Any book/manual suggestions for CJ-7 maintenance?

danattherock

Active Member
Joined
Jan 19, 2009
Location
NC
I have a 1981 CJ-7 that I want to do some routine maintenance on. To be honest, never really learned that much about it. Never had any troubles with it, but there are some areas I have neglected. I have only changed the oil and plugs. I want to learn more about changing the oil in the transfer case and diff. I would like to learn how to properly lubricate suspension parts and what not under the Jeep. Have no idea what to lube. I am not going to be rebuilding the motor or swapping axle shafts by myself. Just want to learn how to do some routine maintenance in my garage. I want to learn how to properly jack it up on stands to gain access to the undercarriage. Some good 1:1 time with a long friend:)

Any books/manuals/dvds/etc... that would be good for someone like me?

Thanks for any thoughts.

Dan
 
Go to Autozone or Advance auto and pick up a Haynes Manual for your year and body Jeep. It will give you schedules, amounts, and so on. The lubricant types are listed, but, the book is kinda generic, I would ask here about better alternatives and so forth.
Something I recommend is this.
1. Keep your manual in your Jeep.
2. As you start replacing stuff, many things have a warranty. The receipt that you get at the Zone or Advance will only last a month or two. Make a copy of it, and staple the original to the copy. Keep in a folder inside the manual. When you are out of town this will help to collect on a warranty.
3. Before you start anything that is bolted on, spray it with some penetrating oil. wire brush it if possible and spray again.
4. Never plan on it being a hour job, or a day job, it usually turns into more.
If you run into an issue, post it on here. Many Jeep guys around willing to help you out.
 
There are many errors and ommissions in the Chiltons manual, not sure about the Haynes. IMHO, there is no relpacement for the OEM factory service manual. They are like $80, but you might be able to find a bootleg pdf online somewhere.
 
Just ordered the factory service manual for 81 CJ 7 and another copy of the owners manual for the low low price of $100. Son of a b*$*@:)
 
danattherock said:
Just ordered the factory service manual for 81 CJ 7 and another copy of the owners manual for the low low price of $100. Son of a b*$*@:)
Click to expand...
Yeah but when you get that 1000 page service manual with every detail in it you will understand why it was 100 bucks.
It will pay for its self many times over.
 
And there would be the FREE ONLINE variety... :flipoff2:

'82 TSM (Technical Service Manual)

Granted, it's for a year newer, but outside of the axle width (& the differences in the caliper brackets & 5lug hubs), I think 98% will be the same... OH, and just about a $100 cheaper :D

PLUS, you can print out the section/pages you're dealing with in the garage and NOT worry about greasy fingerprinting the entire book...
 
Thanks for the info guys. Got the Chilton, Haynes, and Jeep Rebuilder's book. As little as I know, figured more is better.;)
 
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