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New to me 81’ Scrambler

C

chrisdev01

Member
Member
City
Arab
State
AL
Hello All:

New forum member here.

I just purchased an 81’ Scrambler. It has a ton of front engine problems and a bunch of intake manifold coolant leaks that I’m addressing.

This post is meant as a simple introduction and “Hello.” I plan to post relevant questions as I fix the issues I’m facing.

-Chris

IMG_3734.jpeg
 
Quick backstory on how I ended up here:

I’ve been in the JK world for years and my primary rig (a 2013 JK) is currently tied up in a long-running LS swap at a shop.

Tire Automotive Tire Automotive Exterior Automotive Wheel System Bumper


I needed something I could actually drive in the meantime, and I stumbled into a very clean-looking 1981 CJ-8 Scrambler that checked a lot of boxes for me: complete, presentable, and seemingly not hacked up.

This is my first time owning something this old, so the goal is to be smart and methodical: establish a maintenance baseline first, then start correcting the small details over time while documenting everything.

As-found overview:
  • Year/Model: 1981 CJ-8 Scrambler
  • Engine: AMC 4.2L / 258 inline-6 (date code shows the engine was replaced with a 4.2 out of a 1983)
  • Transmission: SR-4 4-speed manual
  • Color/Interior: Copper/brown paint with nutmeg interior (confirmed by firewall tag codes)
  • Condition: Mostly correct and complete, with minor cosmetic items and typical “old Jeep” maintenance needs
  • Needs complete cooling system revamp
  • Front engine alt and PS brackets are incorrect and damaged
  • Intake manifold leaking coolant around the plugs
 
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Post up pictures of the engine bay... perhaps they swapped engines? Hard to mess up the ALT and P/S on a 258.

Nice looking rig.

cb
 
The engine date code shows 1983, so the motor is not original to my 81’

The PO deleted the factory AC and did not install the non-AC version of the alternator bracket. For some strange reason they used an alternator bracket from a California (serpentine belt) truck with AC. Mine is a v-belt setup. The top alternator brace is cracked as a result.

On the PS pump the PO omitted the outer black triangle bracket that is supposed to sandwich the cast section of the bracket. Expectedly the cast bracket failed.

IMG_3950.jpeg

For some reason the forum will only allow one photo per post.
 
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Only paid members can post more than 1 picture at a time. Money well spent if you have a Jeep CJ.
 
chrisdev01 said:
Hello All:

New forum member here.

I just purchased an 81’ Scrambler. It has a ton of front engine problems and a bunch of intake manifold coolant leaks that I’m addressing.

This post is meant as a simple introduction and “Hello.” I plan to post relevant questions as I fix the issues I’m facing.

-Chris

View attachment 120214
Click to expand...
That's a really nice looking Scrambler! Even with the repairs you have to make, I think you found a good one. :cheers:
 
CJ7Pilot said:
That's a really nice looking Scrambler! Even with the repairs you have to make, I think you found a good one. :cheers:
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Thankfully the interior and body are in very good shape. Once it is sorted mechanically, it’ll be a blast to get involved with Cars and Coffee type events.

My wife and I are even planning to drive it to Collins Bros from Alabama to have them look it over and install the proper hood graphics.

Going to be fun when done!IMG_3756.jpeg
 
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Very nice looking Jeep you have
 

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Update 1/5:

I discovered a broken stud (alt bracket attachment point) in the front cover. So add new timing cover and timing set to the list.

Can anyone recommend where to source a complete front engine hardware kit for an 83’ 4.2, preferably stainless?
 
chrisdev01 said:
Update 1/5:

Can anyone recommend where to source a complete front engine hardware kit for an 83’ 4.2, preferably stainless?
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Try Totally Stainless. They used to have alot of Jeep kits. I think they are still around.
 
Welcome to the forum and thanks for the support!

Good news is that outside of having to do the timing cover, that's pretty simple stuff if you can source the right bits/brackets.

With what you're showing of the way the PO made things work on the front of that engine, I'd be pulling the water pump and starting with known parts and setup there. You'll have literally everything off you need to get it done anyway and there's enough things happening there to make me wonder. Didn't know if that was part of your coolant leak fixes already, but since you didn't mention it...
 
chrisdev01 said:
Hello All:

New forum member here.

I just purchased an 81’ Scrambler. It has a ton of front engine problems and a bunch of intake manifold coolant leaks that I’m addressing.

This post is meant as a simple introduction and “Hello.” I plan to post relevant questions as I fix the issues I’m facing.

-Chris

View attachment 120214
Click to expand...
Hey Chris and welcome to the best Jeep forum in existence. I’ve been a member on here for about a decade now. Tons of good people with extensive knowledge at your fingertips. I’m not to far from you, in the Birmingham area. Hit me up and we can meet up someday!
Chip
 
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