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Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by Hammbone, Jun 15, 2014.

  1. Jun 15, 2014
    Hammbone

    Hammbone New Member

    Acton, CA
    Joined:
    Jun 11, 2014
    Messages:
    9
    My name is Ted and I Just wanted to say "Hi". I just became the owner of a 1973 CJ5 with the 403 engine, 3 speed trans. Due to the circumstances around my obtaining this Jeep, I know nothing of it's past history. The Drive line seems to be pretty much stock. After market Holly Carb, and headers (I've seen a lot of you don't like headers on these, and I'm not real happy with the noise level, so they will probably go at some time). Items I'm curious about...did these come with, or have as an option posi-traction? At least in 2 WD, no matter what I do (straight, turning, etc), both rear tires spin. Also, it seems like at about 60 mph it sounds like it is about to came apart at the seams...I'm suspecting maybe the differential gears may be somewhat lower than would come stock?? Someone added a tubular frame beneath the seats, and put in "racing" seats with 5 point restraints...this would be OK, except they are set up for someone about 5'4" tall...I'm about 6'1" and when I'm driving my knees, belly, and steering wheel (a little bitty thing) all get tied up together. Plus at night I'm constantly hitting the headlight switch with my knee turning off the lights. I need to get rid of the fancy seat, and maybe re-do the attachment system the seats mount to so I can have a little room for knees when driving. Plus as I sit in the seat the top of my head is about level with the roll cage...so these seats are quit a bit higher (taller?) than stock. The body edges have all been reinforced like for rock crawling or something with tubular steel...fender edges, under the door areas, etc, but the underbelly seems pretty stock without added armor. I'm currently waiting for maintenence and repair manuals, timing light, etc as the Jeep is in bad need of a tune up..and I sold all the equipment like timing lights years ago. Also, the steering is real squirrely...I suspect a combination of worn parts and the tiny steering wheel...hard to keep in one lane on twisty highway.

    I will probably have lots of bone headed questions as I get going with getting this back on the road (safely).

    I'd post some pics, but I'm severely "Tech challenged" and as yet have not figured out how to add them to this message.
     
  2. Jun 15, 2014
    Mike S

    Mike S Sponsor

    Cameron Park Ca.
    Joined:
    Oct 6, 2009
    Messages:
    811
    Last edited: Jun 15, 2014
  3. Jun 15, 2014
    Hammbone

    Hammbone New Member

    Acton, CA
    Joined:
    Jun 11, 2014
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    9
    Thanks Mike. I forgot to add, I'm in Acton, CA...small town in northern Los Angeles County. Got a small (very small) ranch here, but we adjoin National Forest on two sides, so we feel like we have a big spread.

    I'm wanting to use pics that are on my computer and I got the one on to my profile page...just haven't figured out getting more on this post. I click on the icon, but it asks me for a url...which my limited knowledge indicates it would be loading from an "outside" source, not from my own computer?

    Ted
     
  4. Jun 15, 2014
    tarry99

    tarry99 Member

    Northern California
    Joined:
    Oct 29, 2012
    Messages:
    3,784
    Welcome from Nor Cal or east of San Fran..............The pictures need to be first loaded on and outside vendor like Photo Bucket........and then loaded directly from there to here.
     
  5. Jun 15, 2014
    Mike S

    Mike S Sponsor

    Cameron Park Ca.
    Joined:
    Oct 6, 2009
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    811
    Ted, you must post your photos to a site that specializes in hosting images. I use Picasa, but there are a lot of them out there.

    Once you have the photo/image hosted, you copy the URL----the internet address of the image and paste it into the message you want to post. You use the "insert image" icon which is above the window where you type your message--------looks like a square with dots at the corners, and tree in the middle. Click it, it will open up a window where you paste the address for the hosted image. Much harder to describe than to actually do.
     
  6. Jun 15, 2014
    Hammbone

    Hammbone New Member

    Acton, CA
    Joined:
    Jun 11, 2014
    Messages:
    9
    Thanks...now I get it it...will post some pics related to my problem areas later this evening.

    Ted
     
  7. Jun 15, 2014
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    Aug 10, 2003
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    Hi Ted - I guess you mean the 304 engine? AMC also had a 401, but those were not factory equipment for the CJ.

    Headers are great! (not). Hot, noisy, leaky, fragile. Did I mention leaky? The factory iron manifolds are darn good for cast iron manifolds.

    A limited slip differential (LSD) - the Dana-Spicer TracLock - was a popular option for these. It's not a very aggressive LSD and wears out pretty fast. You need to take the cover off the rear axle and have a look. Besides the TracLock, there could be one of many different aftermarket traction devices in there.

