1985 Jeep CJ7

This 1985 Jeep CJ-7 Renegade is an unrestored and largely-original 4x4 with 114,365 miles that is accompanied by a factory black hardtop, a newer tan Bestop soft top, and removable doors. Under the hood, the a 4.2-liter inline-6 has received a recent oil change as well as replacement of fluids within the last few years as documented in a maintenance spreadsheet. Power is fed to all four corners via a 5-speed manual transmission and factory-equipped Dana axles. This CJ first originated in Lawton, Oklahoma when new and was subsequently relocated to Texas in 2000 where it has remained since, spending 23 years under the seller’s ownership. Finished in Dark Red Metallic over a red vinyl interior, this CJ-7 is now offered with a both tops and a storage rack, a tow bar, a maintenance log, an owner’s manual, repair manuals, a replacement ignition switch, a clean CARFAX report, and a clear Texas title in the seller’s name.

The Jeep CJ-series of off-road vehicles has history back to the mid-1940s, with the original units designated for military use. By the time the model evolved into the CJ-7 beginning in 1976, the wheelbase had grown 10” and the chassis was constructed of two parallel longitudinal C-section rails. This CJ-7 from 1985 is said to retain its original Dark Red Metallic paint and orange side striping aside from the finish of the hood which was repainted. A removable black hardtop and doors are included, in addition to a tan Bestop soft top and matching doors. Lighting is provided by Hella headlights and driving lights, and replacement LED bulbs for the brake lamps and turn signals. A light-duty trailer hitch is installed at the rear, and the windshield has been replaced. The seller describes the body as being largely rust free aside from a quarter-sized spot on the passenger side door, two spots where the weld joints meet the body on the passenger side rear fender, and some light surface rust on the chassis. There is an issue with relay for the driving lights that has not been resolved.

Silver-finished 15" wheels with polished trim rings are mounted to new all-terrain tires measuring P235-75R15 replaced within the last 800 miles, including a matching new tire for the rear-mounted spare. Handling is assisted by power steering and power brakes. The suspension received a recent overhaul which included replacement shocks, front spring bushings, steering links, all six U-joints, and a steering stabilizer. The braking system received similar attention with a fluid flush, replacement of the front pads and rotors, and replacement of rear wheel cylinders and brake hoses. The seller notes that the rear spring shackle bushings are in need of replacement.

The interior is trimmed in red vinyl, with front bucket seats, a folding rear seat, and matching replacement carpeting. Materials are described as being original and preserved, however there are some splits in the seams of the upholstery. Amenities include a tilt-adjustable steering wheel, inoperative air conditioning, a Pioneer radio with a CD changer and remote control, a Tuffy center console, and storage/speaker boxes over the rear wheels. The seller notes that the windshield washer switch and the clock don’t work, and the interior light in the hardtop does not illuminate.

Instrumentation is housed within a black plastic bezel and includes an 85-mph speedometer, a 7k-rpm tachometer, and auxiliary gauges for fuel level, coolant temperature, voltage, and oil pressure. The six-digit mechanical odometer reads 114,365 miles, which is a true reading supported by the CARFAX report.  

The 4.2-liter AMC inline-6 received a Weber carburetor conversion and a valve cover replacement. The seller notes that there is a slow leak from the rear engine seal, the vacuum lines need replacement, and the ignition switch has an intermittent issue although a new ignition switch is included with the sale. The most recent service was an oil change with synthetic oil in November 2021, along with transfer case fluid, and differential fluid in 2018, and a coolant change in 2016. Additional service items include a clutch replacement and a master cylinder replacement, and complete history is illustrated in the spreadsheet in the photo carousel. Power is routed to all four wheels via a T-5 5-speed manual transmission, a Dana 300 transfer case, and a Dana 30 front axle.

Photos showing the underside are available in the carousel.

The CARFAX report illustrates history free of accidents or damage. The vehicle passed a Texas safety inspection in July 2019. The sale includes a maintenance log, both tops and a storage rack, a tow bar, a replacement ignition switch, an owner’s manual, and other repair manuals.