1979 CJ5 Jeep Renegade, AMC 304 V8 Engine, T-18 Trans. (1)33,333 Miles

1979 Jeep CJ

1979 CJ5 Jeep Renegade

AMC 304 V8 Engine (original) with Davis Unified Distributor & Holley Avenger Carburetor

Ford T-18 Transmission (Borg-Warner) with Novak Adapter (Low 6.32:1 Granny Gear)

Dana 20 Transfer Case with Stainless Steel Twin Shifter

AMC Model 20 Rear Differential with 4.56 Gears, Detroit Locker, and 1-Piece Axles

Dana 30 Front Differential with 4.56 Gears and Detroit True Trac Locker

Rebuilt Power Steering Unit, Drop Pitman Arm, Flaming River Steering Shaft

Flex-A-Lite Electric Radiator Cooling Fan

Black Diamond 3” Leaf Spring Suspension Lift & Custom 3” Body Lift

35” TSL Super Swampers Tires on 16” Rims

Warn XD9000i Winch

I bought this Renegade in 1988, the odometer read 07,050 so I assume it had 107,050 miles on it since the odometer only goes to 99,999. The Jeep had a body lift installed and 38” Gumbo Mudders. In order to pass the Maryland inspection I had to add fender flares, a dimmer switch and install a catalytic converter. I found some places in the area to go four wheeling with names like Yellowgate, Briggs Chaney, Land Rover Proving Ground, Big Lip Gravel Pit (don’t ask) and other places in the Bowie, Md area. I had a blast and met many other four wheelers, some of which I am still in touch with and are good friends. I soon found out that the Jeep could get stuck and that things break, so with each lesson learned I made repairs so “that wouldn’t happen again”. After shearing the rear axle to hub keys twice I installed solid one piece axles. To reduce the chances of getting stuck and go up steep hills and pull things, I installed lockers in the front and rear differentials, swapped out the ring & pinions from 3.73 to 4.56 gears, installed a Black Diamond 3” suspension lift, and added a 9000# Warn Winch. To make the engine run more reliably I added a Davis Unified Ignition (DUI), a Holley Avenger Carburetor, a Flex-Lite Electric Radiator Fan, and a Fram high capacity fuel filter.

In 1991-1992 I disassembled the entire Jeep and rebuilt the engine, sandblasted & painted the frame, installed a custom made body lift (pressure treated 4x4’s), and made numerous repairs to the body. At one point I put a chain around the bare block and lifted it off ground just so I could say that “I lifted my entire Jeep” (not all at once though). The Jeep Odometer had 16,538 miles on it when I did this rebuild.

In 2008 I swapped out the T-150 3-Speed transmission for a T-18 transmission with a low 6.32:1 granny first gear which I rebuilt with a Novak Adapter Kit and rebuilt a spare transfer case to include replacing the single shift lever with a twin stick shifter. At that time I also had the flywheel resurfaced, installed a new CenterForce Clutch, and had two new drive shafts made to accommodate the different length transmissions. Amongst may other repairs and parts replacements over the years, in 2018 I rebuilt the power steering unit, in 2020 I replaced the fender flares, fuel filler & vent hoses, side marker lights, and battery. In 2021 I replaced the brake master cylinder. I’m a bit of a pack rat when it comes to Jeep parts so I have boxes and boxes of new and used parts squirrelled away throughout my garage.

The places to go four wheeling in my area have become harder to find so for many years, other than cruising around town or pulling the occasional stump, my Jeep has been sitting bored in the driveway. I have been thinking about selling my Jeep for years, but have been unwilling to part with “my youth”. Now, as I have gotten older (not necessarily wiser) I’ve decided that the next money/work pit will be a boat so, as much as I hate to see her go, I need to sell my Jeep to make some room in the driveway…

The Jeep has 33,333 miles on the odometer, but I think the actual mileage is 133,333 miles.

The Jeep runs well, but does have a few problems that I am aware of and have yet to fix:

1) Oil leak at the bell housing, from the engine and/or transmission. I suspect the rear main seal.

2) Transmission makes some noise when coasting and the synchros are not functioning properly which sometimes requires me to double-clutch.

3) Exhaust leak out of the y-pipe

4) The Jeep also has some rust, but that is to be expected in a 43 year old Jeep.

-------------Feel Free to Contact Me with Any Questions, I Will Reply As Soon As I Can -----------------------------------------

“JEEP - Just Exchange Every Part”

These parts are included with the Jeep if you want them…

30 Years’ worth of New (Old Stock) and Used Spare Parts (see pictures):

Chilton’s and Haynes Maintenance Manuals

T-150 Transmission (Borg-Warner), Original, was swapped out for T-18

Dana 20 Transfer Case with Single Shifter, Original, was swapped out

Bell Housings (2) with Clutch Forks and a Clutch Linkage

T-18 Transmission - Rebuild Kit (New Old Stock)

T-18 Transmission - Synchros, Bearings & Misc. Parts (used)

Dana 20 Transfer Case - Rebuild Kit (New Old Stock)

Dana 20 Transfer Case – Bearings & Misc. Parts (used)

Model 20 Differential 3.73 Ring & Pinion Set (used)

Model 20 Differential Carrier (used)

Model 20 Differential Bearings, Seals, Gaskets (new & used) See Pics

Dana 30 Differential - 3.73 Ring & Pinion Set (used)

Dana 30 Differential - Carrier for 3.73 gears (used)

Dana 30 Differential - Carrier for 4.56 gears (used)

Dana 30 Differential - Bearings, Seals, Gaskets (new & used) See Pics

AMC 304 – Valve Cover Gaskets (new)

AMC 304 – Rear Main Bearing Gasket (new)

Fram PH25 Oil Filter (new)

Fram HPGC1 Fuel Filter (new)

Fram CA136 Air Filter (new)

Front Wheel Hubs – 2 (new)

Jeep Rear Mud Flaps - 2 (new)

Windshield Wiper Arms (new) – 5 (new)

Windshield Wiper Blades (new) – 10 (new)

Alternator and Power Steering Belts (new & used)

Distributor & Associated Parts (new & used) Swapped out when DUI Installed

Ignition Control Units – 2 (used), Ignition Coil (used)

Air Filter Housing (used), Holley 4-Barrel Carburetor (used)

Starter (used), Alternator (used)

Radiator Fan (used), Radiator Protector (used)

Towing Hitch Mounts – 2 (used), Bumperettes – 2 (used, Spare Tire Mount (used)

Pitman Arm (used - good)

2 Rear bumpers, (one a hitch). 2 Rear Bumperettes. 1 Spare Tire Mount. 1 Hood Prop.

Holley 4-Barrel Carb, Starter, Alternator, Engine Fan Blades, Air Cleaner Housing

Radiator Protector Cover, Transmission Mount Bar

• Make: Jeep
• Model: CJ
• SubModel: CJ5 Renegade
• Type: Convertible
• Year: 1979
• Mileage: 133333
• VIN: J9F83AH010346
• Color: Burgundy
• Engine size: AMC 304 V8
• Number of cylinders: 8
• Fuel: Gasoline
• Transmission: Manual
• Drive type: 4WD
• Vehicle Title: Clean
Want to buy? Contact seller!