    You can also check out the gear ratio while you are there. There should be a tag on the front and back differential with the gear ratio. Or, with the cover off, the tooth counts of the ring and pinion are stamped into the edge of the ring gear. For example, "41 11" is 41/11 = 3.73 ratio. These Jeeps came with the 3.73 ratio standard and the 4.27 ratio optional. Both of these ratios are quite streetable, IMO. However, Jeeps are pretty noisy - there's no insulation, there are lots of moving parts, and tire and wind noise will be significant. You kinda have to accept that the engine is going to turn around 3000 rpm on the highway. That's fine for the 304, but most drivers of passenger cars are not used to the noises it makes. So maybe it's you, or maybe it's the Jeep.

    IMO you really need the FACTORY service manual. It is available as a reprint from most of the Jeep retailers - here's an example: http://thejeep.com/shop/TECH+MANUAL....html?osCsid=de9f0682cde2d6b46a67d2d2f942df18 There is a 1974 manual online at http://oljeep.com/edge_parts_man.html - the '73 CJ is darn close to identical to the '74, but I would buy the proper manual.

    We need pics.

    Re the squirrely steering, it's a common complaint. It's often the result of lift without correcting the caster. You have the factory steering column with a tiny steering wheel? Do you have power steering? You could have worn parts, or bad alignment, or the PO may have screwed up the steering. Back in the day, I drove my new '73 all over Southern California and Arizona without any concern over stressful steering. I drove my first '75 CJ-6 (also bought new) on a 50 mile each way commute on the CA freeways, and drove fast enough to get speeding tickets. So there's nothing that says that highway driving has to be stressful.

    The seating is a common complaint. I'm 5' 9" with a 29" inseam and I fit fine. There is a modification - the wheelhouse notch - that allows the seat to be moved back some. The drivers seat is adjustable, and the seat back should be all the way back against the wheelhouse. The bottom bolsters of some replacement seats are also thick and may reduce the clearance to the steering wheel. These Jeeps come with the big black bus wheel from the factory, about 17" in diameter. Most drivers can adapt, but it's a very upright posture. A tilt column conversion is also a common mod.

    You covered a lot of topics. This should be a good start. There's no problem with starting a new thread for each question, but you may be chided if you don't search for previous discussion if you ask a frequent question.

    Welcome from Boston!
     
    Last edited: Jun 15, 2014
  8. Jun 15, 2014
    rusty

    rusty Well-Known Member

    norfolk,va
    Joined:
    Dec 16, 2006
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    1,652
    Welcome from Va. Looking forward to seeing your Jeep.
     
  9. Jun 15, 2014
    Danefraz

    Danefraz Well-Known Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Chico CA
    Joined:
    Aug 11, 2012
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    2,263
    Welcome from Chico, way up north of you. Great folks here with good answers.

    looking forward to your pictures.
     
  10. Jun 15, 2014
    Hammbone

    Hammbone New Member

    Acton, CA
    Joined:
    Jun 11, 2014
    Messages:
    9
    Thanks for all, especially the "heads up". Of course you're right...the engine is a 304 (not 403). I've just received (guess it came yesterday, but I didn't get a chance to run to town and check the PO box) a copy of the Jeep "Technical Service Manual"...it tells how to rebuild the engine, but doesn't give such details as timing, plug gaps, etc. Waiting for the other book with all that basic stuff.

    I've owned only one Jeep before, and it was around a 1986 and I only had it a short while...never really got to know it well. Back "in the day" I owned two Toyota Land Cruisers (late 60's & early 70's) plus a '74 Chevy PU 4X4. Then I got married and the toys went away.

    I'm not versed at all on what should and should not be here with this Jeep. I think it does have about a 2" lift...or maybe it is just the tires. Also, 33X12.5 R15LT tires. Who knows if any correction was made. It looks to be the stock steering column...and it does have power steering.

    When you say "a tag on the differentials" is that on the outside or inside it somewhere?

    RE: the seats...I'll post pics when I can. I'm pretty sure the revised setup has the seat both more forward and higher than it should be. (I should say, both the setup and the seat it self)...I had no problem with the'86 I had back when, and even drove a buddy's WWII version without big problems. This is almost impossible for me.
     
  11. Jun 15, 2014
    Hammbone

    Hammbone New Member

    Acton, CA
    Joined:
    Jun 11, 2014
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    9
    [​IMG][​IMG]
    Trying to show overall of drivers seat, and a shot from he pedal area looking back.
     
