1978 Jeep Cj7 problems

General information about Jeep-Cj7
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

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 Cj7 problems

The 1978 Jeep CJ7 has been a beloved off-road vehicle for many years, but like any other vehicle, it has its fair share of common problems that owners have reported.

One of the most common issues with the 1978 Jeep CJ7 is ignition problems. According to the Jeep-CJ.com forum, a common cause of ignition problems is the starter. If the starter is getting 12 volts, it should be turning over the engine, unless it's seized. If the starter is relatively new, it's likely that the problem lies elsewhere in the ignition system.

Another common problem with the 1978 Jeep CJ7 is transmission issues. One owner reported that the transmission pops out of first gear, and it's unclear whether this is a repair that can be made by the owner or if it requires outsourcing to a transmission shop. Additionally, some owners have reported that the transmission needs to be rebuilt or replaced entirely.

Rust is also a significant issue with the 1978 Jeep CJ7, as it is with many older Jeep models. According to The Globe and Mail, "Old Jeeps were as durable as cast-iron wood stoves, right up to the point they started dissolving. The CJ7 was famous for rust". While some owners have been able to manage rust issues with regular maintenance and the application of rust inhibitors, others have found that extensive rust damage requires significant repairs or even a replacement of the vehicle's body panels.

Wiring issues are also a common problem with the 1978 Jeep CJ7. According to the Jeep-CJ.com forum, some owners have reported issues with the electrical system, including problems with the starter motor, ignition system, and lighting. These issues can be challenging to diagnose and repair, as they may require a significant amount of time and expertise.

Finally, some owners of the 1978 Jeep CJ7 have reported issues with the steering and suspension systems. These issues can include worn-out bushings, loose steering components, and broken suspension parts. These problems can make the vehicle difficult to control, particularly in off-road conditions.

In summary, the 1978 Jeep CJ7 is a beloved off-road vehicle, but it has its fair share of common problems. These include ignition problems, transmission issues, rust, wiring issues, and problems with the steering and suspension systems. While some of these issues can be managed with regular maintenance and repairs, others may require more significant repairs or even a replacement of the vehicle's components.

Is a Jeep CJ7 reliable?

If the jeep has been taken care of, they are rock solid. I have the same Jeep CJ7 for the last 30 years and it has been very reliable. Nothing but a clutch and oil changes. I used it for many years as my daily driver but I was much younger then.

What is the most sought after CJ7?

The most valuable and, uh, distinctive of all CJ-7s is the dramatic Golden Eagle edition.

How many miles per gallon does a 1978 Jeep CJ7 get?

Based on data from 3 vehicles, 245 fuel-ups and 26,405 miles of driving, the 1978 Jeep CJ7 gets a combined Avg MPG of 12.53 with a 0.22 MPG margin of error.

Will CJ7 go up in value?

Average five-year price increase: 136 percent

The CJ-7 has a lot to love: It's elegant, simple, and robust, offering top-down off-roading in a classic package. What could possibly make one of the best 4x4s of the late '70s even better?

Is a Jeep CJ7 reliable?

What motor is in a 1978 Jeep CJ7?

The reports of the CJ7 were different in each type of engine: the 2.4 liter diesel was mated to the short 4.10 axle (in both Renegade and Laredo), while the 4.2 and 2.5 straight sixes used 3.73 and AMC V8 304-powered models (produced 1976-1981, which became part of the Golden Eagle version) used 3.55.

What is the most sought after CJ7?

The most valuable and, uh, distinctive of all CJ-7s is the dramatic Golden Eagle edition.

Will CJ7 go up in value?

Average five-year price increase: 136 percent

The CJ-7 has a lot to love: It's elegant, simple, and robust, offering top-down off-roading in a classic package. What could possibly make one of the best 4x4s of the late '70s even better?

1978 Jeep Cj7 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Jeep Cj7 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Tires problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1978 Jeep Cj7 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1978 Jeep Cj7 complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1978 Jeep Cj7.

2001-02-05

TIRES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
Components: TIRES
Summary: CONSUMER PURCHASED FIRESTONE RADIAL ATX TIRES (P235/75R15) AND HAD THEM REPLACED DUE TO RECALL 00T005, HOWEVER FIRESTONE IS DENYING REIMBURSEMENT SINCE THE TIRES WERE REPLACED PRIOR TO JANUARY 1, 2000. *SLC

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1978 Jeep Cj7 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1978 Jeep Cj7.

1978-03-09

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.

1978-02-17

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 Cj7 problems:

Common CJ7 problems to look for?? | Off Roading Forums

https://forums.off-road.com/threads/common-cj7-problems-to-look-for.180689/

Nov 12, 2003 ... Hello all, I am on the verge of purchasing my first Jeep and can't wait. The one I am looking at is: -1979? CJ7 (as per his wife) -softtop

Common problems/best years? | Jeep Enthusiast Forums

https://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f8/common-problems-best-years-1234915/

Jul 3, 2011 ... Im stationed in New Mexico now, so I dont imagine running into a lot of rust issues. I was leaning more towards a CJ-7 over the 5 cause it looks ...

Talking Ten Common Jeep CJ Problems & Fixes

https://www.motortrend.com/how-to/154-1005-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 ...