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81 cj8

redking11

redking11

Scrambler Junkie
Lifetime Member
City
Farmington
State
NM
I was looking on ebay at cjlaredo's items for sale and noticed that alot of his items go from 70 something to 81 and from 82 to 86. Are there really differences between the 81 and other years (other than cosmetics?)
 
Axles go from narrow to wide, door latches are different. I think I'm barely scratching the surface. When the rest of fourm sees this in the morning, the experts will fill in in sure
 
I just want to know the general mechanical differences in my jeep and the later years
 
In addition to the narrow axles, lap belts instead of the 3 pt seat belt. Slightly different fitting of wood sideboards(different (size/shaped spacer where it attaches to roll bar). Pretty sure non-venting side windows on 81's (please correct me if I'm wrong here) which leads to non-venting compatible dashboard. Last thing I can think of is that your transmission options change as you get into later model years. I'm sure there are a few other things outside of decal differences and dealer installed accessories that I am missing too.
 
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81's have the divot on the driver's side of the hood (or at least mine does). I don't think that's there after 81.
 
How much narrower are the axles? I am assuming that a swapping to wider ones is fairly easy.
 
narrow track is 53 inches front and 50.5 rear
wide track is 56 inches front and 54.5 rear.





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Take a look for a stamped code on right side, on the flat surface right next to the circular rear diff cover. I would guess 3.73 but could be optional 4.10
 
The two four-cylinder jeeps that I had both had 3.54
So I'm going to say 3.54–4.10
tu6y7y8e-1.jpg




Sent from my iPhone
 
Narrow Track AMC 20
Code Gear Ratio Diff Type
AA2.73Open
DD2.73Trac-Lok
BB3.31Open
CC3.31Trac-Lok
A3.54Open
N3.54Trac-Lok
GG3.73Open
Q3.73Trac-Lok
L4.10Open
M4.10Trac-Lok



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Redking, if you go to rudyscjs.com he shows the process of swapping to wide axles. Look for the complete build thread of my 81 cj8
 
Does This mean 81s are cooler and obviously rarer than later models:headbang:.

Mine has vented windows, but judging by an earlier thread they may be YJ doors as well:rotfl:
 
The letters are in that little rusty area
You will need to clean it up to see it


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