Hi I am thinking about buying a 1981 CJ7 with the 304 v8 and 5 speed transmission. It has minor body rust and is pretty good condition. It also has a Ramsey winch on it. I was wandering if anyone knew anything about that 304 and what I might look for to make sure it worth the money. The asking price is 3800. Oh yeah it has a 2.5 in suspension lift but I was going to take it off and put a 4 in lift on it.

I don't know much about the 304 but just do the same as any other truck and if emmisions are needed make sure it will pass first have a flash light to look and see if it looks like seals are bad on the axle diff and at hubs around the motor tranny andt-case.  if the steering is ok or does it just need something simple or is every bushing bad(need a friend to look or wiggle the wheel while you look for play.  Make sure everything works down to the simple things you don't want to be onthe way home and find headlights or tail lights don't work.  After a trip down the road look at and smell the oil.  Is it somewhat clean or smell burnt? same with the tranny if auto.  Turn off the radio and listen for anything the radio is not what you want i hope.  See if the wiring has been spliced a million times.  Make a list before you go of what you need to check.  If it is going to be a daily driver in the winter how well does the seal off of heater work.  hope this helps a little.