[T Hoff]

My son is looking at a 1980 CJ7. It has no drivetrain.

He's thinking of 'playing' with it. What are the weakpoints of this year compared to earlier?

Did 1980 CJ's have Dana 44 in the rear or the weak 20?

I know boxing the frame is an option but was the frame in '80 as thick as pre '76?

Any thoughts at all as to why he shouldn't purchase this for Chevy power would be a help.

[gtrpup2]

as far as I know the model 20 was in the 1980s cjs.

[KrazyGimp]

From what I understand the Dana 44 was a rarity in the '86's becuase AMC had run out of 20's and they were cleaning house, so a few CJ-7's ended up with the 44. As for the AMC 20 being weaker, it is only from the factory. If you put 1 piece shafts in there and maybe a truss it can potentially be stronger than a 44 due to the larger ring gear inside. The 2 main weak points on the 20 were the 2 piece shafts and the housing itself flexing.

I don't think there are really any weak points when compared to earlier CJ's. Power steering and brakes are a plus and I believe the frames are stronger then the earlier ones as well. I am sure someone else can offer a little bit more deatil.

[jeepskate]

'76-'86 used the AMC 20 with a few '86's getting a Dana 44. Throw some 1-piece shafts in it and weld the tubes to the pumpkin so they don't spin and you're good as long as you keep power and tire size within operating limits. The frame is already boxed.

[Mr.Crowley]

thats a good year...lol cause i have an 80 too..The only thing that sucks is the lack of availibilty of doors..80 has the sliding latch sysyem were as 81 and up to around 90 something are compatible..but it came with hard doors so it doesnt really matter...

[BESRK]

76s and earlier had "C-channel" frames while 77s and later had boxed frames. I've got an 80 CJ5 and love it. Easy to swap in stronger axles if he wants.. since he's gonna build it to play with. Maybe swap the whole drivetrain out of 70s Chevy truck?.. 350, T350 (or SM465) Tranny, Jeep D300 Transfer, D44 front axle, GM14 bolt rear.. just outboard the front springs on the frame to fit the front axle and move/reweld the rear axle perches. Probably good up to 38" tires with some common sense.