Older CJ-5 Questions

[LBR]

A bit 'o info first - bought a 77 CJ-5 V-8 3 speed brand new in 76 which has been out of commission since 84 (wrecked with 32,000 miles on it) - just bought a 79 CJ-5 V-8 4 speed POS this year - 75% of the trim and mechanical parts on the 77 are in better shape and are getting switched over to the 79 (is a driver with excellent sheet metal and suspension) - heater core started leaking in the 79 a few days ago - compared the 2 years heater-wise and noticed a complete difference between the two - a few observations are:
1) 77 hose outlets are horizontal under the battery, 79's are vertical on driver's side of battery up higher
2) blower motor on 77 is inside tub facing backward, 79 is in engine compartment facing forward
3) 77 heater box inside (by passenger's right calf) does not have a vent that opens, the 79 does
4) 77 heater assembly inside tub is smaller in mass than the 79's
5) 77 has more flexible ductwork, the 79 has more plastic formed ductwork

Questions:

A) Can I ASS-UME that the 79 is a better unit than the 77 because it is a newer design or have any of ya'll had other experiences?
B) What unit would be better for the infamous Blazer Blower Upgrade? (need an old thread for proper year of blazer parts for this year CJ heater, either the 77 or 79)
C) All ideas/comments/suggestions are greatly appreciated!!

Thanx in advance!! LBR

 

[Junkpile]

If you are doing the motor upgrade, I think the 79 style is easier for some reason but I haven't done it so........
I kept the factory one in my 77 and it seems to work as well as I remember ANY of them working, so I didn't mess with it. It really doesn't get very cold here though, so lately I have been thinking about ripping the whole deal out to shed some un-needed weight and then just rig a small electric heater up for a defroster.

 

[LBR]

I remember the 77 heater working very well also - the 79 doesn't seem to put out like the 77 did in yesteryear

Anybody know if the 77 & 79 heater cores are the same but just 90 degrees rotated differently or are they a complete different breed? LBR

 

[jay79cj7]

89 YJ for sale and Parts Jeep! NJ

I think they are different. A good way to find out is to go to an online store and look up a replacement for each. If they have the same part number, then they are the same. If they don't, then they are probably different.

 

[LBR]

me=1 torx=0

will do, Jay - how DARE they change something on those years of CJs!!!!! LBR

 

[jay79cj7]

just noticed this on ebay last night and reminded me of this post. i think it was XX-77 and 78-86 were different parts.

 

[LBR]

windshield down driving

Thanx for all your input - maybe I'll replace the core and keep the factory 79 in it's place..... then put the 77 behind the front seats blowing forward - (hey guys, Oregon CHILLS!!) LBR