1978 Jeep CJ-7 Renegade

Description

The 1976-86 CJ7 was introduced as a longer and more versatile version of the CJ5, featuring a 10-inch longer wheelbase, which provided improved stability and more interior space. 

The '78 CJ7 was available with both hard and soft tops, and it had options for full steel doors or half doors, making it adaptable to various driving conditions and preferences. In addition, the Jeep's design included a wider track and improved suspension. The CJ7 was also offered with an optional automatic transmission, a significant advancement for off-road vehicles at the time. Under the hood, the standard engine was the 4.2-liter (258 cu-in) inline six. 

This Jeep CJ7 has been a five-year project for the consignor, who says everything on the drive train has been or replaced rebuilt. The most notable change was replacing the original 258 cu-in inline six-cylinder engine with a freshly rebuilt 360 cu-in V8 out a 1977 Jeep Wagoneer. The mill was bored 30 over and has an Edelbrock cam, intake, and electric choke carburetor. The CJ7 also received a rebuilt Torqueflite 999 four-speed automatic transmission, among numerous additional upgrades. It was not repainted, since the build was intended for “trail and street.” 

Highlights 

• Finished in Oakleaf Brown (7E) paint with gold stripes/lettering over matching interior and water-resistant bucket seats 

• Five-year rebuild completed in 2024 included: 

  • AMC 360 cu-in V8 from a 1977 Wagoneer, bored 30 over (0.030 inches) 

  • Edelbrock cam, intake, and electric choke carburetor (replaced original 258 cu-in inline-six) 

  • HMI Distributor 

  • Billet pulleys 

  • Bull tear oil pump with oil filter moved back 3 feet 

  • Rebuilt Torqueflite 999 four-speed automatic transmission with B&M shifter 

  • Rebuilt Dana 300 transfer case with two stick shifters 

  • AMC 20 with full floating axles and tubes that are welded with truss support on top 

  • Rear disc brakes 

  • Rebuilt wide track differentials, front and rear, with tracking locking rear 

  • Front differential is a Dana 30 with Lock Rite carrier (3:54 gearing front and rear) 

  • Dual side exhaust 

  • Step plates 

  • 15 inch aluminum wheels 

  • Dick Cepek 33x12.5 15 tires 

  • New speedometer (approximately 90,000 miles on original) 

  • Chrome steering column and additional interior upgrades 

  • Custom leather-wrapped “Renegade” roll bar with Velcro for easy removal and installation 

Features 

• The chassis number (J8M93EA128203) decodes as: 

  • J – Jeep 

  • 8 – 1978 model year 

  • M – 4-speed, left-hand drive 

  • 93 – 94 inch wheelbase 

  • E – 4150 GVW 

  • A – 258 cu-in six-cylinder engine 

  • 128203 – Sequential production number  

• Factory Renegade option package includes: 

  • Exterior decals and graphics 

  • Upgraded aluminum rims and larger all-terrain tires 

  • High-back bucket seats 

  • Tachometer 

  • Dashboard clock 

  • Heavy-duty suspension 

  • Chrome bumpers 

  • Side mirrors 

  • Roll bar 

• Original tan hard top in good condition 

• Dash instrumentation: 85 mph speedometer/odometer with built-in coolant temperature and fuel gauges, 6000 rpm tachometer, battery and oil pressure gauges 

• Custom Autosound AM/FM stereo 

• CB radio 

Known Imperfections 

• Paint scrape on passenger front fender 

• Paint chips on both doors 

• Paint bubbles on driver's side front lower fender and rear quarter panel 

• Paint scrape below fuel cap 

• Crack/hole below license plate 

• Consignor says the vehicle “appears to have some body filler” 

• Paint chip on dash above grab handle 

• Grease spot on passenger seat 

Included 

• Rear-mounted spare tire with “Lil’ Bastard” cover 

• Hood-mounted jack 

Ownership History 

The Missouri consignor of this 1978 Jeep CJ7 Renegade has owned it since October 2019.