Simple question

I just finished the rebuild of a 59 CJ5 and am curious. Given a rebuilt (completely) engine and the original T90 transmission, what should I get as a top speed on flat ground?

 

An obvious question, I don't know what the gears are installed. I suspect they are whatever was factory original in 1959 for a CJ5 with an f-134 engine. My distributor still uses centrifugal advance, and the generator still has a spot for oil to be added, the air filter is still the oil bath type, the oil filter is paper, and I have the proper (NOS) Carter YF carb; so I presume the gearing hasn't been upgraded.

As a side note, I am disabled and my ability to work on the jeep myself is terribly limited. I used to do all my own work, but now I have to pay other to do for me. Most of my queries are going to be used to help my mechanic get things back to original without reinventing the wheel.

Also, does anyone have any tips on checking for proper spring tension on the centrifugal advance? The engine pops and sputters (timing advancing too far too fast)

 

Thanks for this info. Right now it's hesitating and sputtering at thirty to thirty five and I was certain that she should do forty-five to fifty at least because our M151's did that in Korea and along the grenz in Germany, they wanted to do more, but the suspension made them float on the road at those speeds.

I have overdrive, (PTO too) but felt that I should be able to putter around better than I am before using it.

Thanks again for the input

 

between New york state and Missouri on 32"s no/od 5.38:1 and a tired engine the fastest i got was 70mph down hill, wide open throttle. 11-16mpg for 1000mi averaged 55mph.

 

Love the "anti-theft" device

..or is that the seat belt?

 

Here's a link that might help... http://www.grimmjeeper.com/gears.html
What's the story on your anti-theft device? Pretty cool...

 

Chris:

 

Chris:
Thanks for the useful link for speed calculation.

The anti-theft device is my own design. I ordered a leg hold trap and welded it to a piece of 1/8"X1 inch stock. I use this when I'm out and about, it's quick to instal (I powered down the springs so it'll snap shut and scare the crap outta someone but won't actually harm them). And nobody seems to be anxious to sit on it. Even though it's powered down the seat is pretty unusable considering it's a standard shift. If you straddle it you can't reach the brake or clutch unless you're severely bow legged. With the trap held open your legs don't fit under the wheel.

For here at the house I have a heavy streel clamshell that covers the entire steering wheel and spins freely. The damned thing weighs ten pounds but can't be cut off, they can't remove the steering wheel, thay can't steer with it on, so unless they have a tow truck they can't drive it, tow it, or push it as they can't move the steering wheel.

I have my starter switch on the floor, three normal shift levers (two of em have neutral). plus overdrive (with a neutral) and PTO.

I may be in a major metro area but there's hundreds of deer camps not too far away and lots of extreem off roaders all of whom would be happy to steal my prize and never have her on the road again, or, across the border to old mexico. I'm paranoid about loosing this.

 

i have gotten mine to 55mph downhill.
but it didnt like it.
it purrs right along at 40-45
i think of him as an antique tractor and we get along fine....

 

Uncle Bill (et al.,)
I agree, the CJ5 was advertised as a substitute for a tractor and should be thought of more like a mule than a thoroughbred. I'm hesitating in third with 2/3 of the accelerator's travel unused and only going thirty to thirty-five. I need the overdrive to keep up with surface street traffic going forty-five, and I have a need to go on the freeway for about an hour once or twice a month. I'm already planning ways to avoid getting in the way of bigger-faster things as the Phoenix metro area is noted for foolish drivers.

Your advice has confirmed my suspicion that although I should avoid racing in the top fuel eliminator class, forty-five to fifty miles/hr without O/D is well within normal operation.

What's the prevailing opinion on having a magnetic slow vehicle sign with small flashing light on the back of the Jeep when headed on to the freeway system here in town?

 

I avoid the interstate for that reason. My Jeep is comfortable at 45mph and I can get it up to 60 on flat, but I don't like to push it that hard for very long at all. I'm legal on the interstate, but with the speed limit at 75mph the closure rate is too high for comfort for me. If you HAVE to travel the interstate I think a slow vehicle sign is a good investment, albeit a little embarassing.

 

With my :hurrican: I only take her out when I am not in a rush and can enjoy the area I'm going thru slow but sure....

 

When we were both much younger, I got my CJ5 up to 70 once for a few seconds. We both survived, somehow.

Probably helped to have the windshield folded down . . .

Did I mention I was much younger then?

I regularly ran at 60, but the geartrain noise was barely tolerable.