Is this a cj5 frame?

Hi Dugiemoto here and this is first time to ask questions on my new project. I worked in Hawaii for over 25 years and retired back in Upper Michigan 2001. I worked with a bunch of good old guys in Hawaii with the last name ending in moto, so they gave me the nick name. I hope I don’t make this to long, but I’m trying to figure out if my jeep is a cj5 or something else. The S/N says it a cj5 made in Dec. 1965 but the title says it’s a 1966. I can understand that. I’m putting new BDS leaf springs and there not going in right. I called BDS and they say that I have the right kit. I have a Dana 25 front axle and after reading on the forum I figured it should be a Dana 27. My real question is how I measure the frame to make sure it’s a cj5. I have enclosed pictures of the frame and the front axle. To me the frame looks like a cj3 because it’s almost the same size in width in the front and back. I believe that the cj5 is wider in the rear than the front. I have done wood working all my life and this is my first project in the mechanical field. So forgive me if this is not a real bright question. John
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sure looks like a CJ2A frame to me
the large front tube type crossmember was only used on 2As if I recall.
my "recall" isn't what it used to be....
2A springs are shorter in length vs CJ5 springs; however, over time, somebody could move the mounts around and install whatever....
they could have also installed a CJ5 body on the 2A frame...

 

Where about's in the UP are you, I'm in the lower but get up to St. Ignace a lot, have friends there. You have a flat Fendered frame, 2A, 3A, or 3B . I have an early CJ-5 Frame I'm pitting under a Flat Fendered body. We should get together.
Jeff

 

looks like a 2A/3A frame to me as well... might be a 3B too... but I have never seen one.

 

Eh looks like my old 3b frame with the battery tray missing.

http://www.film.queensu.ca/CJ3B/Photos/Parts/Frame700.JPG

 

dunedog beat me to it, so where abouts in da UP? I am in Negaunee, right outside Marquette. I have an intermediate and late CJ5. Intermediate still has the straight rails. It was the late that went to the wider rear to increase stability.

Chris

 

Thanks jpflat2a (Jim) I'm starting to think that it's a 2a or 3a too. That large front tube type cross member seems to make it look that way. The leaf springs that I got are also much larger then what's on it now. If fact I had to cut the right and left front rear leaf spring holder to make them fit. When I got to the rear leaf springs no way are they going to fit. That's when I called BDS and they said they don't think the frame was a cj5. Sparky I went out the morning and looked for the S/N on the frame but don't know where to look. The Vin Number is 8305 A 205467. Sparky also thanks for the pictures. By the pictures it looks like a cj2a, cj3a, dj3a, or cj3b. Will have to get the tape measure out and measure. Have to go to Marquette today so will get that done tonight. Jeff and Chris I live in Munising. Born and raised until I got drafted in 1966 for Vietnam. Came back after I retired to help my mother out with dad. He was put in rest home. I ended up building a house. Chris I have a good friend in Negaunee named Tom True. He retired from the mine last year. Thanks guys for all the feedback. John

 

Take a look around here:

http://www.film.queensu.ca/Cj3b/Index.html

THey have a lot of information on early cj's. I found a couple of frame photos but nothing that would help identify yours. Hope it helps.

 

...looks like an early one, measure wheelbase 80" for CJ2/3 81" for CJ5...

 

The serial tag if it is still there would be on the front drivers frame horn, inside or outside depending on year or if it was moved.

Welcome from another Michigander

 

Hi All, Got the tape measure out yesterday and it confirms that its frame dimensions are either 2a or 3a. Talked to Dave at BDS yesterday (what a great guy) I’m hoping his boss is the same. He told me that he will look for replacement springs for me but BDS doesn’t make springs for a 2a or 3a. He’s going to talk to his manager to see what BDS can do. I will let you all know the outcome. Once again THANKS TO ALL OF YOU FOR THE FEEDBACK. John

 

Longer springs typically mean a nicer ride. Can't you move the rear spring mounts forward to make them fit? Obviously you are not doing a resto, so that's not an issue. Is there just not enough room to move them?

 

Posimoto, I could move them forward but then my axle would be 3 inches more towards the front of the jeep. And tire may not fit right. I’m not going to put real big tires on it because it mainly going to be used for hunting and riding in the woods. Warloch said he had done it but was a little fuzzy on details. Can you move the rear shackle to the front rear spring holder? Or would that make the jeep unstable? If that’s possible then they would fit real easy. Hope the pictures explain it better. John