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Dauntless With 5.38s

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by Jeremyfpt, Aug 17, 2020.

  1. Aug 17, 2020
    Jeremyfpt

    Jeremyfpt New Member

    Indiana
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    Aug 14, 2020
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    I’m looking at a 1969 CJ5 with the Dauntless V6 and 5.38 gearing. Could this be factory or more likely to be re-geared at some point?
     
  2. Aug 17, 2020
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    Or converted from a 4-cylinder. Isn't the original engine type in the VIN? The V6 always had optional 4.88 gears available, so it seems unlikely that there would be a special order to get the 5.38s. Also possible that somebody wanted the 4.88 axles and exchanged with another Jeep that was a F134 originally.

    Axles have build dates coded into them IIRC. I don't know how to read them, but some research might tell you more.
     
  3. Aug 17, 2020
    Jeremyfpt

    Jeremyfpt New Member

    Indiana
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    Thanks, I’ll see if I can get a vin
     
  4. Aug 17, 2020
    oldtime

    oldtime oldtime

    St. Charles,...
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    5.38’s were still optionally available in 1969 but only on the F-134 cj5/6 models.
    It’s most likely that the engine or the axles are not original to your 1969.
     
    Twin2 likes this.
  5. Aug 17, 2020
    Jeremyfpt

    Jeremyfpt New Member

    Indiana
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    Nevermind, it sold before I got the chance.
     
  6. Aug 17, 2020
    Beach66Bum

    Beach66Bum 1966 Tuxedo Park Mark IV 2024 Sponsor

    Big Island on...
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    Couldn’t imagine having 5.38’s with the v6! ( I have 4.88’s)
     
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  7. Aug 17, 2020
    Tom_Hartz

    Tom_Hartz Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    North Carolina
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    Me too. I have 4.88's with overdrive.
     
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  8. Aug 17, 2020
    Rich M.

    Rich M. Shoe salesman 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Maryland
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    3k on the tach at 55 :sneak:
     
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  9. Aug 17, 2020
    Richard in AZ

    Richard in AZ I just don't understand the like of patina

    PHX AZ
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    Feb 22, 2016
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    I have 538s with a V6.....and overdrive on one jeep and 373 with no overdrive in the other.

    I like both!

    Richard
     
    Last edited: Aug 17, 2020
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  10. Aug 17, 2020
    wheelie

    wheelie beeg dummy 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor

    York, PA
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    I had a 3A with a 225 and 5.38s and a car 4 speed of some type. Muncie I think. That thing was a little drag racer. Had big chrome balony pipes on it that exited right in front of the back tires. Loud as he//! Didn't have it long. Very uncomfortable to drive. Very loud. Should have kept it.
     
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  11. Aug 17, 2020
    boopiejones

    boopiejones I can’t drive 55

    California east bay
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    Mar 16, 2020
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    I’ve got 538s with a 198 v6 and an sm420 transmission. I never use 1st gear and top out at about 55mph in 4th. Which is fine, as I just use the Jeep for cruising around town.
     
  12. Aug 17, 2020
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
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    Been running that combination since 1989. Not ideal on road but works great off road.
     
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  13. Aug 17, 2020
    Jw60

    Jw60 Sitting up n buckled down. 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Sedalia MO.
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    Leave it in 2nd gear and you'll be pretty close to it.
     
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  14. Aug 18, 2020
    willie2323

    willie2323 New Member

    Phoenix, Arizona
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    Dec 10, 2009
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    ditto! bought my 71 new with 4.88's and after about a week I put a warn OD in. excellent combo for crawling and freeway.
     
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  15. Aug 21, 2020
    Warloch

    Warloch Did you say Flattie??? Staff Member

    Falcon, CO
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    I ran the V6 with 5.38s and OD for years - it's only been in the last 10 or so that I've started to run the 4.88s. Mt roads, aerodynamics of a brick, 55 mph speed limit on the roads anyhow... never bothered me :)
     
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