1979 Jeep CJ5 from North America - Comments

I was looking for a CJ7 but have run across a 79 CJ5. I understand that the CJ7 has a longer wheelbase. If I am just going to be a weekend rider is the 79 CJ5 such a bad idea? What should I pay attention to between the two models?

Early year reviews suggested the CJ7 was the best handling (on road) Jeep ever made. I can tell you, however, the CJ5 is one of the best vehicles off road I have ever experienced. I have driven mine through places I couldn't believe, i.e., between paper-mill pines, St Mary's River GA., etc.

The biggest difference between them that is instantly noticed, the available cargo space. If you're not planning on hauling 8 kids to the soccer field or into the Andes, your fine with a CJ5. But, you aren't getting the aforementioned out of a CJ7, either.

Maneuverability is somewhat better by the CJ5 due to the shorter body. It does make a difference in the field.

Which ever you choose, you assuredly will fall in love with and have not another vehicle, but a new addition to the family, instead.

I am rebuilding a 1979 Cj5 and I can't wait to get it done. I want to put bigger tires and a lift kit of some sort. I was wondering if anyone with experience would know what would be a a good sized tire and how much lift to put on a cj5. Also could someone with a Cj5 please tell me how many miles to a gallon do you get on it. I have rebuilt the engine and am totally restoring it so I have not got a chance to drive it much at all.

Well I have a 1965 Tuxedo Park CJ5, all is stock, but the 2.3 litre Ford engine. My granddad bought it new, but he passed away in 1996. It somehow followed my Chevy truck home about a year ago, after sitting in an old chicken house since 1982. I'm trying to restore it and making good progress, while I ride the kids down to the swimming hole all summer. It has to be a fine ride because I spend no money on the running parts after all those years sitting, gasoline and a battery is it!

Recently purchased a 76 cj 5 with a 304 t18a and dana 20. I am in the process of restoring with a glass tub, flip up nose, '86 cj7 axles and a new aftermarket frame, rubicon 4.5 inch lift and 2 inch body with 35 s. Can't wait to get it done and go wheelin.

I am building a CJ5 The frame is from a 1974, I modified it and boxed the whole thing, made my own reverse shackle kit, then did a spring over, will have no body lift and the body is a 1979 CJ5,Both jeeps were cheap and FRAME WAS RUSTED OUT ON 79, ITS NOT PERFECT, but IS VERY DETAILED AND CLEAN AND

Don't LET ME FORGET-JOHN DEERE YELLOW AND GREEN!!! BUILDING JUST LIKE A MODEL, SUPER DETAILED AND WITH TASTE.

Fellow Jeepsters, I have just purchased a 1977 CJ-5 V8 AMC 304 4bbl 3spd. I feel I got a great deal for such a classic, and being that they are becoming harder to find totally restored. I got lucky when I found mine, because the retired gentleman has nothing better to do than be a perfectionist. I am flying out from Ga airport tomorrow to pick up from owner in Indiana, then I am meticulously mapping out a round about way home, avoiding as much highway (70mph areas), and doing the scenic route back home to GA. My question to anyone is this: Am I okay doing the long drive back? I personally feel 100% confident about this model, as it was love at first sight-unseen purchase.

1977 CJ5 as well, hope your trip back went OK in your new CJ5. The CJ5 is a very sound model assuming it is factory. The problems arise when one puts a more powerful engine in and fails to make the correct modifications to the transmission and especially the drive-line. It probably was a good idea to avoid the highway until you really know what has been done or not done to your CJ5. All that aside no problems, no worries. Happy Trails.

I have a 79 CJ5 and just started to rebuild the frame. This Jeep has locker on the front and rear, with a 304 and 4 speed. It will go anywhere; Jeeps are the next best thing to an IH Scout.

I own a 76 cj5, with 4.10 gears, 31 inch super swampers, and 258 straight shooter, and I have to say, when I throw it into 4low nothing can stop me, be it rocks or steep hills, or huge mud holes. and if you have to complain about the ride, you shouldn't own a jeep is all you need to know :P.

My boyfriend and I have been dating around 2 years now when he got a divorce from his ex. she took his Cj5 1977. Now I'm looking into buying one for him as a surprise I know he'd love it but I don't want to get jipped on it either. The man is asking 3500 obo for a 1979 Cj5 6cyl. in line six soft top. When I go to look at it what are some things I should ask about and what should I be looking for? Please help me out here! Thank-you A.P.

I have a 1972 CJ5 I have just finished a ground up restoring. It has 304 /3 speed with 4:27 gears. New 4" lift with 33's under it. Just wondering if anyone has suggestions on handling enhancements...55 mph is top speed due to handling. Also I'm in the process of putting in a DUI distributor and taking out the points, is there that much difference?