THE JEEP THAT STARTED IT ALL
The Jeep CJ, meaning civilian jeep, had the longest production run of any Jeep built so far. Starting with the first CJ in 1944 built by Willys-Overland running all the way until the last CJ built by AMC rolled off the assembly line in 1986. With such a long production run, many revisions and redesigns occurred. Here are some tips to help identify some of the CJs you may encounter.
CJ-2 1945
Although the Willys-Overland CJ-2 was not really available for retail. The CJ-2s, were the second generation prototype. Using the Willys same “Go Devil Engine,” but stripped of all military features. The earlier models had brass plaques on the hood and a windshield that read “JEEP”. The spare tire was mounted near the passenger-side rear wheel on the earlier models and then mounted on the rear in the later additions
1949 JEEP CJ-3
It featured a one-piece windshield with a vent as well as wipers at the bottom. There were also a shorter rear wheel-well (the wheel-well from the top front edge to the rear of the body is 32 inches (810 mm) on the 3A compared to 34 inches (860 mm) on the 2A) and moving the driver seat backward.
1955-1983 JEEP CJ-5
To accommodate the new engines, the fenders and hood were stretched 5 inches starting in 1972 and the wheelbase was stretched 3 inches. Other drive train changes took place then as well, including the front axle becoming a full-floating Dana 30. In 1973, a new dash was used, with a single gauge in the center of the dash housing the speedometer, fuel and temp gauges. In 1976 the tub and frame were modified slightly from earlier versions. The frame went from an open channel to boxed in front of the rear axle, and the body tub became more rounded. The windshield frame and windshield angle were also changed, meaning that tops from 1955 to 1975 will not fit a 1976-1983 CJ5 and vice-versa. For 1977, power disc brakes and the “Golden Eagle” package (which included a tachometer) were new options. An AM/FM radio became optional in 1981.
JEEP CJ-7 GOLDEN EAGLE 1977-1983
Came with a soft top or hard top option, Removable carpet, Radio, Moon roof for CJ7 Hardtops, Side steps, Power disc brakes, Power steering, Tachometer, 304ci V8, Air conditioning, and Golden eagle decals (massive golden eagle on the hood cannot miss it).
1970-1983 CJ-7 RENEGADE
Has the same options as the Golden Eagle. The main difference was colors and interior. The renegade came with Levis’ denim interior.
1955-1971 JEEP CJ-6 1955-1971
The CJ-6 was simply a 20-inch (508 mm) longer-wheelbase (101 in, 1955-1971 – `04 in, 1972–1981) CJ-5. Introduced in 1955 as a 1956 model, the CJ-6 was never very popular in the United States. Most CJ6 models were sold to Sweden, Australia and South America.
JEEP CJ-7, 1976-1986 MODEL YEARS
The Jeep CJ-7 featured a longer wheelbase than the CJ-5 and lacked the noticeable curvature of the doors previously seen on the CJ-5. To help improve vehicle handling and stability the rear section of the chassis stepped out to allow the road springs and dampers to be mounted closer to the outside of the body.
JEEP RENEGADE 1976-1986
Equipped with a rear step bumper, cigar lighter, ashtray, air conditioning, tachometer, and rally clock, and sports steering wheel. The front seats have horizontal stitching. Usually the dead giveaway was the Renegade decals on the hood for the Jeep. They differ from year to year in style.
CJ-7 GOLDEN EAGLE 1976-1979
Came with a soft top or hard top option, Removable carpet, Radio, Moon roof for CJ7 Hardtops, Side steps, Power disc brakes, Power steering, Tachometer, 304ci V8, Air conditioning, and Golden eagle decals (massive golden eagle on the hood cannot miss it).
JEEP CJ-7 LAREDO 1980-1986
Includes 15x 8” chrome wheels, chrome grille, front bumper, and rear bumpers. A swing-away spare tire in the rear with chrome latches, chrome mirrors, chrome hood latches, custom door panels, and limited decals and striping.
THE JEEP JAMBOREE EDITION
To honor the 30th anniversary of the Jeepers Jamboree. On the exterior, all Jamborees came standard with Topaz Gold Metallic or Olympic White paint, Jamboree hood decal, chrome wheels and bumpers, black soft top, black rocker trim, and special spare tire cover.
THE CJ-8 (SCRAMBLER) 1981-1984
The Jeep CJ8 was a long wheel-base version of the CJ-7, introduced in 1981. It featured a 103-inch (2,616 mm) wheelbase and a removable half-cab, creating a small pick-up style box instead of utilizing a separate pickup bed. Many CJ-8’s were equipped with the “Scrambler” appearance package which included decal graphics and special wheels.
THE JEEP CJ10 1981-1985
The Jeep CJ-10 was a CJ-bodied pick up truck based on a heavily modified Jeep J10 pickup truck.Produced from 1981 to 1985, it was sold and designed for export markets, Australia in particular.They featured rectangular headlights mounted in the fenders and a ten-slot grille, where all other CJ Jeeps had a seven-slot grille. The CJ-10 could have either a hard or soft top.
