🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

Wagoneer

Trim Level:

Limited Sport

Year:

1979

Vehicle Platform:

SJ (Full-size Jeep platform)

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

Positioned as a premium, full-size SUV offering luxury and off-road capability in its era.

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts, owners, and mechanics looking for authoritative information to maintain, repair, and restore their 1979 Jeep Wagoneer Limited Sport.

Competitors:

Ford Bronco, Chevrolet K5 Blazer, International Harvester Scout II, Range Rover (in certain markets).

Features Of Vehicle:

Body-on-frame construction, robust 4x4 system (Quadra-Trac likely), spacious interior, optional V8 engines, premium trim levels (Limited Sport indicating higher-end appointments).

Luxury Appointments:

The 'Limited Sport' trim suggests premium interior materials, possibly leather seating, woodgrain accents, upgraded trim, and enhanced comfort features for its time.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

All Wagoneer Limited Sport 1979 Styles

Estimated Page Count:

Hundreds of Pages (exact count not specified, but described as comprehensive)

Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF (Downloadable)

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems:

General Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Engine Service/Repair, Transmission Service/Repair, Brake System, Wiring Diagram, Electrical System, Suspension, Periodic Lubrication, Steering, Cooling System, Fuel Injection/Fuel System, Emission System, Heater/Air Conditioning, Engine Control System, Chassis/Body, Restraint System, Interior, Differential/Drive, Axle

Detailed Engine Coverage:

Engine service and repair, including disassembly, reassembly, tuning, component replacement, and troubleshooting for the specific V8 engines offered.

Detailed Transmission Coverage:

Service and repair for automatic transmissions (likely TH400), including torque converter, valve body, clutch packs, and cooler lines. Transfer case operation and maintenance.

Detailed Electrical Coverage:

Comprehensive electrical system diagnostics, including detailed wiring diagrams, troubleshooting charts, component testing, and repair for all electrical circuits.

Body And Chassis Coverage:

Detailed information on chassis components, frame inspection, body panel repair, interior trim, and exterior hardware.

Brake System Coverage:

Detailed service and repair for front disc brakes and rear drum brakes, including master cylinder, calipers, wheel cylinders, brake lines, and parking brake system.

Suspension And Axle Coverage:

Front and rear suspension systems (leaf springs, shocks, control arms), axle housing, hubs, bearings, and seals.

Procedures:

Maintenance, Repair, Rebuilding, Refurbishing, Restoration, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting, Step-by-step instructions, Detailed substeps, Repair procedures, Electrical service procedures, Tuning

Diagnostic Procedures:

Advanced troubleshooting guides for diagnosing common and complex problems across all vehicle systems, often with flowcharts and specific symptom-to-cause mappings.

Suspension And Steering Procedures:

Maintenance and repair of suspension components (shocks, springs, bushings, ball joints) and steering system (steering box, linkages, tie rods).

Emission System Procedures:

Information on emission control devices, troubleshooting emission-related faults, and potentially component testing for catalytic converters, EGR valves, etc. (depending on market specifications).

Chassis And Body Repair Procedures:

Procedures for frame straightening, body panel replacement, rust repair, and interior component removal/installation.

Depth:

Complete factory-level detail, including fundamentals, advanced diagnostics, and specific repair procedures as known by factory-trained technicians.

Rebuild Procedures:

Detailed instructions for rebuilding major components such as the engine, transmission, differentials, and brake systems, including torque specifications and clearances.

Specifications And Tolerances:

Includes critical torque specifications, clearances, and alignment settings required for accurate and safe repairs.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

PDF Features:

Searchable text, allowing quick access to information using keywords. High resolution for clear viewing of diagrams and text.

Printability:

Printable without restriction (individual pages or entire manual)

Binding:

Not Applicable (Digital Download - Print Your Own)

Paper Type:

Not Applicable (Digital Download - User Prints on Preferred Paper)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

Likely offered with V8 engines. Common options for 1979 Wagoneer included the 360 cu in (5.9L) V8 and potentially the 401 cu in (6.6L) V8. Specific engine details are within the manual.

Engine Block Material:

Likely cast iron block and cylinder heads for AMC V8 engines.

Horsepower Torque:

Varies by specific engine. For example, the 360 V8 typically produced around 170-190 gross horsepower and 280-300 lb-ft of torque. Precise figures will be in the manual.

