Jeep / Jeep CJ-7

A beast on wheels- Jeep CJ-7

Some spotlight on Jeep CJ

The Jeep CJ-7, formerly known as Willys CJ, refers to a public model that represents the renowned Military Jeep manufactured by Willys and used during the Second World War. The first prototype of the military jeep known as the Willys CJ-2 was launched by Willys in the year 1944. Though the vehicle went through three different corporate parents while seven different models were introduced till 1986, its basic structure remained the same. Even today, a certain variant belonging to this version of cars is produced legally. Jeep Wrangler, in 1987, replaced the last version of the CJs namely the CJ-8 and CJ-7. The DJs which were the two wheel drive variants were also available in the market.

Difference between the Jeep CJ-7 and other versions

The Jeep CJ-7 was also known as the Ssang Yong Korando. Around 379,299 units were produced during the period from 1976 to 1986. It lacked the characteristic rear curve belonging to the cut outs of the doors and had a wheelbase of 2370 mm (93.3 in) which was approximately 10 in longer than that installed in the CJ-5. Another major characteristic which was drastically different from that belonging to the CJ-5 was the chassis that was previously made up of 2 parallel longitudinal major c section rails. The rear end belonging to the chassis popped out in the form of stairs for allowing the dampers and road springs to be boarded in the near vicinity of the outside portion of the frame or body. This was done in order to improve the stability and handling of the vehicle.

Characteristics which made it powerful
An automatic transmission system, a part time 2 speed transfer case and the new Quadra-Trac referring to an all wheel drive mechanism were some of the optional features present in the CJ-7. Steel doors along with a molded hardtop which was optional were also installed in the CJ-7. It was available offered in a renovated Laredo model and a Renegade model. They were differentiated mainly by their distinguished body decals. For instance, a tilted steering wheel, the high back leather seats shaped in the form of a bucket and the sophisticated chrome package consisting of the front grille, mirrors and bumpers were included in the Laredo model. The rear was offered with a voluntary Trak-Lok differential. Initially, the ratio of the rear axles was the typical 3.54 which later went on to become 2.73.

Specifications

The CJ-7 versions were different in the type of engines supported. The axle having the ratio 4.10 was combined with the diesel engine having a capacity of 2.4L or 145 cubic inches. However, the axles having a ratio of 3.55 were combined with the AMC V8 304 powered models that was used in the Golden Eagle model whereas the 3.73 ratio axle was combined with the 150 cubic inch four cylinder and the 258 cubic inch straight 6 models. During the region 1976-80, the Jeep CJ-7 was provided with a Dana 27, 30 or 31 front axle, 29 spline AMC rear axle and the Dana transfer case.