1969 cj5 question

Just bought my first project a 1969 cj5. So what are the initial must do upgrades that won't make me go in debt. Haha

 

Just get to where you can drive it safely first. Then think about mods.

 

Ok so I've been told I should probably do the change from drum to disc brakes. Is this where I should start? It is drivable and mechanically sound except for tires which I will be taking care of!

 

Make sure all the maintence is up to date. If you want a cheap upgrade, add 11 inch brakes.

Things like new wheel cylinders, and making sure rubber lines are good and are super important.

Other things include inspecting your suspension, if you have parts that are worn replace.


Get the jeep safe and drive it some. Then think about upgrades.
Depending on what you do with the jeep will determine the order of the upgrades.

 

Is this a V6 Jeep? You should have 10" brakes. The main problem with the 10" brakes is that the parts are expensive and comparatively hard to source. 11" Bendix brakes are a great upgrade, and can be done with junkyard parts if you are resourceful.

There's nothing wrong with the drum brakes for daily driving, if they are in good condition. You don't have to convert to disk brakes.

Get all the systems up to par - brakes, steering, tires, lights, drivetrain, and try some trails. Jeeps are surprisingly capable in factory form - you will be surprised if you've never owned one. Wheel it!

 

The standard Jeep is nice to drive, carefully. Brakes are working but they are not ABS ESP ETC... so do not follow to near the car ahead of you.
If it is wet... more dangerous.
The son of a neighbor bought an old Porsche, I don't know the model, 911 or Boxster ? I never saw it because at first travel he brought it back home and in a turn ... bingo so he sells it in parts. chainsawguy

So, you must remember that it is an old car which has to stay on the road. Check shock absorbers and tires. Does she stay in line on the road, not going right or left without control

 

What Tim said. The other thing that usually requires some attention is the steering. If this is a V6, it will have the bigger Ross box. Do a search for Tight Steer-those are about a 10 minute installation and take some of the slop out from worn pins in the box. You should check both wheel bearings and the king pin bearings. If properly maintained, both will last for near forever but that only rarely happens. The tie rod ends should be checked but in my experience with the Ross system, the bell crank needle bearings are the first thing to go and those alone can impart a lot of slop in the system. All that said, if all those pieces are up to snuff, it works.

I would try to put some miles on it doing what you like to do and then decide if you actually want to get into modifications.

Again to quote Tim:
"Jeeps are surprisingly capable in factory form - you will be surprised if you've never owned one. Wheel it!"

 

I'd get it together and take it out and drive as is.
Put some seat time in the rig first.
Overdrive can easily be added at a later date if you want one.

 

Definitely service the brakes and make sure the steering is adequate. I'm satisfied with my 10" brakes for daily driving. I can't speak for the self adjusting 10" brakes, but mine are manually adjusted and parts were cheaper than for 11" brakes. With a strong leg you can easily lock up the tires on dry pavement, so I didn't see a reason to upgrade to 11" brakes.

 

I think everybody is saying the same thing here. If you know someone in your area that has Jeep near to the age of yours and operates well, talk to them, let them drive it and get their recomendations.

 

Nothing really needs to be upgraded but everything can be upgraded. When you find things that need to be replaced come back to us and ask if you should repair/replace or upgrade.

 

Thanks for the info guys. As of now I've run into a brake problem. Tried bleeding them and went through about half a big bottle of fluid. Old fluid was dirty but is clean now. Still no brakes! No visible air in line either when bleeding. Haven't opened up drums yet but does anyone have any recommendations?

 

Did you adjust the brake shoes? I would look for leaks, master cylinder, brake lines, rubber lines, and also pull the drums to take a look.

when you look at the drums make sure all the springs are on and in correct positions. Look at the wheel cylinders, are they leaking, do they look like they are about to leaks. Put it back together and adjust the brakes. Just a heads up, you will probably need a puller to get the back brakes off.

 

Piffy may be on to something here. I belive a '69 should have self adjusting brakes. however, It doesen't mean a PO hasn't removed the essential parts.
You should also have a 2 circuit brake system.
Have you filled the master cylinder, any leaks?
As I said in my first reply, where are you? It's not like I'm going to come by and steal your Jeep, the 2 I have are enough of a job to keep running.
OK, only 2 running, but I have all all of the parts for another CJ3B build.
John

 

Pull the drums and make sure the cylinders are working. You can push all the fluid in the world through and if the cylinders are "stuck" then they won't move the brake shoes. The cylinders on my Dad's jeep were in good condition but stuck from not being driven. I had to clean all of them out and then everything was good. Once you get them working make sure you check not once, not twice, but at least three times for any leaks anywhere in the brake system.

 

Thanks guys. Ya I already knew I'd have to pull drums n check if everything is working. Just went on days off so it's my upcoming project. Will keep u informed on what I find. Think I have developed list and order of what needs fixed to be road worthy n safe. So brakes n then the slop in steering n then we will see what comes up from there. But also need new tires n prob going to get an easy wire kit and re-wire whole jeep.