Hello, I’m selling my brother in-laws Jeep for him. Let me know if you have any questions.

1979 Jeep Grand Wagoneer – Built Trail Rig / 401 AMC / Tons of Character

If you’re looking for a classic full-size Jeep that’s been built to wheel—not a mall crawler—this one delivers. This ’79 Grand Wagoneer has been trail-used and proven for years and consistently runs with much newer and more built rigs. Simple, strong, and capable. Owned by the same family since 1999.

Powertrain

• AMC 401 V8 (rebuilt early 2000s). Exact mileage unknown, estimated ~30k miles on the rebuild. Strong runner and very reliable.

• Motorcraft 2-barrel carb with modified float to prevent flooding on steep climbs and side hills.

• TorqueFlite 727 automatic. Shifts well and drives great (does have a known leak—see below).

• 4.11 gears front and rear—great match for the 35s.

Axles / Drivetrain

• Front: Stock Wagoneer Dana 44 with 8-lug ¾-ton knuckles.

• PowerTrax Lock-Right locker in the front Detroit locker in rear.

• Rear: Narrowed GM Corporate 14-bolt. Narrowed to keep front/rear widths within legal limits (about 1.5” of tire poke).

• Strong, simple, and trail-proven setup.

Wheels & Tires

• 35” tires on 8x6.5 wagon wheels.

• Mixed BFGs: ATs up front, MTs in the rear. Sounds odd, works great—no drivability issues and plenty of grip.

Trail Gear

• On-board air via converted Motorcraft A/C compressor (York-style setup).

• ~4 CFM output

• Fast tire refills

• With a tank and minor mods, can run a ½” air gun

• CB radio with PA system (needs antenna and tuning).

This is a drive-it-to-the-trail, wheel-all-day, drive-it-home rig.

Known Issues

*Needs suspension work, it’s really loose on the road.

• Has been sitting; all fluids should be changed.

• Transfer case vacuum actuator for 4x4 is bad. 4x4 works fine, but engagement is currently manual at the transfer case. Easy fix with a cable or replacing the actuator and adding a vacuum switch.

• Valve cover gaskets leaking.

• Exhaust manifold gasket leak at cylinder #7 (driver rear). Ticks cold, quiets when warm.

• Transmission leak from shift shaft seal. After sitting, converter drains back and it loses ~1.5 qts. Needs service and reseal.

• Body & floor boards are in rough shape. All exterior trim and grille included.

• Includes factory headlights and bezels; wiring needed to run both sets. Mid-conversion to J-series front end, needs grill—easy to finish either way.

• Interior is usable but tired. Driver’s seat is broken and needs replacement; front door panels are missing.

Price

💰 $3499 OBO

Motivated seller. If you’re looking for a legit full-size Jeep trail rig with a AMC 401 Big block, locked axles, and on-board air—this is a solid starting point with the hard work already done.