• Some 1983 CJ-7s had a manually operated all-wheel-drive system, while others had an automatic.bugs and grill image by John Sfondilias from Fotolia.com
  
  The 1983 Jeep CJ-7 manual transmisson had a two-speed, part-time transfer case to allow either the rear wheels or all four wheels to be driven. The alternative was an automatic all-wheel-drive system marketed by Jeep as Selec-Trac. The manual used a Dana 300 model transfer case.
  
  

Engines

• Two engine choices were available. One was a GM-designed, overhead-valve, 151-cubic-inch (2.5-liter), inline four-cylinder, which produced 92 horsepower. It had a compression ratio of 9.6:1. The other was an AMC-designed, overhead-valve, inline six-cylinder displacing 258 cubic inches (or 4.2 liters). It ran with a 9.2:1 compression ratio and produced 102 horsepower and 204 foot-pounds of torque. Both engines used a two-barrel carburetor and hydraulic valve lifters.
  
  

Dimensions and Capacities

• The CJ-7 rode on a wheelbase of 93.4 inches. The vehicle weighed 2,595 lb and had an overall length of 153.5 inches, height of 69.3 inches (with open body) and width of 68.6 inches. The cargo capacity was 13.6 cubic feet without the rear seat. The fuel tank held up to 15.5 gallons. The vehicle had a gross vehicle weight (GVW) maximum rating of 4,100 lb. It had a 38-foot turning circle and a minimum ground clearance of 7.5 inches.
  
  

Other Specs

• '83 CJ-7s used a Dana 30 axle in front, with an AMC 20 rear axle. The Dana 300 two-speed transfer case had a low gear ratio of 2.62:1. Leaf springs were used for both front and rear suspensions. The CJ-7 had front disc brakes with drum brakes in the rear; power brakes were optional. The steering was of the recirculating ball variety. The standard transmission was a four-speed manual with floor-mounted shifter. A five-speed manual and an automatic were optional. Three comprehensive trim packages were offered: in order of increasing expense, they were Renegade, Laredo and Limited. Each had its own lettered graphic decals.