1978 Jeep Cj5 problems
The Jeep CJ models are a series and a range of small, open-bodied off-road vehicles and compact pickup trucks, built and sold by several successive incarnations of the Jeep automobile marque from 1945 through 1986. The 1945 Willys "Universal Jeep" was the world's first mass-produced civilian four-wheel drive car.
In 1944, Willys-Overland, the primary manufacturer of the World War II military Jeep, built the first prototypes for a commercial version – the CJ, short for "civilian Jeep". The design was a direct evolution from the war jeep, but the most obvious change was adding a tailgate, and relocating the spare wheel to the side. Also, besides adding basic civilian amenities and options and legally-compliant lighting, the CJ required a sturdier drivetrain than the war jeep, because the targeted rural buyers would work the vehicles hard and expect years of durability, instead of mere weeks as during WWII.
From then on, all CJ Jeeps consistently had a separate body and frame, rigid live axles with leaf springs both front and rear, a tapering nose design with flared fenders, and a fold-flat windshield, and could be driven without doors. Also, with few exceptions, they had part-time four-wheel drive systems, with the choice of high and low gearing, and open bodies with removable hard or soft tops. A few stand-out changes during 42 model years were the introductions of round-fendered vs. flat-fendered bodies (1955 CJ-5), straight-6 and V8-engines, automatic gearboxes, and different 4-wheel drive systems. The 1976 CJ-7 stretched the wheelbase by 10 inches (25 cm), and made doors and a removable hardtop common items.
After remaining in production through a range of model numbers, and several corporate parents, the Jeep CJ line was officially ended after 1986. More than 1.5 million CJ Jeeps were built, having continued the same basic body style for 45 years since the Jeep first appeared. Widely regarded as "America's workhorse", the CJs have been described as "probably the most successful utility vehicle ever made." American Motors VP Joseph E. Cappy said the end of "CJ production will signal an end of a very important era in Jeep history." In 1987, the Jeep CJ-7 was replaced by the first-generation Jeep Wrangler. Looking very similar and riding on the same wheelbase as the CJ-7, it carried over some important components, including its use of leaf springs.
The similar model the DJ "Dispatcher" was introduced in 1956 as a two-wheel drive version with open, fabric, or a closed steel body in both left- and right-hand drives for hotel, resort, police, and later United States Postal Service markets.
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Common 1978 Jeep Cj5 problems
Common Problems with the Jeep CJ5 1978
The Jeep CJ5 1978 is a classic off-road vehicle that has been loved by many enthusiasts over the years. However, like any other vehicle, it has its own set of common problems that owners often encounter. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues based on complaints from owners of this car:
Ignition Issues
Ignition problems are a common issue with the Jeep CJ5 1978. Some owners have reported issues with the ignition module, where they have tried multiple replacements, but none of them worked.
Carburetor Issues
Carburetor issues are another common problem with the Jeep CJ5 1978. Some owners have reported that their vehicle gets fuel through all the lines but stops at the carb and won't start.
Engine Issues
Engine issues are also common with the Jeep CJ5 1978. Some owners have reported that their engine backfires on the right side only, even after replacing the carburetor and intake manifold.
Transmission Issues
Transmission issues are a common problem with the Jeep CJ5 1978. Some owners have reported that their vehicle's transmission shifts roughly or slips out of gear while driving.
Steering Issues
Steering issues are also common with the Jeep CJ5 1978. Some owners have reported that the steering feels loose or unresponsive, particularly at high speeds.
Suspension Issues
Suspension issues are a common problem with the Jeep CJ5 1978. Some owners have reported that the vehicle's suspension feels loose or unresponsive, particularly on rough terrain.
Braking Issues
Braking issues are also common with the Jeep CJ5 1978. Some owners have reported that the vehicle's brakes feel spongy or unresponsive, particularly when the vehicle is heavily loaded.
Lighting Issues
Lighting issues are a common problem with the Jeep CJ5 1978. Some owners have reported that the vehicle's headlights or taillights do not work, particularly after the vehicle has been parked for an extended period.
Body Issues
Body issues are also common with the Jeep CJ5 1978. Some owners have reported that the vehicle's body panels or fenders are prone to rust, particularly in areas with high humidity or salt.
Safety Issues
Safety issues are a common concern with the Jeep CJ5 1978. Some owners have reported that the vehicle's narrow wheels and high center of gravity make it prone to rollover, particularly on rough terrain or at high speeds.
In conclusion, the Jeep CJ5 1978 is a classic off-road vehicle that has been loved by many enthusiasts over the years. However, like any other vehicle, it has its own set of common problems that owners often encounter. These issues range from ignition and carburetor problems to engine and transmission issues, as well as steering, suspension, braking, lighting, body, and safety concerns. Owners of this vehicle are encouraged to stay up-to-date with regular maintenance and repairs to ensure the longevity and safety of their vehicle.
