Model Specifics
In breaking it all down, the AMC era splits into two distinct time periods and three distinct models. The 1972–1975 years and then the 1976–1986 years represent time periods that had distinct differences. The three significant models of CJs during this 15-year run are the CJ-5, CJ-7, and CJ-8. Note: The CJ-6 model was produced during the AMC era from 1972 to 1975 but was never a mainstream vehicle. Inessence, the CJ-6 from 1972 to 1975 shared all the same parts as a CJ-5 of the same era, with some obvious exceptions such as bodies, tops, and a rear driveshaft. The next few paragraphs cover the important details of the time periods and models.
1972–1975
The earliest AMC-produced CJ-5 had an 84-inch wheelbase, 3 inches longer than the 1971 and earlier CJ-5s. The increase was inserted at the rear of the front clip. During the first few years of the AMC era, the CJ retained many of the design features found in the prior year’s CJ-5. The most notable differences were standard electric wipers with an exterior-mounted engine, individual taillights and reverse lights, a rear-mounted fuel tank, and Saginaw steering with a power option. The braking system was upgraded to 11-inch drum brakes using a newly introduced proportioning valve (1974). These early CJs had a stamped “Jeep” logo on the body in front of each door until later in the 1974 model, when the stamping was moved lower and used the plain Jeep lettering.
An iconic Renegade ad from 1973 shows the Jeep used in a more sporty form than utility. This early trend continued in the CJ series throughout its run. “The toughest four letter word on wheels” and “Only in a Jeep” were some favorite catchphrases from the era. (Photo Courtesy Fiat Chrysler Automobiles)
The introduction of the CJ-7 allowed Jeep to offer options not found in previous CJ models such as an automatic transmission, a hardtop, full-time four-wheel drive, and added space. Early CJ-7 ads capitalized on the new details of the longer CJ. (Photo Courtesy Fiat Chrysler Automobiles)
The Renegade model was continued and saw some changes in the striping features. In 1973 only, a new trim package called the Super Jeep was introduced when supply for the aluminum Renegade wheels ran short. This model featured colorful 1970s-style striping from front to rear. Interestingly, Jeep toyed with the idea of reissuing the Super Jeep in 1976 to celebrate America’s bicentennial. A few were produced but were never available to the public.
1976–1986
The CJ lineup received many changes in 1976, including the introduction of the longer CJ-7 and eventually, in 1981, the even-longer CJ-8. A new floor layout was introduced to accommodate the larger optional automatic transmission. The frame was widened in the rear starting behind the front leaf spring mounts and reaching full width just before the rear spring mounts. The rear leaf springs were widened to 2½ inches and a front sway bar was added. These improvements helped the CJ’s road handling and stability. To further improve the CJ’s road manners, Jeep introduced front disc brakes with a power brake option, and in 1982 wider “Wide Trak” front and rear axles were added to the CJ-7 and CJ-8.
The CJs of this time period included many other notable details. The heater system was improved and air conditioning was optional. The taillights were integrated to merge the brake lights and reverse lights. The wiper motor was moved to the inside of the windshield and the dash was redesigned to include heater controls, optional tachometer, and clock. Other interior additions included a locking steering column with an optional tilt and a radio.
1972–1975 Specifications
Engines: 232 I-6, 258 I-6, 304 V-8
Transmissions: T14, T15, T18
Transfer Case: Dana Model 20
Rear Axle: Dana 44
Front Axle: Dana 30
1976–1986 Specifications
Engines: 151 I-4 (Iron Duke), 150 I-4 (AMC), 258 I-6, 304 V-8
Transmissions: T150, T18, T4, T5, SR4, T176
Transfer Case: Dana Model 20, Dana Model 300
Rear Axle: AMC Model 20, Dana 44
Front Axle: Dana Model 30
Models
The AMC CJ era continued the use of the original CJ name, at first with just the CJ-5 model and later with the addition of the CJ-7 and CJ-8. Each of the three mainstream models share many features but all have their own unique detail that sets them apart.
1976–1983 CJ-5
The final run of the CJ-5 still included the 83½-inch wheelbase but was now equipped with a widened rear frame section, which was fully boxed starting in 1977, and a front sway bar to improve road handling. The rear springs were increased in width to 2½ inches. Notable CJ-5 Models were Renegade, Golden Eagle, and Laredo.
1976–1986 CJ-7
The CJ-7 was the first new CJ since 1955, and it was a near-perfect CJ featuring a 93½-inch wheelbase. The extra 10 inches were added at the rear of the door opening, widening the entrance to actually allow a person to enter the Jeep without special maneuvers. This extra space created increased room behind the front seats and allowed the rear seat to be mounted more forward to create useable room in the rear. The optional factory hardtop including lockable full metal doors with roll-up windows offered a quieter, more secure interior. The U-shaped door easily identifies the CJ-7. The CJ-7 had the same frame and suspension features as the CJ-5, with the exception of some added space in the middle. This model always had a tailgate and most often had a spare tire mounted to a swing-away body-mounted carrier. Notable CJ-7 models were Renegade, Golden Eagle, and Laredo.
A 1978 CJ-7 on the trail sporting its bright yellow paint and a list of modifications and accessories a mile long. The swapped AMC 360 V-8 runs through a T-18 transmission and a TeraLow-equipped Dana 20 transfer case. Both front and rear axles are swapped Dana 44s from a Scout.
The 1980s brought the Scrambler, a small truck like the CJ, that would gain an almost cult following after the discontinuation in 1986. The added wheelbase gave extra interior room, but the increased rear overhang could be troublesome off-road. Fortunately, the Scrambler shared nearly all the same components as the other CJs so modification options were nearly endless. This 1981 Scrambler sits in its owner’s garage after the completion of an AMC 4.2L I-6 to AMC 401 V-8 swap.
A rare Wedgewood Blue 1979 CJ-5 looks at home on the boardwalk at the Jersey shore. This Jeep is an unrestored survivor Jeep found in Oregon, equipped with year-correct Goodyear Tracker tires and 304 V-8. (Photo Courtesy Eric Jankowski)
1981–1986 CJ-8
The CJ-8, more commonly called Scrambler, was essentially a CJ-7 with 10 inches of wheelbase (103½ inches) added to the area behind the door and 14 inches added to the rear of the body to create a small truck-like bed. This Jeep featured a small-cab hardtop and the interior was equipped with a removable separator between the bed and front seats. The final year of the Scrambler was 1985 with an extremely limited run of only 2,015 built, with some likely carried over as 1986 models.
Spotting a Renegade
The Renegade was a regular model