Restoring 1974 Cj-5

Hello, I've just started the restoration on a 1974 CJ-5 with the AMC 258, T-14 transmission, Dana 20 transfer case, and Dana 30 & 44 axles with a 3.73 ratio. What started out as plans for a modified Jeep now has evolved to trying to keep things mostly stock, except for a few items, such as 31" tires and a 2.5" suspension lift. I also plan on adding an electronic distributor, aluminum radiator, engine block heater, front disc brakes, and an electric engine fan.

While I'm restoring it I'd like to address any known 'weak spots' and at the end of the restoration have a Jeep that could be used as a daily driver that can travel comfortably down the highway at 65 mph, should the mood strike.

 

welcome to forum
you have a excellent platform to start with
we do like pictures

 

Thanks for the welcome! I'll try and add some photos, I need to resize them first.

 

Welcome from Boston.

I see no obvious weaknesses to point out. That Jeep is fully highway capable from the factory, with no changes. Make sure that you have sufficient caster once you install your lift springs.

 

Caster, Bump steer and toe adjustment are going to dictate how comfortable it is at highway speeds. Others may disagree, but I recommend a sway bar on the highway.

 

Agreed, I will be sure the suspension geometry is correct. I have a sway bar on another Jeep project (a 1982 CJ-7), and it appears to be compatible with my CJ-5.

Can anyone verify?

 

I am curious about the sway bar also, just finishing a 1974 cj5 with sbc, turbo 350 Trans and np205 tcase. I used the rocky road conversion to go to the jeep wrangler leaf springs with soa. Rides alot smoother than the stock cj5 but is very hard to handle on the pavement. Was hoping a sway bar might help.

 

What's your caster angle?

First post. Welcome from Boston.

Lots of old discussion of steering geometry if you search. site:earlycj5.com caster angle - Bing

 

I haven't made it to the alignment shop, just finishing building the rear bumper with my taillights so I can take it in to town. I noticed others have got a print out and posted it, ill do that

 

What is the best caster to have it set at? That is a nice looking CJ you got there. What are the long pieces sticking out the front, Bumper extension?

 

Bumper brackets, last two projects are custom front and rear bumper. The rocky road wrangler soa conversion says it is already set for the proper camber, but I think I will take it to the alignment shop and find out for sure. I think I'll stick with what other people have found works best.

 

You need to set caster and toe-in. The camber is built-in to the axle. The shop can adjust toe-in and center the steering, but you'll have to add caster shims to adjust the caster. Caster will make a major difference in tracking and stability.

 

I'm a HUGE fan of upgraded seat belts for Jeeps running over 55MPH. Retractable shoulder belts if you can.
Power steering if you don't already have it.
Pick a good set of tires. They make a difference in noise and drivability.
Insure your defrosters work. Upgrade if necessary.
Interior sound dampening. Rugs would be nice in the winter.

 

Welcome from Idaho!

 

With that drivetrain how long is the rear driveshaft?

 

Check your caster angle, toe adjustment, steering box and steering shaft joints. It's pretty easy to adapt a later cj5/7 swaybar to work on an earlier jeep.

 

Here's a pic of how we set up my '75 . Backed off @ 89 MPH once......went straight as a arrow .I think a Steering Damper is a must.

 

Oh, Sorry again here. Welcome from the ' South Shore of Lake Ontario ' .
Your gonna love the Front disc's. Night & Day at any Speed !

 

I think when I measured the tube is about 9in. But that doesn't include the double cardin joint in front and rear ujoint