1971 jeep CJ5

['956Wheel]

Any Jeep enthusiasts out there??



A co-worker needs to make room in his garage and will be giving me a '71 CJ5 this weekend. No engine, and all is stock. I have a "Iron Duke" 151 or a Buick V6 available as donors. I'm just looking for a little summer project and want to put around in the desert when camping.



What is the best choice for simplicity, dependability and clean installation? Also, I understand this was the last year before the change to a Saginaw steering box, what is the significance of this change? What are the mods I should do? Sources for parts adaptors and such?



I'm not looking to do one of those monster jeeps just a dependable dingy behind the Dodge. Was considering a 4BT but at 700 lbs. + I reconsidered.



Mike

 

[NVR FNSH]

Advance Adapters will be your friend. The frame isn't boxed rearward of the front spring hangers and this can be a problem with hi-po engines/big tires/lots of flex. The saginaw steering conversion will be a wise improvement. Can't remember what axles/trans/brakes are on a '71 but if you run reasonable tires you should be fine with the stock stuff.



I have a '79 CJ-7 and the '72-'79s are quite a bit different.



Brian

 

[Scot]

I had a '67 CJ5 when I was in high skrool. It had a 225 CID Buick V6 with a T86 transmission. I replaced it with a 231 Buick odd fire. ('76) It was a wonderful engine for a CJ5. I would try everything I could to go fuel injection unless you are not going to get it on much of an incline. If you go carb, go Edelbrock/Carter AFB. Avoid Holleys like the plague.



I built a mount and used a Saginaw box. Great improvement. Would not run the original box off road. Use Borgeson joints to match a column.



It probably has the Dana 44 rear and a 44 or 30 front. They will take the engine unless you really abuse it. Recommend going to 11" drums at the least or better yet go disks.

 

[lgibson]

I have a 75 and 76 CJ-5,and a 73 DJ the 76 is stock except for custom engine work. The 75 has a 304 that has more power than I could ever use, and can turn the driveshaft into scrap real quick. The 76 has a 258 I-6 that is perfect for what I use it for. I go and explore back country roads, nothing too bad. I have it equipted with a rear locker and going to put in 4. 56 gearing, and that is all I need.



The first thing I would do is to check the frame for cracks. It is a problem for early Jeeps. Check real good around the front, between the spring hangers. If it is cracked, it is no big deal. It can be fixed. Or you can find a DJ-5 frame because they are boxed and very stout. BTW DJ-5's is just a Deleivery Jeep, Postal Jeeps.



What engine I would want would depend on what is the axle gear ratio. If it had low gears, the Iron Duke will be a good reliable choice. Higher gears the Iron Duke will be underpowered. If I had my choice I would have the Iron Duke and go with lower gears to get the power that I wanted. 5. 38 with a locker in the rear would be a great choice. I would stick with 31" tires. They are a good size and will fit without a lift. And as for the steering, go with a power steering unit. It is worth it. I have owned a Jeep since 1986 and now can't live without it.



There is a good book out about Jeeps called the Jeeps Owners Bible, get it. It is very informative and a must have. Read it and then chose what you wan't to do to it.