[ChrisReyn]

I'll be dropping my new to me 86 CJ7 off at the local 4x4 shop Saturday morning to have the engine tuned up and the carb gone through. Gonna have the clutch, suspension and brakes inspected.
Ive researched the VIN, and it shows the jeep came from the factory with the 258 I6 and an auto transmission. It now has a 304 V8 and the T5- 5 speeed coupled to a D300 TC.
Ive found enough things that were done half-a**ed on this jeep that I want the shop to go through it and give me a "baseline" on its condition.
I know I prob need a new clutch, there's loud throw-out bearing chatter. It sounds like everyone likes the LUK clutches over Centerforce?why?
Im gonna have them change out all fluids and positively ID the axles and gearing.
Reading through posts here, I've picked up that I should have them put Rotella 15W in the engine, and Syncromesh in the tranny.
What is recommended for the TC and the diffs?
I think( think) its got the D44 with positrac in the rear and the D30 up front, but enough things have been swapped out that it would be no suprise for those to be different too.
I used to know how to ID the different diff's by cover bolt count but Ive forgotten that many years ago.
any suggestions or recommendations on what to have checked/changed, inspected while Ive got it there?

and while I am a great parts swapper, I dont have enough confidence in my mechanical skills to diagnose or recognize a whole lot of problems myself, hence having more experienced hands at the shop do it.

 

[ChrisReyn]

A little more reading and it appears that 80W90 GL4 is what’s needed for the Transfer Case, but still not finding much on the differentials

 

[Mister4x4]

Pretty much the same. Some folks may chime in with specific and/or expensive brand name products, but in all fairness, as long as the fluids don't get fouled or burnt, most are just as good as the next.

 

[JEEPFELLER]

It's hard to find GL-4 like you once could.

AND

Meets GL-4 and GL-5 specs, IS NOT what you are after!

GL-5 is not friendly to your brass (blocking rings)

When I 1st started reading this stuff, I was under the impression that "5" was a

"Betterment" of "4"-----But it is not! "5" has more additives, basically for

gearboxes without synchronizers.

I'm no scientist, but when I read that "4" was brass friendly in several articles,

That's what I do!

And boy are they proud of it anymore.

This is what I just did to "top off"

Robot or human?

This is my next plan. I'm sure it ain't gonna get any cheaper, so why not buy a bit of bulk

and sit on it! I've had nothing but CJs since the beginning, It will get used, and it don't spoil!

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/VAL838?impressionRank=4

Besides, I might can sell some here and there to my friends!

-----JEEPFELLER

 

[ChrisReyn]

Ive read several recommendations for using the Rotella 15W40 in the 258 I6 engine, but is it also better in the 304 V8 or should I stay with a more standard 10W40 engine oil?

 

[jeepdaddy2000]

but is it also better in the 304 V8 or should I stay with a more standard 10W40 engine oil?

Either oil will do, however,
Rotella has a bit more zink than other oils, which is better for flat tappet cams. All diesel oils have anti acid additives which are nice for rigs that aren't driven daily. They also come in thicker viscosity's than most newer oils which are better for older engines.

It sounds like everyone likes the LUK clutches over Centerforce?why?

LuK had proven to be a solid replacement set that isn't either "fancy" or expensive. You can go with a more performance oriented clutch, but unless you have a specific need for one, they are a waste of money.

I think( think) its got the D44 with positrac

The stock limited slip unit is called that Trac lok, which is a clutch style LS.
You need to verify what you have in the rear. Clutch style LS units require either an additive or a hypoid oil that is compatible with them. If you have a stock trac lok, insure the mechanic inspects it for any wear or damage, as they are prone to failure.

Pictures tell a thousand words, especially with modified rigs like yours. Post picts of your engine, drivetrain, brakes, and steering. This will help us identify "upgrades" like alternators and carbs, as well as any obvious issues like driveline angles and frame issues.

and while I am a great parts swapper, I dont have enough confidence in my mechanical skills to diagnose or recognize a whole lot of problems myself, hence having more experienced hands at the shop do it.

So you either need to be a fast learner or have a lot of money. While stock Jeeps are every bit as reliable as any car of the era, their usage and PO's inability to leave them alone makes them a large target for abuse and "upgrades" which leads to multiple issues, both minor and major. Relying on professional mechanics to do work will quickly drain your pocket book, ruin your marriage, and in the end force you to sell a kidney to keep it running.

 

[ChrisReyn]

So you either need to be a fast learner or have a lot of money. While stock Jeeps are every bit as reliable as any car of the era, their usage and PO's inability to leave them alone makes them a large target for abuse and "upgrades" which leads to multiple issues, both minor and major. Relying on professional mechanics to do work will quickly drain your pocket book, ruin your marriage, and in the end force you to sell a kidney to keep it running.

LOL, while I have been away from Jeeps for a few decades, Idrove my first CJ at age 14 back in '75, snow plowing the parking lots at Lambert Field in St Louis.
Over the years Ive had CJ's, Cherokees and a couple early model Wranglers.
I used to go out to Moab regularly and all over Colorado, but quit in the 90's when the kids came along. its just been so long, and so much has evolved and changed. Theres much that I think I prob once knew but have forgotten and will need to remember or relearn.
A wise man one told me the trick to DIY on anything was to know when to stop and turn it over to the pro's.
As said, Im needing a baseline to start from with this thing, since the PO did many half "way" things, like a body lift with no rubber, but all hand cut hard plastic pucks stacked on one another.. thats high on the list to un-do, since he didnt allow for things like the clutch linkage angle change, and it rides like crap even for a CJ
No marriage to ruin, my wife passed from brain cancer earlier this year., the girls are grown, married off and moved out. This is how I am going to fill my time now