1985 Jeep CJ-7 - Frame-Off Restoration | 4.2L EFI | T176 4-Speed |
Dana 300 | Dana 44
Highlights
1985 Jeep CJ-7
Complete Frame-Off Restoration Completed in 2023
Body Stripped to Bare Metal During Restoration
Frame Sandblasted and Refinished
1964 GM Daytona Blue Metallic Two-Stage Paint
4.2L / 258ci AMC Inline-Six
Holley Sniper BBD Electronic Fuel Injection
In-Tank Electric Fuel Pump
HEI Ignition
Xtreme 4x4 Performance Camshaft
Hedman Headers
Flowmaster 50-Series Exhaust
T176 4-Speed Manual Transmission
Dana 300 Dual-Range Transfer Case
Scout Dana 44 Rear Axle
4.10 Gears
Detroit Locker
Rebuilt and Re-Geared Dana 30 Front Axle
4" Skyjacker Soft Ride Suspension Lift
33x12.50R15 BFGoodrich All-Terrain KO2 Tires
U.S. Wheel Series 75 Chrome 8-Spoke Wheels
15x10 Deep-Dish Wheel Fitment
Phoenix Graphix Renegade-Style Decals
Kentrol Stainless-Steel Accessories Throughout
Stainless Hardware
Bestop Bikini Top
Bestop Roll-Bar Cover
Color-Matched YJ Half Doors with Zip Windows
KC 8" Daylighter Auxiliary Lights with Covers
Rugged Ridge High-Back Reclining Front Seats
Rugged Ridge Fold-and-Tumble Rear Seat
Tuffy Deluxe Locking Center Console
RetroSound Audio System
Kicker CXA660 Amplifier
Pioneer 6x9 Rear Speakers
Pioneer 5.25" Front Speakers
JL Audio 10" Subwoofer
Grant 201 Classic Wood Steering Wheel
Painless Wiring Harness
Completely Rewired Front to Rear
Garage Kept Since Restoration
Never Driven in the Rain Since Restoration
Clean North Carolina Title
No Full Top Included
This 1985 Jeep CJ-7 is an extensively restored and thoughtfully
upgraded example that combines the timeless character of a classic
CJ with carefully selected modern improvements aimed at
reliability, drivability, and off-road capability.
The Jeep underwent a complete frame-off restoration completed in
2023. During the process, the body was removed from the chassis and
stripped to bare metal before being refinished in striking 1964 GM
Daytona Blue Metallic two-stage paint. The frame was likewise
sandblasted and refinished, creating a strong foundation for the
rest of the build.
Since completion, the Jeep has reportedly been garage kept and
never driven in the rain, helping preserve the finish and
presentation of the restoration.
4.2L AMC Six with Modern EFI
Power comes from the proven 4.2-liter / 258ci AMC inline-six,
extensively upgraded to improve drivability while retaining the
traditional torque and character that make these engines so well
suited to the CJ platform.
The engine features a Holley Sniper BBD electronic fuel-injection
system with an in-tank fuel pump, replacing the original carbureted
arrangement with more precise fuel control and easier starting.
Additional performance upgrades include HEI ignition, an Xtreme 4x4
camshaft, Hedman headers, and a Flowmaster 50-Series muffler.
Recent mechanical attention includes:
New rear main seal
New oil pan
New intake and exhaust gaskets
New motor mounts
New spark plugs and wires
New speedometer
The result is a vintage AMC drivetrain with meaningful improvements
in reliability, throttle response, and everyday usability.
T176 4-Speed, Dana 300 & Upgraded Axles
Backing the inline-six is the desirable T176 4-speed manual
transmission, paired with a rugged Dana 300 dual-range transfer
case.
The rear axle has been upgraded to a Scout Dana 44 fitted with 4.10
gears and a Detroit Locker, while the original Dana 30 front axle
has been rebuilt and re-geared to match.
This is a serious drivetrain combination that remains very much in
keeping with the mechanical character of the CJ-7 while offering
significantly improved strength and traction compared with a stock
configuration.
Lifted Chassis & Classic Off-Road Stance
The Jeep rides on a 4-inch Skyjacker Soft Ride suspension lift,
giving it the commanding stance expected from a properly built CJ
without overwhelming the proportions of the original body.
The suspension is complemented by 33x12.50R15 BFGoodrich
All-Terrain KO2 tires mounted on 15x10 U.S. Wheel Series 75 chrome
8-spoke deep-dish wheels.
The combination provides the right blend of classic 1980s Jeep
appearance and functional trail capability.
Daytona Blue Renegade-Inspired Exterior
The Daytona Blue Metallic paint is complemented by Phoenix Graphix
Renegade-style graphics, providing a period-inspired presentation
that suits the CJ body exceptionally well.
Additional exterior details include Kentrol stainless-steel
accessories, stainless nut-and-bolt hardware, a Bestop bikini top,
Bestop roll-bar cover, color-matched YJ half doors with zip
windows, and KC 8-inch Daylighter auxiliary lights with covers.
Importantly, a full top is not included, although the Jeep does
come with a storm cover.
Upgraded Interior & Premium Audio
Inside, the cabin continues the restoration theme with painted
surfaces coordinated to the exterior and numerous comfort
upgrades.
Seating consists of Rugged Ridge high-back reclining front seats
along with a Rugged Ridge fold-and-tumble rear seat. A Tuffy Deluxe
locking center console has been painted to coordinate with the
build, while a Grant 201 Classic wood steering wheel adds a
traditional touch.
The audio system is substantially upgraded with a RetroSound head
unit, Kicker CXA660 amplifier, Pioneer 6x9 rear speakers, Pioneer
5.25-inch front speakers, and a JL Audio 10-inch subwoofer.
Fully Rewired Electrical System
Another significant aspect of the restoration is the electrical
system. The Jeep has been rewired from front to rear using a
Painless Wiring harness, eliminating decades-old wiring and
providing a much more dependable electrical foundation.
The seller states that all gauges and lights are functioning
properly.
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