The first civilian Jeep, the CJ-2A, would grow into the familiar Wrangler when Chrysler took over the brand. The last stop before that transition was the CJ-7, which was in production from 1976 through 1986. It was an update to the CJ-5, which had the longest manufacturing lifespan of any Jeep model at 30 years. The CJ-7 had a longer wheelbase than the CJ-5 to make room for an automatic transmission, and its square door openings distinguish it from the CJ-5’s rounded ones. Engine options ranged from a 2.4 liter 4-cylinder diesel made by Isuzu to AMC’s own 5.0 liter (304 cubic inch) V8.
The diesel version was made between 1980 and 1982 for sale outside the United States; the smallest engine for US models was the bulletproof 2.5 liter I4. Nearly 400,000 CJ-7s were built during the vehicle’s lifespan, including special Renegade, Laredo, and Golden Eagle editions. Between 1976 and 1979, some CJ-7s were also equipped with the Quadratrac full-time 4WD system.
The CJ-7’s high production numbers, lack of complicated electronics, and unbeaten upgrade availability make it a perfect project vehicle. The high ground clearance also makes access to undercarriage components relatively easy.
[Featured Image by Jim Isbell via Wikimedia Commons | Cropped and scaled |Public Domain]
