Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.
Hello Guest, we are proud to now have our Wiki online that is completely compiled and written by our members. Feel free to browse our Jeep-CJ Wiki or click on any orange keyword when looking at posts in the forum.
I've owned an 89 YJ, a 98 TJ, and currently have a 2007 Unlimited Rubicon. Looking to go old school for a weekend toy. After doing some research I've decided on a 78-79 CJ5 .
Couple of ?
- I really want to get the AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l with 4 speed (T18A). Virtually every one I have found around here is a 3 speed, with a few odd AMC 304 's with automatics. Is the 4 speed really that rare? What are thoughts on a 3 speed?
- Are there any little known places to search? I've tried Craigslist. Auto Trader Classics, Classic Cars, Cars For Sale, and Oodle.
Take it off road on weekends here in the Pine Barrens. Just some trails and a little mud, nothing too hardcore. Probably do a 2.5" lift and 32's. Might drive it on the street occasionally but would definitely not be a DD.
One suggestion would be to put some lower gears into low range by adding the 3.15 to 1 gears into the Transfer Case . If there is one thing I dislike about the T-18 is how heavy it is, making it harder to work with. That plus diff gears to compensate for large tires might make you happy. Do you really have the type of terrain that would require a super low geared tranny? Although you might just want to keep looking for something with even a 4 speed gearbox add on like a T-176 . You could even look for the later CJ5s with the Dana 300Transfer Case and go 4 to 1.
- I really want to get the AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l with 4 speed (T18A). Virtually every one I have found around here is a 3 speed, with a few odd AMC 304 's with automatics. Is the 4 speed really that rare? What are thoughts on a 3 speed?
Okay, and I am speaking purely OEM and for the most part 76-83 CJ5 's:
There were no factory automatic TransmissionCJ5 's produced. So any CJ5 with an automatic is a 'previous owner' addition. Jeep produced CJ5s until 1983, all had narrow track axles. The 76-83 models had: Dana 30 front, AMC20 rear. 'Common' gearing for 76-79 was 3.54. Other ratios were also available. 'Common' gearing for 80-83 was 2.73 (effort to me CAFE standards). Other ratios were also available. The 3.54 gearing would be 'okay' for a true 32" tire, although 3.73 would be better.
The T-18Transmission disappeared from the CJ lineup with the 1980 models, so if you're are looking for one that is original you need to look at the 1977-79 model years. My 76 CJ5 had the T-18 (b), but it was the 4.02:1 1st gearing, not the 6.31:1 in the later T-18 (a).
The 76-77 CJ's were a transition year. Some (but not all) of the later CJ parts will fit. Some are unique to those years. Some are unique to either 76 or 77.
Along with the T-18 exit in the 1980 models, so went the Dana 20Transfer Case . Replaced with the Dana 300 , which is a worthy unit.
The AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l I6, T-18 , Dana 20 combo is not a difficult one to find. However, the T-18 is basically a 3 spd Transmission on the street. 1st gear is not synchronized. It also shifts like what it is: A heavy duty manual Transmission . The T-150 3 speed, used in 76-79 models, is a good Transmission . Not as big (physically) as the T-18 , but just as durable. Jeep didn't offer a 3 speed after 1979, moving to SR4 /T-4 (light duty 4speed) T-5 (light duty 5 speed) and the (medium duty) 4 speed T-176 /177.
A better combo (IMHO), for light to moderate trails and 'having fun', would be the T-176 . Shifts easier, is a true 4 speed on the street, and comes paired to the Dana 300Transfer Case . You might be able to find a AMC 304 V8, T-176 , Dana 300 combo in a 1980-1981 CJ5 . The AMC 304 V8 was no longer available in the 82-86 CJ's.
As far as where to look, that really depends on how deep your pockets are. What sort of budget do you have in mind for the CJ5 ? (purchase price + upgrades)?
HackFabrication - Thank you. That is great information. Assuming the T-176 is available with the AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l , how do you tell it from the T-4 /SR4 when looking at it?
As for budget, I'm looking at around $7500 max for the initial purchase, and want something running well that I can slowly mod over time, not looking to do one big buildup (learned that lesson with muscle cars).
Before the local Jeep shop closed there was a rebuilt T18a on the floor the mech wanted to sell for $800. I was short of cash at the time, but then with the linkage and driveline mods it would've been even more kazooks
WHY DID THE CHICKEN CROSS THE ROAD?? GEORGE W. BUSH I don't think I should have to answer that question. PAT BUCHANAN To steal a job from a decent, hardworking American. DR. SEUSS Did the chicken cross the road? Did he cross it with a toad? Yes, the chicken crossed the road, But why it crossed, I've not been told!
The CJ5T-18 is a bit harder to find because they were never offered behind a AMC 304 , only the 6. The CJ7T-18 came behind both 6 and 8 cyl. However, many owners have swapped in both Jeep T-18s and ford T-18s so if you keep searching you should come up with one. There was a time I had half dozen Jeep T-18 sitting in my shop now I'm down to 2.
Another issue that I didn't see in the other posts is I think prior to '77 the frames of CJ's were C channel rather than the stronger Boxed frame in later years. What with the abuse some PO's can put these venerable CJ's through you may want to keep this in mind.
It looks real nice. They say it has only 60,497
miles for a 1979 I think it's more like 160,497. The new paint scares me because you don't know what it's hidding under it. But if it drives good and everything works I would say it's a good buy.
It looks real nice. They say it has only 60,497
miles for a 1979 I think it's more like 160,497. The new paint scares me because you don't know what it's hidding under it. But if it drives good and everything works I would say it's a good buy.
Yeah, the paint is what has me worried too, like maybe they slapped a bunch of bondo over all the rust and then sprayed it down and then bedlinered the floor.
Interestingly, the CarFax shows no activity on the VIN whatsoever until 2 months ago when someone traded/sold it to the dealer. I know CF goes back to the early 90's, so it looks like whoever sold it to the dealer owned it 20+ years.
Right now, only one '76 CJ5. 304 with a three speed stick. Everything else is pretty much stock 'cept for a 4" suspension lift. Came to me with a back breakin' 4" suspension lift attached to a reverse shackle setup (Reversed the reverse shackle :dung: and now she rides like a Caddy!) Also posess a few 60s & 70s Mustangs and a couple of late 70's F150s 4X4s.
Opened the link to see what you found. Looks good from the pics. Immediate problem I see is you said you wanted a CJ5 . The add states CJ5 but the pics I see are of a CJ7 , which makes me wonder if the seller has more than one Jeep to sell and got his adds and pics mixed up, or worse......they ain't gotta clue what they're selling.
If you don't care whether it's a 5 or 7, it may be worth looking at in person.
Opened the link to see what you found. Looks good from the pics. Immediate problem I see is you said you wanted a CJ5 . The add states CJ5 but the pics I see are of a CJ7 , which makes me wonder if the seller has more than one Jeep to sell and got his adds and pics mixed up, or worse......they ain't gotta clue what they're selling.
If you don't care whether it's a 5 or 7, it may be worth looking at in person.
Right now, only one '76 CJ5. 304 with a three speed stick. Everything else is pretty much stock 'cept for a 4" suspension lift. Came to me with a back breakin' 4" suspension lift attached to a reverse shackle setup (Reversed the reverse shackle :dung: and now she rides like a Caddy!) Also posess a few 60s & 70s Mustangs and a couple of late 70's F150s 4X4s.
It does look pretty cherry, though. Original spring shackles, original spare tire carrier, original tow bar on the rear. Don't see much of those anymore.
