1986 CJ7 Shop Manual

The 1986 Jeep CJ7 Shop Manual provides comprehensive technical information for maintenance, repair, and service procedures. This manual covers the 2.5L 4-cylinder and 4.2L 6-cylinder engines, manual and automatic transmissions, transfer cases, axles, steering, suspension, brakes, electrical systems, and body components. Below are key sections for specifications, maintenance schedules, troubleshooting, and repair procedures.

1. Vehicle Specifications 2. Maintenance Schedules 3. Engine Systems 4. Transmission & Drivetrain 5. Suspension & Steering 6. Brake Systems 7. Electrical Systems 8. Body & Interior 9. Troubleshooting Guide 10. Torque Specifications 11. Wiring Diagrams

Vehicle Specifications

Technical specifications for 1986 Jeep CJ7 models including engine options, dimensions, capacities, and performance data.

SpecificationDescription
Engine Options2.5L 4-cylinder, 4.2L 6-cylinder
Transmission4-speed manual, 3-speed automatic
Transfer CaseDana 300, part-time 4WD
Wheelbase93.5 inches
Overall Length152.3 inches
Fuel Capacity15.5 gallons
Gross Vehicle Weight4,100 lbs
Tire SizeP205/75R15 (standard)
Axle Ratios2.73:1, 3.31:1, 3.73:1
Turning Radius34.5 feet

Maintenance Schedules

Recommended maintenance intervals for optimal performance and longevity.

  1. Every 3,000 miles: Change engine oil and filter
  2. Every 6,000 miles: Inspect brakes, check fluid levels
  3. Every 12,000 miles: Replace air filter, inspect suspension
  4. Every 30,000 miles: Change transmission fluid, inspect clutch
  5. Every 60,000 miles: Replace spark plugs, check timing

WARNING! Always use recommended fluids and follow safety procedures when working under vehicle.

Engine Systems

Service procedures for 2.5L and 4.2L engines including tune-up specifications and repair guidelines.

  1. Compression test: Should be 125-150 psi (within 15 psi variation)
  2. Ignition timing: 12° BTDC (4.2L), 8° BTDC (2.5L)
  3. Valve clearance: 0.015" intake, 0.025" exhaust (hot)
  4. Fuel pressure: 14-16 psi with vacuum, 18-20 psi without
  5. Cooling system: 13 quart capacity, 50/50 coolant mix

CAUTION! Always disconnect battery before working on electrical components.

Transmission & Drivetrain

Suspension & Steering

Leaf spring suspension with recirculating ball steering gear.

Front Suspension: Multi-leaf springs, 11.5" length, telescopic shock absorbers

Rear Suspension: Multi-leaf springs, 22" length, telescopic shock absorbers

Steering Gear: Saginaw recirculating ball, 24:1 ratio, 4.5 turns lock-to-lock

Alignment Specs: Caster +3° to +7°, Camber +1/4° to +3/4°, Toe-in 1/8" to 1/4"

Brake Systems

Dual-circuit hydraulic system with front disc and rear drum brakes.

  1. Master cylinder: 1" bore diameter, check for leaks
  2. Front brakes: Single piston calipers, 11.75" rotors
  3. Rear brakes: 10" x 2.5" drums, self-adjusting
  4. Parking brake: Mechanical, rear wheel actuation

Tip: Always bleed brakes starting from farthest wheel from master cylinder.

Electrical Systems

12-volt negative ground system with 60-amp alternator.

  1. Battery: Group 58, 450 CCA minimum
  2. Alternator: 60 amp output, check belt tension
  3. Starter: Direct drive, 1.4 kW output
  4. Ignition: Electronic breakerless, magnetic pickup
  5. Fuses: 14-circuit fuse block, 20 amp max
  6. Lights: Sealed beam headlights, 35/55 watt

WARNING! Disconnect battery before servicing electrical systems to prevent shorts.

Body & Interior

Steel body with removable doors and fold-down windshield.

Troubleshooting Guide

Common problems and diagnostic procedures for quick identification of issues.

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine won't startFuel, spark, or compression issueCheck fuel delivery, spark plugs, compression test
Hard shiftingLow fluid, linkage adjustmentCheck transmission fluid level, adjust shift linkage
Steering wanderWorn components, alignmentInspect tie rods, ball joints, check alignment
Brake pullStuck caliper, contaminated padsClean and lubricate slides, replace pads
Electrical issuesGround connections, batteryClean battery terminals, check ground straps

Torque Specifications

Critical fasteners and their required torque values.

ComponentTorque Value
Cylinder head bolts65-75 ft-lbs (warm engine)
Main bearing caps80-85 ft-lbs
Rod bearing caps40-45 ft-lbs
Flywheel bolts55-65 ft-lbs
Wheel lug nuts85-95 ft-lbs
Spark plugs15-20 ft-lbs
Oil pan bolts7-9 ft-lbs
Differential cover20-25 ft-lbs

Wiring Diagrams

Complete electrical schematics for charging, starting, lighting, and accessory systems.

Color Codes: BLK-Black, WHT-White, RED-Red, YEL-Yellow, BLU-Blue, GRN-Green, BRN-Brown, ORN-Orange, PPL-Purple, GRY-Gray

Circuit Protection: 14-gauge primary wires, 16-gauge secondary, fusible links at battery

Ground Locations: Engine block, firewall, frame rails, instrument panel

Service: For technical support contact Jeep customer service or authorized dealers

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