How do I figure out...

... what components are in my Jeep? I realize that this is a very basic question, but I honestly don't know where to start (very new to this still!).

For example: I know I have a straight 6 under that hood. But, I have no way of telling model... Dauntless, otherwise? I know I have a three-speed tranny and assume that it is original, but don't know how to verify it.

Again, I apologize if this is all a bit remedial to the rest of you. I really want to know what I have so I can do the right research and find the right parts. Just need a place to start! So, if there is an article that I missed.

The vehicle number gives me some details, but maybe it knows more than I can decipher (with the help of the Chilton manual):
J4835TA37065

Thanks in advance! I'm not embarrassed to ask the dumb questions...

 

If stock anything could be changed out over the years people do weird things to jeeps

Year 1974
Front axle: dana 30
Rear axle: dana 44

GVWR: 3750
Engine: 258 standard compression
Transmission: T-14
Transfer Case: Dana 20

spend a little time here
http://www.jeeptech.com/
learning more about the components.

 

I'd chuck that Chilton's manual and buy the real factory manual. MUCH more information in the factory manual, and guaranteed the correct info for your year too. This is the manual that the dealer mechanics would refer to.

Not cheap, but a good investment: http://thejeep.com/shop/TECH+MANUAL....html?osCsid=000145bd268f9b1a264a38c93ccb9fae (Not the only source for these reprints, but one of the easiest to find.)

 

Thanks to both of you. Resources are definitely in order... so I'm crawling on that site already and will start looking around for a "gently" used manual. The good thing about where I'm at is that I can only go up from here in knowledge!

EDIT: That web page is great! Exactly what I needed...

 

Chiltons & Haynes both have 'Manuals' for about $20 new.

Here is a .pdf file for '84 to '86 CJ's, and much of the mechanical information is relevant to your vehicle.

LARGE FILE WARNING!
http://www.civilianjeep.info/84-86FSM/CJ-FSM-84to86.pdf