| The Jeep CJ7 first made its appearance in 1976. | | | | more casual Jeep consumer. The "light duty" Borg |
| Given a complete redesign from its predecessors, the | | | | Warner T4 (4 speed) and T5 (5 speed) transmissions |
| CJ7 was the first really practical Jeep for "civilian" use. | | | | were both first used in 1981. |
| The switch to a fully boxed frame increased overall | | | | The Dana Model 20 transfer case was replaced in |
| stability, as well as provided the vehicle with unrivaled | | | | 1980 by the Dana Model 300. This new transfer case |
| strength. The leaf springs were changed and moved | | | | had a much deeper low range, at 2.62:1 compared to |
| further outward, and anti-sway bars and a steering | | | | the 2.03:1 Dana 20. The change was necessary due |
| stabilizer were added for even more overall drivability. | | | | to Jeep no longer offering anything like the granny |
| Though the CJ5 also received these improvements, | | | | gear found in the T18 transmission. |
| the CJ7 featured another 10 inches in the wheelbase. | | | | As for the CJ7's standard axles, Jeep offered the |
| On top of the more stable ride this provided, it | | | | Dana Model 30 for the front and the AMC 20 for the |
| increased rear leg room and interior cargo space. In | | | | rear. The Dana 44 rear axle was being offered as an |
| 1982, the Jeep CJ7 was again improved with "wide | | | | upgrade on select models, and later became standard |
| track" axles upgrades. This provided a wider stance | | | | in 1986. Jeep offered no optional factory front axles. |
| which increased side to side stability and cornering | | | | In 1987, the AMC badges were lost and the Wrangler |
| abilities. | | | | was born. The CJ7 was gone. To many Jeep purists, |
| The 1976 CJ7 came standard with a 232ci inline 6 | | | | this was the end of the real Jeep. Although the |
| cyclinder engine, though Jeep offered upgrades in the | | | | engines and geometry remained the same, the rear |
| form of a 304ci 5.0 liter and a 258ci 4.2L inline 6 | | | | axle, transmission, and transfer case became more |
| cylinder. Also offered by Jeep was the choice of a | | | | suitable for "lighter" duty. The interior became more |
| standard heavy duty Borg Warner T-150 3 speed | | | | "car" like. For safety, the classic roll bar became sort |
| transmission, or an optional Borg Warner T18 4 speed | | | | of a roll cage, which prevented folding down the |
| "granny" transmission. The Dana Model 20 was the | | | | windshield on the fly. |
| only transfer case available upon its release. | | | | Since 1987, no vehicle produced can compare with |
| By 1980, things began to change for the Jeep CJ7. | | | | the Wrangler. However, the Jeep CJ7 remains a |
| The GM 151ci 4 cylinder engine was the stock | | | | vehicle in its own class. It is still one of the most |
| powerplant. 1981 would be the last year of the | | | | sought after Jeeps for restoration, off-roading, or |
| optional 5.0L V8 engine. The AMC 150ci 4 cyclinger | | | | just a weekend trip. Luckily, it's popularity and |
| replaced the GM 151 in 1984. | | | | simplistic design has kept the aftermarket alive with |
| Transmissions also got changed along the way. The | | | | accessories and parts. With frames now available, |
| Tremec T-176 and SR4 were both introduced in | | | | you can literally build a Jeep CJ7 from the ground up. |
| 1980, whose 4 speeds were built more for street | | | | For these and countless other reasons, the CJ7 may |
| use, rather than off-roading. Automatic transmissions, | | | | just be the "perfect" Jeep. |
| the TF999 and TF904, also debuted in 1980, for the | | | | |