Market Position:
The 1979 Jeep Cherokee Sport was a highly capable and rugged SUV, often marketed as a premium off-road vehicle and a versatile family vehicle.
Competitors:
Competed against other full-size SUVs and trucks of the era, such as the Chevrolet Blazer/GMC Jimmy, Ford Bronco, and Dodge Ramcharger. Its distinctive wagon body style offered a more refined approach than many of its contemporaries.
Key Features:
Full-time 4-wheel drive (Quadra-Trac), powerful V8 engine options, spacious interior, durable construction, excellent off-road capability.
Manual Coverage Areas:
Full service, repair, troubleshooting, maintenance, diagnostics
Page Count:
Likely 500+ pages (typical for a comprehensive workshop manual of this era)
Manual Type:
Service Repair Workshop Manual
Format:
Likely Printed (Original) or Digital PDF (Reprint/Scan)
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanicals, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emission control, engine overhaul
Transmission Systems:
Manual and automatic transmission overhaul, clutch, drivetrain, differentials, driveshafts, axles
Brake Systems:
Hydraulic systems, power assist, disc and drum brake service, parking brake
Electrical Systems:
Wiring diagrams, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, accessories, electronic control units (if applicable)
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension, steering gear, power steering system, wheel alignment
Body Chassis:
Body construction, interior trim, exterior trim, doors, windows, seats, frame, exhaust system
Major Repair Procedures:
Engine rebuilding, transmission overhaul, differential rebuild, suspension component replacement, brake caliper service
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, fluid level checks, lubrication points, belt adjustments
Troubleshooting Diagnostics:
Diagnostic charts, common problems and solutions, symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, timing settings, fluid capacities, electrical component resistance values
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts; covers from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
File Format:
Digital PDF (if a scan/reprint), Original Print (if physical copy)
Print Quality:
Varies by source; original print quality is high, digital scans can range from excellent to fair depending on original condition and scan quality.
Binding Type:
Original: Perfect bound or spiral bound; Digital: N/A
Paper Type:
Original: Glossy or semi-gloss paper; Digital: N/A
Engine Displacement Liter Gas:
360 cu in (5.9L) V8
Engine Displacement Liter Gas Optional:
304 cu in (5.0L) V8, 401 cu in (6.6L) V8
Horsepower 360 Cu In:
Approx. 170-185 hp (varies by carburetor and tuning)
Torque 360 Cu In:
Approx. 280-300 lb-ft (varies by carburetor and tuning)
Fuel Delivery:
Carbureted (2-barrel or 4-barrel depending on engine and trim)
Transmission Standard Type:
3-speed Automatic (TorqueFlite A727)
Transmission Optional Type:
4-speed Manual (New Process NP435, often with Granny Gear)
Drivetrain:
Full-time 4WD (Quadra-Trac standard on Sport models)
Safety Ratings Era:
Safety standards were less stringent than today. Focus was on structural integrity and occupant protection within the context of the era.
Active Safety Features:
Four-wheel drive (for enhanced traction), power steering (improved control)
Passive Safety Features:
Seat belts (lap and shoulder belts for front occupants), reinforced chassis, padded dashboard (early forms)
Infotainment System 1979:
Basic AM/FM radio (optional cassette player), analog gauges, climate control knobs.
Driver Assistance Features 1979:
Power steering, power brakes (optional).
Connectivity Features 1979:
N/A (pre-digital era)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 miles or 3 months (typical for the era)
Tune Up Interval:
Every 12,000 - 15,000 miles or annually
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 24,000 - 30,000 miles
Engine Oil Type:
API Service SG or SE, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check manual for specific viscosity based on temperature)
Transmission Fluid Type Auto:
ATF+3 or Dexron II (check manual for exact specification)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze (typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid
Common Issues Engine:
Carburetor tuning, vacuum leaks, oil leaks (especially valve cover and oil pan gaskets), timing chain wear, overheating due to aging cooling systems.
Common Issues Transmission:
Automatic transmission slipping or hard shifting, clutch wear in manual transmissions.
Common Issues Chassis:
Rust (especially in wheel wells, rocker panels, and frame), worn suspension bushings, leaky seals in axles and differentials, aging electrical connectors.
Jeep Brand Heritage:
Jeep has a long and storied history dating back to its military origins in World War II, establishing a reputation for ruggedness and off-road capability.
Cherokee Model Evolution 1979:
The 1979 Cherokee was part of the second generation (SJ) of the Cherokee, which was introduced in 1974. This generation marked the transition to a more family-oriented, longer-wheelbase wagon body style, distinguishing it from the earlier two-door only models. The 'Sport' trim often denoted a higher level of standard equipment and cosmetic enhancements.
Production Years Sj Cherokee:
1974-1983
