This 1979 Jeep Wagoneer has left most of its 1970s technology in the rearview mirror. That’s because its body and interior have been grafted onto a 2006 Dodge Durango chassis – with four-wheel-drive. That means it’s also Hemi-powered and has fuel injection. Ready to be driven anywhere, this “Wagonrango” is in Wadsworth, Ohio, and is available here on craigslist for $8,500. Another cool tip brought to us by Rocco B.!
Kaiser Jeep was sold to American Motors in 1970, which enabled AMC to expand its portfolio. In turn, some of the Jeeps benefitted from AMC’s involvement and this ’79 Wagoneer may have once had an AMC 304 or 360 cubic inch V8 under the hood. Now it has a Hemi there, but not because of Chrysler who wouldn’t buy into American Motors until 1987. It’s because someone took a bold initiative and made a restomod out of two vehicles.
We suppose you could think of this project as making the best of both worlds. Gone are finicky gadgets like carburetors and points and condensors. Chances are that if you need any parts going forward, you’d have better luck finding them for a 2006 vehicle than one from 1979. We’re told this Wagoneer had a decent body to begin with and today only some patina is peeking through on the roof.
The seller or someone had an AWD Dodge Durango that served for the chassis swap. Everything under the hood is modern and performs well (or so we’re told). Starting with the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with EFI, 5-speed automatic transmission, and an electronically shifted transfer case. Then move on to the 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS and some newer parts like the water pump and radiator. If you took the plunge on this vehicle, you’d likely have a one-of-a-kind. Oh, and the seller is willing to consider interesting trades.
Outstanding-another example of “use whatcha got!”, and though it looks like it’s a wider track than the original it’s not some testosterone overdosed kid with a 10” lift and ridiculous wheels-this looks like it’s done the right way.
One thing is apparent, however- the seller (a no BS individual) mentions this has no AC-but the compressor is still in place with the wiring and belt connected; no way to vent it, perhaps.
Too, the gauges from the Durango hidden in the center mounted glove box are a nice feature!
Probably a good thing this isn’t any closer than it is…
Is this the same one that was listed in September? https://barnfinds.com/durangoneer-1979-jeep-wagoneer-bodied-hemi-durango/
Oh, for the love of,,,I suppose it’s no secret I’m in the LEAVE IT ALONE camp, but it’s probably the most logical update, with all the crashes, hemis being a dime a dozen these days. ( until you need one, that is, at $8grand a pop) Someone sure did a nice job here, and quick correction, these could be had with the bulletproof 258 in line 6, like mine had. It’s why I’m aghast with a hemi, when my 6 did just fine.
Too bad, they couldn’t make the air conditioning work. I bet this thing rattles like hell when a pebble is run over on the road.
GOSH DANG IT another one to want!!! BUT I have found several 57 Buick wagons!!!
Time out.. Is this the same one featured in September? It looks better with the steel wheels. Those Durango alloys look like a time warp gone bad! IMHO all J series, and Wagoneer trucks look best with the painted white wagon wheels with the red & blue pinstripe. Wadsworth and Cleveland are in the same corner of Ohio. Are these the same vehicle? https://barnfinds.com/durangoneer-1979-jeep-wagoneer-bodied-hemi-durango/
Is this the same Jeep that was featured in September by Todd Fitch?
it sure looks like it. more finishing and a much lower price