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Looking At A 71 Cj5 - Thoughts, Advice?

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by 44bz, Nov 15, 2019.

  1. Nov 15, 2019
    44bz

    44bz Member

    Oregon City OR
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    Jul 30, 2018
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    130
    I'm thinking of adding to the Jeep herd because two apparently isn't enough and I can't have too many projects. I found a 1971 CJ5 that I'm planning to look at this weekend. Seller hasn't shared a whole lot of info. It's described as a "barn find" and has not been started in 10 years. What I know is that it has the Buick v6 and it's a manual transmission, but unknown which transmission.

    What draws me to it is the fact that it's complete and all original. The one interior photo I've seen shows solid driver side floor pan, it has a full rollcage setup, and the original seats are in pristine condition. Seller is asking $1500obo with title.

    I'm not worried about the non-running status. Anything I should know or consider going in? This will be my first CJ5. The other cool piece is that my dad had a 71 Renegade II in his 30s. This one isn't a Renegade, but same model year as my dad's is kinda special.
     
  2. Nov 15, 2019
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    Hard to say much based on that description. The '71s were the last year of the "early" CJ-5. They have some desirable features, including a stronger rear axle with 1-piece (flanged) shafts, and a safer dual master cylinder. It's probably a Borg-Warner T-14 3-speed transmission. A few '71s were built with a close-ratio T-18 truck 4-speed, but these are scarce. Last year for the 225 cid Buick oddfire V6. Many improvements were made for 1972, including better brakes, axles, better steering, optional power brakes and steering, and new engines including a V8. JMO - you get a lot more with a Jeep that is just one year newer... many of the upgrades that people want for their earlier Jeeps became standard in 1972.
     
  3. Nov 15, 2019
    jpflat2a

    jpflat2a what's that noise?

    Hermosa, SD
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    Unless it turns out to be a junker, can't go wrong at that price I suppose.
     
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  4. Nov 15, 2019
    FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    Bozeman, MT
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    Jul 18, 2013
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    If the 1971 year is correct, then the the 3speed manual with v6 would have been the T14 (assuming its original - sometimes an iffy assumption). A couple nice things about the 1971 - has the offset, 30 spline 1piece axles (flanged) to run with the D18, which is only found in later 70 and 71s and is often sought after. Additionally, it should have a rear 15 gal gas tank instead of a 10 gal underseat tank - which many consider an upgrade. A 71 would have come with the old style manual Ross steering, but many have been upgraded to a saginaw box - so that is something to check out. I think 71 is a pretty solid year - 10" brakes are useable, although upgrading to 11" or discs is common, and the steering is the main drawback. I'd also check on the gearing...could be 3.73 or 4.88, as well as see if an OD is included as well.
     
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  5. Nov 15, 2019
    Twin2

    Twin2 not him 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Virginia Beach, VA
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    yep I agree
     
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  6. Nov 15, 2019
    44bz

    44bz Member

    Oregon City OR
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    Jul 30, 2018
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    Thanks for the input. Sorry for the vague description, but I haven't been given much info yet. It does appear to have a rear gas tank as there are no fuel fills on the sides. The one interior photo I've seen shows it's been used for storage. I could only see the driver seat/floor, pedals, steering column/wheel, and half the dash. It does have power steering and it looks like the hoses run down toward the front of the jeep so maybe it's been converted. I can't see if there's gear mounted to the front because the view is obstructed by a bulky winch plate.
     
  7. Nov 15, 2019
    Alan28

    Alan28 Well-Known Member 2022 Sponsor

    Châtillon en...
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    I have a 71 with the 4 cyl. After some years of repairs it works very well enough for my pleasure.
    It is strong but if not moving during a long time it can rust, even inside the engine!
    So you have to check carefulley, because in USA you have many CJ5 at a good price, ready to run on roads.
    Just hurry up to get it with cash money.
     
    Jrobz23 likes this.
  8. Nov 15, 2019
    mike starck

    mike starck Member

    salem,oregon
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    Jun 22, 2006
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    Reconstructed title. Hope you can look very close at this vehicle. good luck. mike
     
  9. Nov 15, 2019
    44bz

    44bz Member

    Oregon City OR
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    Ya, that's my one hesitation. I haven't been able to talk with the seller very much and don't have an explanation. I'm hoping to check it out on Sunday. We'll see.
     
  10. Nov 15, 2019
    mike starck

    mike starck Member

    salem,oregon
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    Well for the money it is worth that in parts . Recontruction could mean a lot of things. May just be a great project. mike
     
  11. Nov 15, 2019
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
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    If on SundayI could probably take a look at it with you if after 10am...
    Contact me at nickmiln@aol.com if interested. Or have Richard look at it with you.
     
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  12. Nov 15, 2019
    txtoller

    txtoller Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Weatherford, TX
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    Mine sat for 12 years...
    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
  13. Nov 16, 2019
    44bz

    44bz Member

    Oregon City OR
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    Hey Nick, thanks for the offer. I talked to Rich earlier tonight, not specifically about this jeep, but it sounded like he might not be free. Anyway, this little endeavor is on hold for now. The "seller" said he's clearing the estate of a deceased mechanic who was the Jeeps owner but the family isn’t ready to part with it. Kinda strange but whatever.
     
  14. Nov 16, 2019
    pat w

    pat w Member

    washougal wa
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    Dec 25, 2015
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    hmmm weird because I'm sure I saw the ad on craigslist this morning...I'm assuming it's the one in Clackamas?
     
  15. Nov 16, 2019
    44bz

    44bz Member

    Oregon City OR
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    Ya, it seems fishy - if it isn’t available why leave the ad up.
     
  16. Nov 16, 2019
    Renegade ll

    Renegade ll Member

    Thayne Wyoming
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    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Man I love your Jeep. What a transformation.
     
  17. Nov 23, 2019
    Wayngro

    Wayngro New Member

    Central WA. state
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    Probably trolling to see if it gets any interest. OR someone said "HEY $1500.?? NO way! We gotta get more for it than that!"
     
  18. Nov 25, 2019
    txtoller

    txtoller Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Weatherford, TX
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    Thank you!

    Yours is solid!!!!!

    To the OP, you could always purchase mine!:whistle::D
     
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