Sign InJoin CruzTM

NFI Empire

10093 W Main Rd, North East, PA 16428
4.5
4.5 out of 5 stars
0view

Used 1979 Jeep CJ-7

For Sale:$38,991
Estimated payment:$884/mo.
$0 trade-in, 10% down payment, 48 months, Great credit score
Used 1979 Jeep CJ-7 for sale near Erie, North East, Corry, Fairview, Waterford, Union City
Used 1979 Jeep CJ-7 for sale near Erie, North East, Corry, Fairview, Waterford, Union City
Used 1979 Jeep CJ-7 for sale near Erie, North East, Corry, Fairview, Waterford, Union City
Used 1979 Jeep CJ-7 for sale near Erie, North East, Corry, Fairview, Waterford, Union City
Used 1979 Jeep CJ-7 for sale near Erie, North East, Corry, Fairview, Waterford, Union City
  • SUV
  • Condition
    Used
  • Transmission
    Manual
  • Exterior Color
    White
  • Interior Color
    Black
  • VIN
    -

Engine

350 V8

Message from the seller

1979 Jeep CJ7 For Sale This 1979 Jeep CJ7 is built with a clear purpose. It keeps the steel body and original tub, but the setup here is far from stock, with a 350 small block Chevrolet V8 under the hood, Holley Sniper fuel injection, and an SM465 4-speed manual transmission feeding a Dana 300 transfer case and one-ton axles. It is the kind of CJ7 build that leans fully into trail use, with the short-wheelbase Jeep character still intact but backed by serious drivetrain, steering, and suspension upgrades.The drivetrain and chassis have been outfitted with the right hardware for a rock-crawling style build. It features 4.56 gearing, custom-built and balanced front and rear driveshafts, a front Dana 60 with OX locker and truss, oversized rebuildable steering rod ends, high steer with chromoly links, and a hydro-assist ram. The rear uses Cherokee leaf springs, chosen for their added length over standard CJ leaves, and the front is equipped with hydraulic bump stops inside the coils. A custom spring tower brace was also added and painted to match the Jeep. Disc brakes are equipped at all four corners.The body and structure show the same focus on function. The original tub is noted as rust free and has been Herculiner-coated inside. It is also boat-sided with rock sliders, the rear tub has been wrapped in 1/8-inch material for added strength, and both the front and rear fenders are custom built. Up front, it wears a custom stubby bumper with a Smittybilt 12,000-pound winch, while the frame has been rehabbed and recoated with VHT epoxy paint. An added rear crossmember further reinforces the chassis.Inside, this CJ7 is fitted with Corbeau seats and 4-point harnesses along with a custom-built DOM-tubing roll cage. A Bluetooth sound system has been added, and it also comes with a bikini top for open-air driving. An aluminum radiator helps support cooling duties, and the Jeep rides on Grenade Crawl beadlock wheels with 40-inch tires, plus a matching spare wheel and tire. A 50-inch light bar rounds out the exterior.This is not presented as a restored stock CJ7. It is a purpose-built, V8-swapped Jeep with the right kind of fabrication and trail-minded equipment throughout, built for someone who wants a steel-body CJ7 with serious off-road capability and a lot of mechanical presence.Please call ahead to confirm the vehicle's current availability and viewing location. See the "videos" tab above this description box for a cold start and walk around.

1979 Jeep CJ-7

The 1979 Jeep CJ-7 represented a significant evolution for the iconic Jeep CJ (Civilian Jeep) line, offering a more refined and versatile off-road experience while retaining the rugged, go-anywhere spirit that defined the brand. It was a pivotal model, bridging the gap between the more utilitarian earlier Jeeps and the more modern SUVs that would follow.

Key Features and Enhancements for 1979:

  • Extended Wheelbase: The most defining characteristic of the CJ-7 was its longer wheelbase (103.7 inches) compared to its predecessor, the CJ-5 (83.5 inches). This increased length offered several benefits:

    • Improved Ride Quality: The longer wheelbase significantly smoothed out the ride, making it more comfortable for both on-road cruising and extended off-road excursions.
    • Enhanced Stability: Greater stability was achieved, especially at higher speeds and on uneven terrain.
    • Increased Interior Space: The extended wheelbase allowed for a more spacious interior, providing better legroom for front passengers and more cargo capacity.
    • Improved Towing Capability: The longer wheelbase and more robust chassis contributed to an improved towing capacity.

