1979 Jeep CJ-5 4x4

1979 Jeep CJ-5 Renegade – 360 V8 – 3-Speed Manual – Complete Restoration

If you’re looking for a vintage CJ that stands apart from the typical restored Jeep, this 1979 Jeep CJ-5 Renegade deserves a close look. Finished in a beautiful deep burgundy with the unmistakable orange/yellow Renegade graphics, this Jeep has undergone an extensive nut-and-bolt restoration and presents exceptionally well from the body all the way down to the chassis.

The centerpiece is what sits under the hood: an AMC 360ci V8 backed by a 3-speed manual transmission and traditional 4-wheel-drive system. And this one sounds incredible. It has the deep, unmistakable rumble you want from an old-school AMC V8, and it runs every bit as good as it sounds.

Pop the hood and the quality continues. The engine compartment is extremely clean and nicely detailed, featuring an Edelbrock air cleaner and Edelbrock chrome valve covers, upgraded ignition components, aluminum radiator, and a clean accessory drive. The AMC V8 itself is finished in the traditional blue-green engine color, giving the engine bay a great combination of restored appearance and tasteful performance upgrades.

Underneath may be just as impressive with a clean, restored chassis, solid axles front and rear, leaf-spring suspension, upgraded shocks, steering stabilizer, dual exhaust and nicely finished suspension and steering components. This isn't a Jeep that's simply had shiny paint sprayed over an old chassis—the restoration work carries underneath.

The stance is exactly right. A suspension lift is paired with Mastercraft Courser CXT aggressive-35x12.50 terrain tires mounted on classic black steel wheels. Black fender flares, heavy-duty front and rear bumpers, tubular side steps and a rear-mounted full-size spare complete the rugged CJ look.

Inside, it stays simple and purposeful. You'll find high-back bucket seats, a clean metal dash, auxiliary gauges, floor-shifted 3-speed manual transmission, separate 4WD transfer-case shifter, padded Jeep dash panel, roll bar and bikini-style top. It's exactly the open-air, mechanical driving experience that made the early CJ such an icon.

A CJ Built to Enjoy — and Keep

Vintage CJs have become increasingly desirable collector vehicles, particularly high-quality restored examples with V8 power and desirable Renegade styling. There are no guarantees with any collector vehicle's future value, but the combination of a short-wheelbase CJ-5, quality restoration, classic Renegade appearance, manual transmission and AMC V8 power gives this Jeep many of the characteristics enthusiasts continue to seek.

And while you'll see plenty of CJs advertised with the familiar 304 V8, you won't see nearly as many properly restored examples powered by the larger AMC 360.

This isn't a Jeep that needs to be taken apart and finished.

It's done. Turn the key, listen to that 360 come to life, drop it into gear and enjoy it.

Highlights include:

• 1979 Jeep CJ-5
• Renegade appearance
• Complete nut-and-bolt restoration
• AMC 360ci V8
• 3-speed manual transmission
• 4-wheel drive
• Edelbrock air cleaner
• Edelbrock chrome valve covers
• Edlebrock Intake
• Edlebrock Carburetor
• Upgraded ignition
• Aluminum radiator
• Dual exhaust
• Lifted suspension
• Mastercraft Courser 35x12.50-15 CXT tires
• Black steel wheels
• Heavy-duty front and rear bumpers
• Tubular side steps
• High-back bucket seats
• Auxiliary gauges
• Bikini top
• Full-size rear-mounted spare
• Exceptionally clean engine compartment
• Beautifully restored chassis and undercarriage

The pictures tell part of the story. Hearing this 360 run tells the rest.

Available now at RodHouse Customs – Centerville, Indiana.

‍