1985 Jeep Cj7 problems
The Jeep CJ models are a series and a range of small, open-bodied off-road vehicles and compact pickup trucks, built and sold by several successive incarnations of the Jeep automobile marque from 1945 through 1986. The 1945 Willys "Universal Jeep" was the world's first mass-produced civilian four-wheel drive car.
In 1944, Willys-Overland, the primary manufacturer of the World War II military Jeep, built the first prototypes for a commercial version – the CJ, short for "civilian Jeep". The design was a direct evolution from the war jeep, but the most obvious change was adding a tailgate, and relocating the spare wheel to the side. Also, besides adding basic civilian amenities and options and legally-compliant lighting, the CJ required a sturdier drivetrain than the war jeep, because the targeted rural buyers would work the vehicles hard and expect years of durability, instead of mere weeks as during WWII.
From then on, all CJ Jeeps consistently had a separate body and frame, rigid live axles with leaf springs both front and rear, a tapering nose design with flared fenders, and a fold-flat windshield, and could be driven without doors. Also, with few exceptions, they had part-time four-wheel drive systems, with the choice of high and low gearing, and open bodies with removable hard or soft tops. A few stand-out changes during 42 model years were the introductions of round-fendered vs. flat-fendered bodies (1955 CJ-5), straight-6 and V8-engines, automatic gearboxes, and different 4-wheel drive systems. The 1976 CJ-7 stretched the wheelbase by 10 inches (25 cm), and made doors and a removable hardtop common items.
After remaining in production through a range of model numbers, and several corporate parents, the Jeep CJ line was officially ended after 1986. More than 1.5 million CJ Jeeps were built, having continued the same basic body style for 45 years since the Jeep first appeared. Widely regarded as "America's workhorse", the CJs have been described as "probably the most successful utility vehicle ever made." American Motors VP Joseph E. Cappy said the end of "CJ production will signal an end of a very important era in Jeep history." In 1987, the Jeep CJ-7 was replaced by the first-generation Jeep Wrangler. Looking very similar and riding on the same wheelbase as the CJ-7, it carried over some important components, including its use of leaf springs.
The similar model the DJ "Dispatcher" was introduced in 1956 as a two-wheel drive version with open, fabric, or a closed steel body in both left- and right-hand drives for hotel, resort, police, and later United States Postal Service markets.
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Common 1985 Jeep Cj7 problems
Common Problems with the Jeep CJ7 1985:
In summary, the Jeep CJ7 1985 can experience various common problems, including fuel system issues, steering and suspension problems, wiring issues, top and cover problems, modification issues, and idle and stalling problems. When buying a used CJ7, it is essential to check these systems and components to ensure a reliable and safe vehicle.
Is a Jeep CJ7 reliable?
If the jeep has been taken care of, they are rock solid. I have the same Jeep CJ7 for the last 30 years and it has been very reliable. Nothing but a clutch and oil changes. I used it for many years as my daily driver but I was much younger then.
Will CJ7 go up in value?
Average five-year price increase: 136 percent
The CJ-7 has a lot to love: It's elegant, simple, and robust, offering top-down off-roading in a classic package. What could possibly make one of the best 4x4s of the late '70s even better?
Are Jeep CJ7 rare?
The CJ-7's production ran from '76 to '86, meaning that many of these rigs are now getting to be 40 years old, and they are increasingly rare in good condition.
What is a CJ7 worth?
A: The average price of a Jeep CJ7 is $24,620.
Is a Jeep CJ7 reliable?
If the jeep has been taken care of, they are rock solid. I have the same Jeep CJ7 for the last 30 years and it has been very reliable. Nothing but a clutch and oil changes. I used it for many years as my daily driver but I was much younger then.
What motor is in a 1985 CJ7?
CJ-7
| Jeep CJ7 | |
|---|---|
| Production | 1976-1986 |
| Engine(s) | 150 cu in (2.5L) AMC I4 151 cu in (2.5L) GM Iron Duke I4 232 cu in (3.8L) AMC I6 258 cu in (4.2L) AMC I6 304 cu in (5.0L) AMC V8 145 cu in (2.4L) Isuzu Diesel C240 |
| Transmission(s) | 5-speed manual 4-speed manual 3-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase | 93.3 in |
Are Jeep CJ7 rare?
The CJ-7's production ran from '76 to '86, meaning that many of these rigs are now getting to be 40 years old, and they are increasingly rare in good condition.
Why is the CJ7 so popular?
The added stability and climbing traction in the CJ-7, as well as the chassis and double body and frame kit mentioned above, are a few of the many reasons people go crazy for this vehicle on any trail.
1985 Jeep Cj7 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Jeep Cj7 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Power train problems
- Seat belts problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1985 Jeep Cj7 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1985 Jeep Cj7 complaints
The NHTSA has received 6 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1985 Jeep Cj7.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-12-10
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 21JCCM87E5F
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CONSUMER HAD JUST PARKED THE VEHICLE AND ANOTHER CONSUMER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE AND KNOCK ON THE CONSUMER'S DOOR. CONSUMER CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND THEY CAME OUT AND PUT OUT THE FIRE OUT. THEY DIDN'T KNOW WHAT CAUSED THE FIRE. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-01-31
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: CLUTCH LINKAGE FAILURE.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-10-21
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1JCCE87E4FT
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-12-30
- VIN: 1JCCF87A8FT
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: PANEL WELDED TO FLOOR AND HOLDING SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY CORRODED. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-09-08
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1JCCF87EXFT
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE FIRE IN THE ENGINE. TT
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-10-30
- VIN: 1JCCF87A3FT
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THE CONSUMER SAID WHILE SHE WAS SHIFTING THE GEARS STICK CAME OUT IN HER HAND. TT CONSUMER STATES THIS PIECE LITERALLY SNAPS ONTO A STUD ON THE GEAR BOX. *SLC
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1985 Jeep Cj7 problems:
Any known problems with a year 1985 CJ7? | Off Roading Forums
Jul 27, 2001 ... i have never seen a 6cylinder 84 without pwr steering but i think jeepgods 84 didnt have pwr brakes when we first started wheeling together( ...
Common Jeep CJ7 Ignition Switch Problems - Expert Q&A
May 13, 2019 ... Having a problem with my 1985 cj7 went to start it after it has been sitting for couple months and starter shorted out - Answered by a ...
What are some common probloms for a 1983 cj7 | Jeep Enthusiast ...
Jan 28, 2011 ... Steering shaft weak. Weak stock ignition systems. Poorly designed clutch mechanism. Windshield wiper problems. Turn signal arm breaks easily.
Talking Ten Common Jeep CJ Problems & Fixes
May 1, 2010 ... Sloppy steering input and wander are some of the best-case scenarios. The worst-case scenario is that the shaft could separate from the coupler ...
"off roading" and most common trail problems CJ7 | Jeep Enthusiast ...
Jan 13, 2016 ... It will catch on things pull open and dump fluid, happened to me twice. 2nd time after I had ground the new cover flush. 1985 CJ7 with 1994 4.6, ...
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