Jeep CJ-5 V8 Renegade
The Jeep CJ-5 holds the distinction of being the longest-produced variant in the entire CJ lineage, with an extraordinary 28-year production run from 1955 to 1983. Originally developed from the military M38A1 and initially produced by Willys-Overland (later Kaiser-Jeep, then AMC), the CJ-5 evolved through multiple ownership changes while maintaining the fundamental formula that had made the Jeep an American icon: a compact, capable, go-anywhere vehicle with no pretensions of luxury.
The Renegade package, introduced in 1970, was AMC's attempt to market the CJ-5 to a younger, more recreation-oriented audience. The Renegade added eye-catching graphics, stripes, and color combinations that transformed the utilitarian Jeep into something approaching a lifestyle vehicle. Combined with the optional 304-cubic-inch AMC V8, the Renegade was the most powerful and visually striking CJ-5 variant available.
The 304 V8, drawn from AMC's passenger car engine line, produced 150 SAE net horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque when equipped with the two-barrel carburetor. While these numbers seem modest, they represented a significant upgrade over the standard 232 or 258 inline-six engines, providing notably stronger acceleration and better ability to maintain speed on highways and steep grades. The V8's broader torque curve also improved off-road crawling capability, particularly when combined with the Dana 20 transfer case and available low-range gearing.
The CJ-5's off-road capability was built on an 81-inch wheelbase that allowed the compact Jeep to navigate obstacles and trails that longer vehicles could not manage. The leaf-spring solid axle suspension front and rear provided excellent wheel travel and durability, and the Dana 30 front and AMC 20 rear axles were robust enough for moderate off-road use. The short overhangs provided excellent approach and departure angles for rock crawling and steep terrain.
The Renegade's visual appeal was considerable for its era. Bold stripe packages in contrasting colors, available in combinations like Jetset Blue with white stripes or Firecracker Red with gold accents, gave the CJ-5 a sporty personality entirely different from its military ancestry. The package typically included wider tires, spoke-style wheels, sport steering wheel, and Renegade-specific decals.
On-road behavior was, to put it diplomatically, agricultural. The CJ-5's short wheelbase, high center of gravity, leaf spring suspension, and recirculating ball steering combined to produce handling that was adequate on backroads but genuinely unpleasant on highways. The ride was harsh, the wind noise was significant even with a hardtop, and the vehicle was susceptible to crosswinds. These were accepted trade-offs for the CJ-5's unmatched off-road capability.
The CJ-5's rollover propensity was a safety concern that led to extensive litigation and eventually contributed to its replacement by the wider, longer CJ-7 in the late 1970s. The final CJ-5s were produced in 1983, ending a production run that had seen over 600,000 units built.
Today, the CJ-5 Renegade is a popular collector vehicle, prized for its classic Jeep styling, reasonable size for modern traffic, and the nostalgic appeal of the Renegade graphics package. V8-equipped examples are particularly sought after for their superior performance.
Rust is the primary concern; check frame rails, body mounts, floor pans, and fender wells thoroughly. The AMC 304 V8 is reliable but check for cracked exhaust manifolds and oil leaks. The Dana 20 transfer case is adequate but check for worn bearings. Leaf springs sag over time and should be inspected. Original Renegade graphics are extremely valuable if intact; reproduction decals are available. Hardtops are more desirable than soft-top-only vehicles. Ensure roll bar is present and properly mounted.
The CJ-5 was produced from 1955 to 1983, the longest run of any CJ variant. Over 600,000 units were built across all years. The Renegade package was introduced in 1970. The 304 V8 was available from 1971 to 1981. Built at Jeep's Toledo plant under Willys, Kaiser, and AMC ownership.