  • Chassis and Suspension:

    • Wider Track: The CJ-7 featured a wider track than the CJ-5, further enhancing stability and reducing body roll.
    • Robust Frame: Built on a sturdy ladder frame, the CJ-7 was designed to withstand the rigors of off-road abuse.
    • Leaf Spring Suspension: Both front and rear axles were suspended by durable leaf springs, a traditional and proven setup for off-road capability.

  • Powertrains:

    • Standard Engine: The base engine for the 1979 CJ-7 was typically the 258 cubic inch (4.2L) inline-six engine. This engine provided a good balance of torque for off-road crawling and reasonable power for highway driving.
    • Optional Engine: For those seeking more power, the 304 cubic inch (5.0L) V8 engine was available. This offered significantly more grunt and was a popular choice for enthusiasts.
    • Transmissions: A 3-speed automatic transmission was available, offering a more comfortable driving experience, while a 4-speed manual transmission remained the standard and preferred choice for many off-roaders seeking direct control.

  • Body Styles and Tops:

    • Open-Air Experience: Like its predecessors, the CJ-7 was renowned for its open-air driving experience.
    • Removable Doors and Windshield: The doors and windshield could be removed, allowing for the ultimate connection with the environment.
    • Top Options: Customers could choose from a variety of top options:
      • Soft Top: A traditional fabric soft top was a popular and affordable choice, offering weather protection and the ability to be easily folded down.
      • Fiberglass Hardtop: A more insulated and secure fiberglass hardtop provided greater comfort and protection from the elements, making it more suitable for year-round use.

  • 4x4 System:

    • Part-Time Four-Wheel Drive: The legendary Jeep 4x4 system was a cornerstone of the CJ-7's capability. It featured a part-time system with a Dana 20 transfer case, allowing drivers to engage four-wheel drive when needed for increased traction.
    • Axles: The CJ-7 was equipped with robust axles, often a Dana 30 up front and a Dana 44 in the rear, designed for durability and off-road performance.

  • Interior:

    • Basic and Functional: The interior of the CJ-7 was characterized by its basic and functional design, prioritizing utility over luxury.
    • Vinyl Seating: Durable vinyl seats were standard, easy to clean and resistant to wear and tear.
    • Simple Dash Layout: The dashboard featured essential gauges and controls, with a focus on driver interaction with the vehicle's mechanicals.
    • Roll Bar: A prominent roll bar was integrated into the chassis, providing an important safety feature for off-road use.

  • Off-Road Prowess:

    • Excellent Approach, Departure, and Breakover Angles: The CJ-7's design naturally provided impressive off-road geometry, allowing it to navigate steep inclines and obstacles with ease.
    • Good Ground Clearance: Ample ground clearance kept the undercarriage safe from damage on rough terrain.
    • Strong Torque: The available engines, particularly the inline-six and V8, provided ample torque for low-speed crawling and climbing.

Legacy:

The 1979 Jeep CJ-7 was a highly successful model that cemented the Jeep brand's reputation for off-road capability and open-air freedom. It appealed to a wide range of buyers, from dedicated off-road enthusiasts and adventurers to those seeking a stylish and capable vehicle for everyday use. Its longer wheelbase and improved comfort made it more accessible to a broader audience, paving the way for the more SUV-like Jeep vehicles that would emerge in later decades. Today, the 1979 CJ-7 remains a highly sought-after classic, celebrated for its blend of vintage charm and enduring off-road performance.

0view
Listed on April 10, 2026 (4 days ago)
Not the right one?3 similar vehicles available nationwide
View Similar Vehicles

This Used 1979 Jeep CJ-7 is available for drivers in Erie, North East, Corry, Fairview, Waterford, Union City ...

Cruz™ Disclaimer: Vehicle details shown on this site are provided by sellers or third parties. Cruz™ does not independently verify this information and is not liable for its accuracy. All services and content are offered without any warranty, either expressed or implied. Learn more here.MPG & Max Range: Fuel economy estimates are provided by the EPA and are intended for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, vehicle condition, and other factors.Price: Prices shown may not include taxes, fees, or other charges. Prices and availability are subject to change without notice. Contact the seller for the most current pricing information.Options & Features: Installed options may not be shown. Contact the seller for more information about available features and options.