Bore Stroke:

For the 360 V8: Bore 4.08 inches (103.6 mm), Stroke 3.44 inches (87.4 mm). For the 401 V8: Bore 4.16 inches (105.7 mm), Stroke 3.75 inches (95.3 mm).

Fuel Delivery:

Likely carbureted (e.g., Rochester Quadrajet or similar) for 1979 models, though some later models might have seen early EFI. Manual will detail the specific system.

Carburetor Details:

The manual will detail specific carburetor models, adjustment procedures, and overhaul kits.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

Likely the TH400 (Turbo-Hydramatic 400) 3-speed automatic transmission was standard or widely available.

Optional Transmissions:

While an automatic was prevalent, manual transmissions might have been available on lower trims or specific configurations, though less common for the Wagoneer Limited Sport. Manual will confirm.

Transmission Features:

The TH400 is known for its robust construction and smooth shifting. Transfer case details (likely Quadra-Trac) will be covered extensively.

Transfer Case:

Likely the Quadra-Trac full-time 4WD system, known for its ability to distribute power between front and rear axles without driver intervention. Manual will detail its operation and service.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approximately 120 inches (3048 mm).

Length:

Approximately 196 inches (4978 mm).

Width:

Approximately 79 inches (2007 mm).

Height:

Approximately 67 inches (1702 mm).

Front Track:

Approximately 60-61 inches (1524-1549 mm).

Rear Track:

Approximately 60-61 inches (1524-1549 mm).

Curb Weight:

Around 4,500-5,000 lbs (2041-2268 kg), depending on options.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Typically in the range of 6,000-6,500 lbs (2722-2948 kg). Exact GVWR will be specified in the manual.

Cargo Volume:

Substantial cargo capacity for its class, designed for utility and family transport. Specific volume figures will be in the manual.

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings:

Vehicle safety standards and testing were less rigorous in 1979. No modern NCAP ratings apply. Manual will cover factory safety systems.

Active Safety:

Disc front brakes, drum rear brakes, power steering, 4WD system for enhanced traction.

Passive Safety:

Seat belts, reinforced body structure for the era. Manual covers restraint system details.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Basic for the era: AM/FM radio, potentially with an 8-track player or cassette. Analog gauges and controls.

Driver Assistance Features:

None by modern standards. Features include power steering and power brakes.

Connectivity Features:

No electronic connectivity features.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000 miles (4,800 km) or 3 months for gasoline engines of this era, or as specified in the manual for specific conditions.

Transmission Fluid Change Interval:

Typically every 20,000-30,000 miles (32,000-48,000 km) or as specified by the manufacturer. Manual will provide exact recommendation.

Engine Oil Specification:

Likely API SF or SG service classification, with viscosity grades such as SAE 10W-30 or SAE 10W-40. Manual will provide precise specification.

Transmission Fluid Type:

For TH400: DEXRON-II Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF).

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Manual will specify exact type and capacity.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid. Manual will specify the exact type and capacity for the brake system.

Differential Fluid Type:

GL-5 hypoid gear oil, with appropriate viscosity (e.g., 80W-90 or 75W-90). Manual will specify for front and rear differentials.

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Typically ATF DEXRON-II or a specific power steering fluid. Manual will confirm.

Common Wear Items:

Rust on body panels (especially wheel arches, rocker panels, tailgate), aging rubber components (hoses, seals, bushings), potential for carburetor issues, worn suspension components (bushings, ball joints), aging electrical connectors.

Engine Specific Considerations:

AMC V8 engines of this era are generally robust but can be prone to oil leaks if not properly maintained. Valve seals and lifters can also wear over time.

Cooling System Considerations:

Radiator leaks, thermostat failures, and water pump issues can occur with age. Manual will detail flush procedures and component testing.

📚 Vehicle History

Jeep Heritage:

Jeep, a brand with roots in military vehicles, has a long history of producing rugged, off-road capable vehicles. The Wagoneer lineage began in 1963, establishing the luxury SUV segment.

Wagoneer Evolution:

The SJ platform Wagoneer, introduced in 1963, saw continuous evolution through design updates and powertrain improvements. The 1979 model represents a mature phase of this iconic design.

Manufacturing Location:

Toledo, Ohio, USA.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Historical Recognition:

The Wagoneer is widely recognized as a pioneer in the luxury SUV market and is considered a highly desirable classic vehicle by enthusiasts and collectors.