Jeep question - I4 or V6

Ok,

I've been looking around the site for awhile and my son and I have choosen to rebuild a jeep as a father/son project. I have access to a 66 with and I4 for a very good price but I have some concens regarding the title. I'm currenly leaning toward purchasig another jeep and using the 66 as parts.

Here is my question, will the v6 run better on the road and hwy than the I4? The v6 has about double the HP and will this allow it to run 60-65 with out the use of an overdive. Also, with the single stick dana 18 transfer case accept a warn overdrive.

Sorry for the rambling and thanks for your input.

My son is chomping at the bit for the project.

 

Yes, the V6 will perform better on the road at those speeds of 60-65 MPH. And yes the single stick Dana 18 transfer case will accept an overdrive.

 

Your best setup would be a V6 model with 4.88 axles and an overdrive. The F4s are both underpowered and usually came with 5.38 axles. Some came with 4.27s, but the 5.38s seem to be more common. The V6 came with 3.73 or 4.88 axles - with the 3.73s you don't really need an overdrive, but you lose the trail capability that the lower (numerically higher) axle ratio would give you.

The F4 with 5.38 axles and an overdrive is also an option, but you would have to happy with ca 55-60 mph on the highway and downshifting on any hills.

 

Another vote for the :v6: for any highway driving at those speeds.

 

I4 5.38 and OD why? because thats what I SHOULD have done

 

V8!!!! R)

 

With the 4 you will be considered a road hazard! With the V6 you can pass at will. No contest! The Dauntless is as torquey as a decent small block and they sound sweet. I have a stock CJ V6 radiator if you need one. I used an aluminum radiator out of a S10.

 

I also have a new set of fender well headers and mufflers that I bought and didn't use. Go V6!

 

Yah the V6 is the way to go. I have one in my 1960 CJ5 and it is perfect both on and offroad. I started out with 5.38 and could do 70 but the fuel economy was shot. I upgraded to dana 44 all the way around with 30 spline axles and 3.73 I can now do 70 at roughly 2500 rpm good fuel economy and tons of power. I also put a T-18A in so the 3.73's work fine with a 6.32 first gear. Just a though, it what worked for me. Good luck

 

Thanks everyone.

I was leaning toward looking for a V6 CJ5. I guess I will start looking, any suggestions were to look other than e-bay?

Thanks

 

I like my :hurrican: with the overdrive. Someone back me up here guys.

 

X2, figure with my set up if I do anything, a small block will power my cj-5, but for fuel economy definately I4

 

I have a 59CJ-5 with 5:38's, a warren overdrive and a :v6:. It performs well on and off road. I like the overdrive because it gives you intermediate shift options up in the mountains(helps me find just that right gear). The V6 has plenty of power. When you are loaded down for the trail and at 6000ft., you'll wish you had the V6 for sure.

 

am happy with the :v6: and 4.27 gears.