79 Vs. 80 CJ7 whats the diff?

[sicnik]

I am in the process of restoring a CJ7 using parts from a 79 and 80'ish CJ. I was looking in Quadratec at the Hyper Flex System suspension componets and saw that the 76-79 and the 80-86 were not the same. Anyone know why?

Thanks
Nick

 

[jay79cj7]

The shock mounts changed along the way, probably in about 80, from welded on posts like in the back, to bolt on towers, giving a longer travel. You've also got the switch between the narrow and wide track axles, but that shouldn't affect it. I've got a 79, but its a Quadratrac so its an oddball itself because of the offset rear differential.