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For Sale: 1978 Jeep CJ5
The 1978 Jeep CJ5 represents a significant chapter in Jeep’s history from military workhorse to civilian icon. While its lineage traces back to the World War II Willys Jeep, the 1978 model offered specific features that made it stand out. The vehicle came with either a 232 cubic inch (3.8L) inline-six producing 100 horsepower or a 304 cubic inch (5.0L) V8 generating 150 horsepower. Transmission options included a standard T-150 3-speed manual transmission, with an optional T-18 4-speed manual or TH400 3-speed automatic transmission. All transmissions were paired with the Dana 20 two-speed transfer case, providing both high and low-range four-wheel drive capability.
The chassis and suspension utilized a Dana 30 front axle and AMC 20 rear axle, with a leaf spring suspension system featuring four springs. The front springs were longer than the rear for better articulation, and manual-locking front hubs came standard, allowing drivers to engage or disengage the front wheels for better fuel economy during on-road driving. Safety features in 1978 included a padded dashboard, improved windshield wipers, side marker lights, and an improved roll bar design with additional bracing introduced the previous year.
The interior offered several amenities, including high-back bucket seats, an optional Levi’s denim interior, improved heater and defroster system, available AM radio, and optional rear seat. The body retained its iconic shape but featured several improvements, such as better rust protection through improved paint processes, stronger door hinges, updated weather sealing, and optional full metal doors replacing the standard half doors. The vehicle’s dimensions included an 83.5-inch wheelbase, 138.4-inch overall length, 68.5-inch width, 67.6-inch height with soft top, and 6.9 inches of ground clearance.
Special packages available for 1978 included the Renegade Package with special striping and wheels, the Golden Eagle Package featuring a hood decal and unique interior, and the Sport Package with special trim and comfort features. While the CJ5 was eventually replaced by the CJ7, this transition wasn’t solely due to safety regulations but also reflected market demands for more passenger space and comfort. The 1978 model year marked one of the most refined versions of the CJ5, balancing the original military-inspired design with modern conveniences and improved reliability.
A five-year sales history can be seen at Classic.com. In-depth production specifications and performance data is available at Automobile-catalog.com. Current values can be seen at Collectorcarmarket.com. Valuation tables can be seen at Caaarguide.com. For production numbers and values, see Conceptcarz.com. The history of the CJ5 can be read at Silodrome.com.
Image credit – Wikipedia.org
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