Vehicle Class:
Compact SUV / Off-Road Vehicle
Segment Identity:
Iconic utility vehicle known for its ruggedness, off-road capability, and open-air driving experience.
Key Competitors Era:
Land Rover Series III, International Harvester Scout II, Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40.
Design Philosophy:
Body-on-frame construction, robust 4WD system, removable doors and top, and versatile off-road performance.
Target Audience:
Off-road enthusiasts, adventurers, and those seeking a durable, utilitarian vehicle.
Value For Owner:
Empowers owners and mechanics with the knowledge to maintain, diagnose, and repair the Jeep CJ-7 effectively, saving time and money on professional servicing.
Powertrain:
Comprehensive coverage of engine, transmission, transfer case, and axles.
Chassis And Suspension:
Detailed information on front and rear suspension, steering system, and chassis components.
Braking System:
In-depth explanation of hydraulic brake system, including disc and drum components, master cylinder, and parking brake.
Electrical And Lighting:
Extensive coverage of automotive electrical system, including battery, alternator, starter, ignition system, lighting, instrumentation, and all relevant wiring diagrams.
Body And Interior:
Covers body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, seat adjustments, convertible top (if applicable), and interior trim.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, lubrication points, and tune-up procedures.
Engine Overhaul:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for engine disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly for all engine variants.
Transmission Repair:
Complete guide to manual transmission (e.g., T-150, SR4, T-18) and automatic transmission (e.g., TH400) service, including clutch service.
Brake Service:
Brake pad/shoe replacement, rotor/drum machining or replacement, caliper/wheel cylinder overhaul, brake bleeding procedures.
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common electrical faults, including fuse diagnostics, wiring harness checks, and component testing.
Suspension And Steering Repair:
Ball joint replacement, shock absorber installation, steering linkage service, power steering system repair.
Diagnostic Troubleshooting Flowcharts:
Organized flowcharts to guide technicians through identifying and resolving specific vehicle problems.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering all aspects from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
Engine Code:
AMC 258 (Inline-6)
Engine Type:
Overhead Valve (OHV) Inline-6 Cylinder
Displacement:
258 cubic inches (4.2 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
3.75 in x 3.89 in (95.25 mm x 98.9 mm)
Horsepower Net:
112 HP @ 3500 RPM
Torque Net:
207 lb-ft @ 2000 RPM
Engine Code 2:
Jeep 4.2L (V8) - less common for '79 CJ-7, more often later models or conversions. However, the manual may cover it if it was an option.
Engine Type 2:
Overhead Valve (OHV) V8 Cylinder
Displacement 2:
304 cubic inches (5.0 Liters)
Horsepower Net 2:
125 HP @ 3200 RPM (approx.)
Torque Net 2:
240 lb-ft @ 2400 RPM (approx.)
Carburetor Primary:
Motorcraft 2100 2-barrel (or Rochester 2G)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Regular Gasoline
Ignition Type:
Breaker Point Ignition (typical for '79)
Transmission Type Standard:
Warner T-150 3-speed Manual
Transmission Type Optional:
Borg-Warner SR4 4-speed Manual (introduced later in production, but '79 may have it)
Transmission Type Optional Auto:
Turbo-Hydramatic TH400 3-speed Automatic
Transfer Case:
Dana 20 2-speed (4x4)
Transfer Case Gear Ratios:
2.00:1 (low range)
Wheelbase:
103.5 inches (2629 mm)
Length:
157.3 inches (4000 mm)
Width:
69.4 inches (1763 mm)
Height:
64.4 inches (1636 mm) (approx., depending on top)
Curb Weight:
3,400 - 3,600 lbs (1542 - 1633 kg) (approx.)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
4,700 lbs (2132 kg) (approx.)
Ground Clearance:
8.0 - 9.0 inches (203 - 229 mm) (approx.)
NHTSA Ratings:
Not typically rated by NHTSA in the modern sense for this era, focus on inherent robustness.
Brakes Type:
Front Disc / Rear Drum
Parking Brake System:
Mechanical, driveshaft mounted caliper or drum type.
Seat Belts:
Front lap and shoulder belts, rear lap belts (standard).
Rollover Protection:
Roll bar integrated into the windshield frame and seat frame structure, providing basic rollover protection.
Doors:
Removable doors with integrated side impact beams (minimal).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 miles (4,800 km) or 3 months, whichever comes first.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Manual: Inspect annually; Automatic: Every 24,000 miles (38,000 km) or 24 months.
Differential Fluid Change:
Every 12,000 miles (19,000 km) or 12 months.
Coolant Flush:
Every 24,000 miles (38,000 km) or 24 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 12,000 - 24,000 miles (19,000 - 38,000 km) depending on plug type.
Engine Oil Type:
API SF, SAE 10W-30 (or SAE 30 in warmer climates)
Engine Oil Capacity:
5 Quarts (4.7 Liters) with filter change.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 SAE 80W-90 Gear Oil
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron-III (or equivalent) Automatic Transmission Fluid
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron-II (or equivalent) Automatic Transmission Fluid
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid
Common Wear Items:
Leaf springs, shock absorbers, U-joints, clutch components, carburetor issues, exhaust manifold cracks (inline-6).
Body Corrosion:
Rust is a common concern, particularly in floor pans, wheel wells, and rocker panels due to age and exposed design.
Electrical Gremlins:
Older wiring harnesses can degrade, leading to intermittent electrical issues.
Jeep Legacy:
Direct descendant of the original Willys MB military Jeep from World War II, renowned for its off-road prowess and go-anywhere capability.
Cj Series Introduction:
The CJ series (Civilian Jeep) began post-WWII, evolving through various iterations (CJ-2A, CJ-3A, CJ-5, CJ-6, CJ-7, CJ-8).
Cj7 Introduction Year:
The CJ-7 was introduced in 1976 as a successor to the CJ-5, offering a longer wheelbase and improved on-road manners while retaining off-road capability.
Key Cj7 Features Vs Cj5:
Longer wheelbase (103.5" vs 83.5"), wider track, optional automatic transmission, optional power steering, improved interior comfort.
Production Period:
1976 - 1986
Manufacturer:
American Motors Corporation (AMC)
Manufacturing Plant:
Toledo, Ohio, USA