  12. Jun 15, 2014
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    Aug 10, 2003
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    I have a bunch of pictures online here https://www.nmr.mgh.harvard.edu/~reese/ResizedJeepIPics/ that I took when I first got my current CJ-6. You may find them interesting as an example of a mostly unmodified CJ looks like. Realize it's a CJ-6, not a CJ-5, so it has a extra section in the center to lengthen the body and frame - but otherwise it's the same as a CJ-5. Also it's a '75, so some minor things will be different (voltmeter instead of ammeter, the floor panels don't unbolt, the transfer case shifter is a little different, etc.) Looking at my seats, they are the factory seats but they've been recovered.
     
    Last edited: Jun 15, 2014
  13. Jun 15, 2014
    Hammbone

    Hammbone New Member

    Acton, CA
    Joined:
    Jun 11, 2014
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    Again, thanks Tim...
    RE: I have a bunch of pictures online here https://www.nmr.mgh.harvard.edu/~ree...izedJeepIPics/
    Looking at pic:
    https://www.nmr.mgh.harvard.edu/~reese/ResizedJeepIPics/DSFtFloor.jpg (and another which I forget the ID on)
    My driver's seat "slider frame" is about 3" higher (off the floor) than yours, and the front edge of my seat is (fully back) is at least 3-4 inches further forward than yours. Plus the whole seat is bulkier...thicker padding, etc. All combines to pust me way forward of where I should be.
    Now just to complicate matters a bit, my wife loves the seat on her (passenger) side. I realize that the rear wheel well and the roll bars will determine how much I can move the driver's seat, I'm thinking I need to re-manufacture the tubular frame...at least the portion under the driver's seat and mount in a new seat slider mount in a more stock position and get a more stock type seat as well. Will look funny with different front seats, and hopefully my wife will feel the same once she sees it.
     
  14. Jun 16, 2014
    gunner

    gunner Member

    Washington state...
    Joined:
    Dec 4, 2012
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    596
    A thicker, bulkier seat can make a huge difference. Stock CJ seats are generally pretty thin to accommodate the tight space. My DJ project will have a much thicker seat in there than stock. I did the wheel well mod to take care of it.

    Rural property near Acton and adjoining the Angeles NF? Have you done your fire prep work? Or maybe the Station fire of 09 took care of that for you.
     
  15. Jun 16, 2014
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    This is a better one -

    [​IMG]

    In a CJ-5, the back of the seat will be right up against the wheelhouse.

    You can see how much space there is between the bottom seat bolster and the steering wheel. Most tall drivers are ok with that dimension, but need the seat to be further back so they aren't folded as tightly. If you have a big belly, the steering wheel clearance can be tight.

    In general, the factory seats are prized if they are in good condition. They are comfortable, and the factory passenger seat folds and tumbles for access to the toolbox.
     
    Last edited: Jun 16, 2014
  16. Jun 16, 2014
    Hammbone

    Hammbone New Member

    Acton, CA
    Joined:
    Jun 11, 2014
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    RE: Gunner...you know my area. The answer is "yes" to both...the Station fire did burn our property...but the house wasn't built yet...but we still get a lot of annual growth that has to be taken care of. Actually finishing the "weed abatement" today...I like more than the required clearance.

    RE: Tim...I've managed to keep the belly down. The current seat is back to the wheelhouse...see pic. Also, wasn't there originally a tool box or something beneath the seat?

    [​IMG]
     
  17. Jun 16, 2014
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    Aug 10, 2003
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    Tool box, passenger side only. It's there in your picture. Before 1970 the gas tank was under the driver's seat. When they moved the tank to the back, they simply left that space open.
     
  18. Jun 16, 2014
    rons75

    rons75 Member

    Joined:
    May 7, 2014
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    87
    I represnt the big belly faction, with a smaller wheel no less on my 75 CJ5 lol
     
  19. Jun 16, 2014
    Hammbone

    Hammbone New Member

    Acton, CA
    Joined:
    Jun 11, 2014
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    9
    In the interest of keeping to the topic of "New Guy" and my general lack of knowledge of all things related to 1973 Jeep CJ5's, as I look for such items as seat sliders/mounting brackets, I see a distinct lack of such items for this vintage Jeep. And since it looks like I'm going to need to totally re-fabricate the frame work to accommodate whatever mount I'd go with, should I consider just going with a newer Jeep slider/mount, or something else (non-Jeep) entirely?...again remembering my main objective is to gain more room between me and the steering wheel, dash board, clutch pedal, and roll cage, thus needing to choose a seat that will maximize my space.

    Did I mention before that when I sit in the current seat, my head is pushing against the "Bikini Top"...and I'm not THAT tall.

    Thanks to all...you are great!
    Ted
     
  20. Jun 16, 2014
    sterlclan

    sterlclan Member 2022 Sponsor

    exploring the...
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    Feb 21, 2009
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    yup the 71 to 75 are tough to find some things for but imho they are more than worth the aggravation of scarce parts
     
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