77' Cj5 Wiring, Alt And Distributor Upgrade

Have not wrenched on much lately but I am taking some time off for family. Next week I will be helping my dad out with his 77' CJ5. The wiring is a complete disaster, this has been a ranch jeep it's entire life and the PO has so much extra stuff thrown in, nothing makes since and under the dash and hood is a complete rats nest. Hardly anything works except the ignition and a couple after market gauges.

I ordered a new harness from EZ Wire so the plan will be to remove it all and start from scratch. I have done this with several Earlies but never an Intermediate. I am also removing the GM column from the equation by installing a push button start and generic turn signal switch. This jeep will only see AZ desert and very little actual in town use. I also want to upgrade the distributor and alternator while I am at it to eliminate the points. I will start searching but any quick recommendations on brands for either of those I would appreciate it.

Thanks in advance for any help with this as I get into it next week, feels good to work on an old Jeep again, it has been way to long if you ask me!

 

77 should have electronic ignition, and a delco alternator if not already there would be an upgrade.

 

I am sure you probably already know this but as a reminder. As you go thru installing your new harness check and make sure to clean all ground points and be certain to have a couple of clean chassis to body ground straps plus an engine to battery ground point in good condition too.
I also recommend when installing a new alternator be sure to have a very good ground connection to it. I ground mine directly to the neg battery cable. Also a three wire alternator is recommended over a one wire if installing a new one. They are much more efficient.

 

The painless 10150 harness has everything you need and it supplies a separate ground to everything so it reduces the ground problems.

 

The 75-77 AMC/Jeep models will have Prestolite electronic ignition from the factory, both S6 and V8.
The P in Prestolite stands for problematic....
If you go aftermarket HEI, save your old distributor gear and re-use.
1978 and later are Ford Duraspark, better than Prestolite. But you will need the control unit as well.
If Pertronix makes a set-up for your year, I'd probably source a Delco points distributor and use Pertronix.
No control unit to fail.
Lots of choices to make; it's your Jeep.

 

Thanks for the advice. It runs fine now but I figured if I am going after the rats nest of wires I might as well upgrade while I am at it. We will see what I do once I get out there. Thanks again man!