Jeep CJ-7 · 1976–1986
The CJ That Became the Wrangler.
Ten more inches of wheelbase than a CJ-5, and a direct line to the YJ that replaced it. The CJ-7 ran the AMC 258 inline-six, the AMC 304 V8, and a parade of four-speeds. Solid axles, leaf springs, and a body simple enough that a careful first-timer can keep one on the trail for another decade.
Early coverage. Trail Manual is building the Jeep platforms out first — the Cherokee XJ library runs 340+ guides. CJ-7 has a starter set of guides today; deeper coverage is on the way. See the XJ library for where this is headed.
1976–1986
Solid front & rear axles
AMC 232/258 I6 / AMC 304 V8
Dana 30 · AMC 20 / Dana 44