AboutKevin Pilotte Expertise I can answer many technical questions relating to AMC vehicles prior to 1979. I also have experience with Rambler & Nash vehicles.
Experience I am a former AMC technician, service writer and service manager. I have worked in AMC dealers in Illinois in the 70's. After college, I was a Field Service Rep for American Motors Sales Corporation, working out of the Chicago Zone office. I traveled to AMC dealers assisting in the diagnosis and repair of AMC vehicles. I was also the Area Training Manager for DeLorean Motor Company. I have 10+ years as an Automotive Instructor. I have modified and restored
numerous AMC vehicles. I have been working on AMC vehicles for over 30 years.
Organizations I have been an ASE Certified Master Technician since 1975. This includes L1. I am also currently a Toyota Certified Master Diagnostic Technician.
Publications I have articles in "American Motoring", the official publication of the American Motors Owners Association. They are the largest AMC club in the world.
Expert: Kevin Pilotte Date: 2/13/2008 Subject: 1978 CJ7
Question I just purchased a 78 CJ and had a question about the transfer case. It has a 304 auto tranny. There are no locking hubs. There is a switch with the vaccum lines and i somewhat understand how it works but then i found out about these conversion kits now im lost. Thanks to a small leak it looks like transmission fluid in the case now but from reading ive found if its not a conversion there is a special fluid to use any info will help on how i can tell which is which
Answer Your CJ has Quadra-Trac.
Basically, it is a conventional 4WD system with the addition of a limited slip center differential in the transfer case. When one driveshaft starts to spin, indicating a slipping tire, the center differential locks up to the other driveshaft, thus providing power to the opposite set of wheels.
The transfer case does require a special lubricant because of the limited slip center differential located in the transfer case.
The center differential is of the cone design.
Go to this sight: http://www.quadratec.com/products/52250_99.htm
The switch you are referring to mechanically locks the center differential. This should only be done on ice or when all the tires are slipping.
