1979 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 1979 Jeep Cj5 problems
Based on complaints from owners of the 1979 Jeep CJ5, several common problems have been identified:
- Electrical Problems: Some owners have experienced electrical issues with the ignition system. This includes the engine running only when the key is in the start position and stalling when released to the run position. This could indicate a problem with the ignition switch or coil.
- Fuel Delivery Problems: Complaints have been made about fuel delivery issues where the vehicle sputters, runs out of gas, or stops at the carburetor. Priming the engine may temporarily resolve the issue, but it fails to start consistently.
- Performance Issues: Owners have reported performance issues such as the engine cutting out and backfiring at speeds over 45 mph. This could be indicative of fuel system problems, ignition issues, or engine tuning problems.
- Clutch Problems: Some owners have faced clutch-related issues, where the clutch fails to engage even after replacing components like the throw-out bearing and pressure plate. Adjustments may not resolve the problem, indicating potential issues with the clutch system.
- Engine Backfiring: Complaints about engine backfiring on the right side have been noted. This issue could be related to carburetor settings, intake manifold problems, or issues with the engine's timing and fuel mixture.
These common problems with the 1979 Jeep CJ5 highlight a range of issues that owners have faced over time. Addressing these issues promptly and accurately is crucial to maintaining the vehicle's performance and reliability.
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.
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.
What engine is in a 1979 Jeep CJ7?
258ci inline-six
Once you checked off the Renegade box on the CJ-7 order sheet, you had to decide on a 258ci inline-six (the base engine) or the 304ci V-8. From there, you had the option of a standard 3-speed manual (T-150), 4-speed manual (T-18), or 3-speed automatic (GM TH400).
1979 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:
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1979 Jeep Cj5 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1979 Jeep Cj5 complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1979 Jeep Cj5.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-06-07
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACTS OWN A 1979 JEEP CJ5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30MPH HE SHIFTED INTO SECOND GEAR AND THE VEHICLE MADE A LOUD NOISE. WHEN HE SHIFTED INTO THIRD GEAR THE ENGINE SHUT OFF. A FEW MINUTES LATER, THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. HE NOTICED THAT TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CHRYSLER DEALER REFERRED HIM TO A JEEP DEALER WHO CONFIRMED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN 79V070000, POWER TRAIN, MANUAL TRANSMISSION RECALL WAS RELATED TO THE FAILURE; HOWEVER, THE JEEP DEALER REFUSED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE SINCE THERE WAS A 10 YEAR SUNSET CLAUSE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 50,000.
1979 Jeep Cj5 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1979 Jeep Cj5.
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
- Summary: CERTAIN VEHICLES MAY HAVE AN INCORRECT GASKET BETWEEN THE TRANSMISSION AND THE TRANSFER CASE. AN INCORRECT GASKET MAY INTERFERE WITH THE NORMAL FLOW OF LUBRICANT. THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE TRANSMISSION TO BECOME DAMAGED AND INOPERATIVE.
- Remedy: THE GASKET BETWEEN THE TRANSMISSION AND THE TRANSFER CASE WILL BE REPLACED, IF NECESSARY.
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: STEERING:LINKAGES:ROD:RELAY:CONNECTING
- Summary: THE CLAMP BOLTS ON THE ADJUSTER TUBE THAT FASTENS THE CONNECTING ROD TO THE PITMAN ARM END ASSEMBLY MAY BE LOOSE. THESE LOOSE BOLTS COULD CAUSE SHIFTING OF THE STEERING WHEEL POSITION, RELATIVE TO THE STRAIGHT-AHEAD-FRONT WHEEL POSITION, AND LOSS OF STEERING.
- Remedy: THE DEALER WILL TIGHTEN THE BOLTS WHERE NECESSARY, AND CHECK AND CORRECT THE STEERING WHEEL ALIGNMENT FREE OF CHARGE.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1979 Jeep Cj5 problems:
Buying a cj5, What should I look out for? | ECJ5
Apr 26, 2007 ... ... jeep looks like it is in ... Before '76, frame cracks are a common problem. ... Avacado Mist CJ5 Sucker for a CJ. Grand Haven,... Joined: Feb 20 ...
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 ...
79 CJ5 Ignition Problems | ECJ5
Feb 23, 2008 ... Alright troubles started the day I accepted the jeep for delivery. Jeep ... 79 CJ5 Ignition Problems ... Common, easy to fix. Located on top of the ...
Q&A: 1977 Jeep CJ5 Engine | Common Problems with Jeep 304 V8
Apr 24, 2008 ... I have a 1977 Jeep CJ5 with a fresh rebuilt 304 V-8, problem is no power under a load (IE at take off etc) she will - Answered by a verified ...
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 ...
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