1978 Jeep CJ5

This 1978 Jeep CJ-5 two-door 4x4 sport-utility vehicle was previously sold on AutoHunter but is being relisted after the sale fell through, at no fault of the seller. It is based on a lifted Rancho-equipped suspension and 33” BFGoodrich tires and draws power from a 304ci V8 paired with a 3-speed manual transmission and a dual-range transfer case. Features include a removable soft top and doors, auxiliary lighting, a winch, a full-size spare tire, and a tow receiver. Finished in red over a black vinyl interior with replacement Bestop bucket seats, this CJ-5 is now offered with build receipts, removed original parts, a Chilton service manual, an owner’s manual, and a clear Idaho title in the seller’s name.

Beginning in model year 1955, the Willys CJ-5 off-road vehicle was Kaiser-produced in both sport-utility and pickup form, but ownership later moved under American Motors in 1970. Two years later, a refresh brought about changes to the body and chassis including stretching of the wheelbase by 3” and fitting a new box frame. This CJ-5 is painted red with black accents for the fender flares and sideview mirrors, accompanied by a black full soft top and removable doors. Exterior treatment includes a tubular front bumper with a winch and a light bar, side-mounted nerf bars, and a full-size spare tire along with a jerry can mounted at the rear via a swing-away carrier. Headlights and taillights are upgraded to LED, and a tow receiver is equipped. The seller notes that there is some bubbling underneath the paint at the seams, and there are a few chips from regular use as shown in the photo carousel.

Machined aluminum Ultra 15” wheels are wrapped in newer 33” BFGoodrich mud-terrain tires. The suspension has been lifted and leverages Rancho shock absorbers.

The interior is fitted with Bestop high-back black vinyl bucket seats and replacement seatbelts with quick-release, followed by a matching bench at the far rear. A color-matched center console provides an armrest and storage, and flooring has been rhino-lined with protective rubber mats added. The audio system is a Kenwood AM/FM/CD head unit with a dash-mounted speaker.

Replacement digital instrumentation includes a speedometer, an analog 6k-rpm tachometer, and auxiliary gauges. The GPS-driven digital odometer reads about 500 miles, although true mileage on the chassis is unknown.  

The believed original 304ci V8 was rebuilt 15,000 miles ago and is upgraded with performance headers, an MSD electronic ignition system, a Quadrajet carburetor, and a chrome-finished air cleaner. The fuel tank has been replaced, and an oil change was performed within the last 250 miles. Power is sent to all four wheels via a floor-shifted 3-speed manual transmission and a dual-range transfer case. The seller notes that the transfer case is oily.

Photos showing the underside are available in the carousel.

The sale includes receipts, a Chilton service manual, an owner’s manual, a spare Quadrajet carburetor, and removed original parts. The seller states he is rebuilding some steering components to improve handling.