What engines came in a CJ5?
The base Willys 4-cylinder was replaced by AMC's Torque Command straight-6 engines, giving the entry-level CJ-5 the power of the previously optional Buick V6. Standard became the 232 cu in (3.8 L), and optional the 258 cu in (4.2 L), which was standard in California.
What is the top speed of the CJ5?
Maximum top speed with the 4.27 is 77 mph; with the 5.38 it drops to 65 mph.
What year did Jeep stop making CJ5?
1983
The Jeep CJ5 steadily advanced with the constant march of automotive technology, but eventually fell out of the spotlight. And in 1983, the Jeep CJ5 was officially discontinued to make room for the ever-popular CJ7.
Who made Jeep in 1978?
Kaiser Jeep sold the company to American Motors (AMC) in 1970 for approximately $75 million. Four-wheel-drive vehicles were becoming very popular – by 1978, AMC was producing 600 vehicles a day.
What engine is in a Jeep CJ5?
The base Willys 4-cylinder was replaced by AMC's Torque Command straight-6 engines, giving the entry-level CJ-5 the power of the previously optional Buick V6. Standard became the 232 cu in (3.8 L), and optional the 258 cu in (4.2 L), which was standard in California.
What is the top speed of the CJ5?
Maximum top speed with the 4.27 is 77 mph; with the 5.38 it drops to 65 mph.
Who made Jeep in 1978?
Kaiser Jeep sold the company to American Motors (AMC) in 1970 for approximately $75 million. Four-wheel-drive vehicles were becoming very popular – by 1978, AMC was producing 600 vehicles a day.
When did Jeep stop making the CJ5?
1983
1955-1983 JEEP® CJ-5
The CJ-5 was better on every front: it was stronger, more comfortable, more versatile, and more off-road capable. It was slightly larger than the CJ-3B, as it featured an increased wheelbase and overall length.
1978 Jeep Cj5 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Jeep Cj5 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Steering problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1978 Jeep Cj5 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1978 Jeep Cj5 complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1978 Jeep Cj5.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-03-17
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1978 JEEP CJ5. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 200, REBUILT ENGINE, AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE STEERING COLUMN WAS VERY LOOSE WHERE THE COLUMN JOINED THE SHAFT UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. WHEN HITTING BUMPS OR UNEVEN PAVEMENT ONE COULD HEAR THE STEERING COLUMN RATTLING. THE STEERING COLUMN GOT WORSE WITH TIME. *AK
1978 Jeep Cj5 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1978 Jeep Cj5.
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
- Summary: THE COUPLING WHICH ATTACHES THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT TO THE STEERING GEAR MAY HAVE OVERSIZED SERRATIONS WHICH COULD PREVENT THE COUPLING FROM BEING PROPERLY TIGHTENED IN THE STEERING GEAR SHAFT WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED. THIS MAY ALSO CAUSE FREE PLAY IN THE STEERING WHEEL.
- Remedy: THE INVOLVED VEHICLES WILL HAVE THE COUPLINGS REPLACED.
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
- Summary: THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH THE TRANSMISSION ADAPTER PLATE SEAL IMPROPERLY SEATED. THIS CONDITION COULD ALLOW A GRADUAL TRANSFER OF LUBRICANT FROM THE TRANSMISSION TO THE TRANSFER CASE.
- Remedy: THE DEALER WILL INSPECT THE LUBRICANT LEVELS ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES AND, WHERE NECESSARY, REPLACE THE REAR OIL SEALS.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1978 Jeep Cj5 problems:
Common problems/best years? | Jeep Enthusiast Forums
Jul 3, 2011 ... I used to have a 92 YJ 4.0, 5 speed. Im looking into getting another YJ or CJ cause I miss mine! What year of CJ has the best combinations ( ...
CJ5/CJ7 Trouble Areas... | Off Roading Forums
Jun 5, 2007 ... Othe than that, I'd put either one in my driveway. CJ's suffer the common problem of rust... rust... rust and electrical gremlins (caused by the ...
fuel delivery problems on a 78 cj-5 - Quadratec Jeep Forum
May 17, 2007 ... I can run the engine all day by feeding the carb gas directly. I have pulled the line from the tank to the pump and used a small can to draw ...
Talking Ten Common Jeep CJ Problems & Fixes
May 1, 2010 ... Sloppy steering input and wander are some of the best-case scenarios. The worst-case scenario is that the shaft could separate from the coupler ...
CJ-5 steering unstable | ECJ5
Sep 29, 2006 ... A CJ5 with bad steering? Blasphemy! You should try and drive one from the '50's. Seriously, a very common problem. The guys here can offer ...
Other years of Jeep Cj5
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