The First CJ-7

AMC expanded the Jeep reputation with the introduction of the new CJ7. The CJ7 was basically the same as the 1976-83 CJ5, but with more leg room and hauling capacity (CJ7 was 10" longer). The CJ7 also had many options not offered for the CJ5. An injection-molded hardtop was offered with full steel doors. And for the first time ever, an automatic transmission was available for a CJ. This automatic transmission was coupled to a full-time four wheel drive transfer case called Quadratrac. Packages like Convience Group and D?©cor were offered throughout these years, as were the previous Renegade and Levi's editions along with the new Golden Eagle and Laredo. A CJ7 Jamboree Edition was produced in 1980 to recognize Jeep Jamboree's 30th anniversary. Air conditioning and front disc brakes were available for the first time in 1977. Roll bars became standard on all domestic Jeep CJs during this time period. The track width was increased in 1982, commonly referred to as wide track, for increased stability. Fuel economy and emission standards forced AMC to offer a 4 cylinder engine in 1980 and eventually led to elimination of the V8 engine. In just over 10 years, AMC had produced nearly 400,000 CJ7s. $4299 base price in 1976.

1980-82 GM 151 cubic inch 4 cylinder engine produced 82 hp @ 4000 rpm, 125 ft. lb. torque @ 2600 rpm. 1983-86 AMC 150 cubic inch 4 cylinder engine produced 105 hp @ 5000 rpm and 132 ft. lb. torque @ 2800 rpm. 232 cubic inch in-line 6 cylinder engine produced 100 hp @ 3600 rpm and 185 ft. lb. of torque @ 1800 rpm. Horsepower and torque ratings for the 258 in-line 6 cylinder were 110 @ 3500 rpm and 195 ft. lb. @ 2000 rpm respectively (later increased to 115 hp & 210 torque). The 304 cubic inch V8 engine has 150 hp @ 4200 rpm and 245 ft. lb. of torque @ 2500 rpm (later decreased to 125 hp & 220 torque). Transmissions consisted of T150 3-speed and SR4, T18, T4, T170 4-speed and T5 5-speed manual transmissions and GM Turbo 400 and Chrysler Torqueflite 999 or 727 automatic transmissions. Dana Model 20 and 300 transfer cases were used, except with Turbo 400 automatic transmission where Quadratrac transfer case was used. Front axle was Dana Model 30, AMC Model 20 was used for rear axle and some 1986 editions have a Dana Model 44 rear axle.

Useful measurements:
94" wheelbase
149" overall length and 69" wide
81" length from door hinge to rear of vehicle
55" windshield width (windshield was sloped in relation to hood)