79 CJ7 Restore

nsamaster0414 · 11-07-2003, 12:00 AM

Hey guys, got some questions,
I have a 1979 CJ7 that is in pretty good shape. It runs well and everything on it is stock . However, noteing the age, it has all the usual rust issues, but not as bad as others. Upon doing some rust removal underneath one of the wheel wells, I realized there is more work that needs done that I thought but I dont know where to start. My question is, is their anyone that has done a partial restore of a CJ7 that can tell me the major points to check and fix before I go adding any of the fun stuff like body and suspension lifts? I Bought this jeep to fix up and have fun with, but I dont wanna spend all my time and money just fixing things as I go, I would like to know what needs the most attention so I can get it checked off a list of things to do, and start getting into some fun stuff. With it being my daily driver as well, I cant go pulling major parts off at random unless I need to or know what I am looking for. Thanks.

Nick~

**Scrambler82** · 11-07-2003, 05:59 AM

Drive it, when the rust pokes threw then fix it.

Luck,

nsamaster0414 · 11-07-2003, 06:56 AM

LOL, I like that idea, but I would like to try and fix it before it happens so I dont end up in a big mess later on, ya know?

Nick~

rustyCJ · 11-07-2003, 09:30 AM

check the rear frame rails for rust, from the spring hangers to the spring mounts. not just a visual but a hammer/punch check. once the frame is either found good or made better you can concentrate on the checking other stuff like U-joints, tie rod ends, ball joints, engine/tranny mounts, spring bushings, etc.

always worry about driveline and steering/suspension components before things like if the radio works.

kjc2260 · 11-07-2003, 05:25 PM

I agree with rustyCJ, make sure the frame is sound. I would then check all the bolts in the drivetrain and suspension for the proper torque. While you're checking the suspension, look at your spring and shackle bushings, and your swaybar bushings. I'll bet they're shot unless a previous owner changed them. Then I would change all the fluids(tranny, t/case, engine, and both diffs)give the engine a tuneup. I would also repack the front wheel bearings. This I believe would give you a good starting point as far as maintenance is concerned. Oh, invest in a quality repair manual for your Jeep. Hpoe this helps a little.

nsamaster0414 · 11-10-2003, 12:38 AM

Already do, Chilton, Haynes, and Owners Bible..

aviator · 11-12-2003, 11:34 AM

Once you have all the mechanical up and running soundly and are ready to move onto the "rust-n-such" department of your jeep, you can check the body mount points on the tub, these usually rust out. I would pull all the tub bolts (if you can) and lift the tub off the frame a little to inspect the body mount bushings and their seats on the frame. I was surprised to find several of mine rusted completley out. Of course, I also broke several bolts in the process, but hey - it's a project, right?

If you're really feeling ambitious, remove the hinges from the hood and the windshield.... ah rust... I think rust came installed from the factory... it was standard equipment. LOL.

OldJeepguy · 11-16-2003, 09:57 AM

Check for rust where the rollcage mounts to the body. Mine was almost rusted completely through but looked somewhat OK at a glance.
Check out my CJ resto link in my sig to see what I went through to bring my 79 back to life.

11-07-2003, 09:30 AM	#4
rustyCJ Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: IL Posts: 942 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	check the rear frame rails for rust, from the spring hangers to the spring mounts. not just a visual but a hammer/punch check. once the frame is either found good or made better you can concentrate on the checking other stuff like U-joints, tie rod ends, ball joints, engine/tranny mounts, spring bushings, etc. always worry about driveline and steering/suspension components before things like if the radio works. __________________ [COLOR=darkgreen]"character is doing the right thing even if nobody is looking"[/COLOR]

11-12-2003, 11:34 AM	#7
aviator Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Oklahoma City, OK Posts: 184 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	Once you have all the mechanical up and running soundly and are ready to move onto the "rust-n-such" department of your jeep, you can check the body mount points on the tub, these usually rust out. I would pull all the tub bolts (if you can) and lift the tub off the frame a little to inspect the body mount bushings and their seats on the frame. I was surprised to find several of mine rusted completley out. Of course, I also broke several bolts in the process, but hey - it's a project, right? If you're really feeling ambitious, remove the hinges from the hood and the windshield.... ah rust... I think rust came installed from the factory... it was standard equipment. LOL. __________________ Ricers make great Jack stands! Give 'em a try!

11-07-2003, 06:56 AM	#3
nsamaster0414 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 23 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	LOL, I like that idea, but I would like to try and fix it before it happens so I dont end up in a big mess later on, ya know? Nick~

11-07-2003, 05:25 PM	#5
kjc2260 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Acworth, GA Posts: 32 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	I agree with rustyCJ, make sure the frame is sound. I would then check all the bolts in the drivetrain and suspension for the proper torque. While you're checking the suspension, look at your spring and shackle bushings, and your swaybar bushings. I'll bet they're shot unless a previous owner changed them. Then I would change all the fluids(tranny, t/case, engine, and both diffs)give the engine a tuneup. I would also repack the front wheel bearings. This I believe would give you a good starting point as far as maintenance is concerned. Oh, invest in a quality repair manual for your Jeep. Hpoe this helps a little.

11-10-2003, 12:38 AM	#6
nsamaster0414 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 23 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	Already do, Chilton, Haynes, and Owners Bible..