduction of the Quadra-Trac 4WD system, optional V8 engines, improved transmissions, and minor styling updates. Transition from AMC ownership to Chrysler in 1987, marking the end of the CJ line and the beginning of the YJ Wrangler.
Manufacturer:
American Motors Corporation (AMC) until 1987, then Chrysler.
Production Locations:
Toledo, Ohio, USA
