Need help in a decision

Right now I own a cj3b. It is in alright condition I have rebuild the tranny and new carb and random things. Motor runs well but need a new flywheel and starter drive. Most of the gauges don't work but it is a good old willys.

I found a cj5 for sale the other day and it has a rebuild motor and everything works. The only problem is the tub is not the best in the world. It also has a full cage and new brakes.

I am trying to decide if I want to sell my cj3b for the cj5. I am only playing on using this as a play toy to run to the local towns and do some trails and dunes. I know they have the same drive train in the but mine the previous owner put a L-Head in it for some reason. He is only selling his for about $1500. I think I could get more out of mine or at least brake even. What does everyone say.

I think the cj5 would be easier to get parts and tubs for. Also they would have better road manners because they are longer correct?

Any in put would be great

 

Same wheelbase on a CJ5 as CJ3A as CJ3B as CJ2A depending on year, IIRC right around 80. The 5 has a little more room inside, but still not enough for me, but I'll cram into my 2A for trail runs.
IMO, there's just a neat factor to a 3B, I've always wanted one. The 5 with an L-Head... Is iffy. Your 3B should have an F-Head, therefore, 12 more HP.

 

Sorry for the screw up mine is the one with the L head :-(...I wish mind had the F head. BTW mine is a 1955 and the cj5 I am looking at is a 1958

 

Somehow the 3B has an ugly factor that starts to grow on a guy, kinda like the ugly kid only a mother could love. Kinda like a morph state between the flat and the round....I don't think parts are an issue in any Jeep. BUT, the l head would have to go..

 

I think you're better off to hang on to your 3B; you already know what's been done and what it needs.
no need to buy someone elses problems...
the word "rebuilt" has many different meanings in our language..

 

True I guess. I have though about that too. I know what mine need and is not an issue...where who knows what this other one might need...What does everyone think about the L head? Should I just run it till it dies or is it worth it for the little gain to go to the F head?

 

run it till it blows up. i've been beating mine hard for 2 years now and all it's needed so far is a carb rebuild (it drank a little mud LOL ). i tend to hit the stupid pedal pretty hard in the mud and she just keeps on goin.
Keep that 3b and just keep fixing her where she needs it... i used to not like them that much but you are right, they grow on ya

 

Don't run it til it blows!! Thems good little engines! Heck, if he want's an F-head for it and a project I may trade him pending on location...


Ya, just work on the 3B unless you cannot bear it, then sell it to someone who will love her as much as you *could* love the 5.

 

well that is all for the cj3b...sounds like I am keepin it. Sorry btw I am in Michigan so it would be a heck of a drive.

 

Keep an eye out for a V6 out of donor ECJ5 and swap it in to the 3b later. I would much rather rebuild an engine than replace/paint a body!

 

x2. Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes!

 

I think it's all in what YOU want. Personally, I'd rather have the 3B. I like flat fenders. Sure, the CJ5 is cool too, but if I had to choose, I'd go with a flatty. If you like the 5 better, then buy it and sell the 3B. Like was said above, I don't think it's worth the swap in Jeeps just for a different engine. You could always put a different engine in your 3B if thats your main concern.

 

I am in Lakeview 45 min north of grand rapids...I think I am going to sell it however for the money and buy a different jeep down the road...probly another 3b...Dang Credit Card Bills

 

3b's have character.

All things being equal.
The cool factor is very high.
Just keep it and put in a 225 and a 4 speed down the road.
You can always put in a notch in the fender behind the seat for some leg room.
the only real complaint I can see.

we have some good snow and ice here in winter so i have been going with a Commando for wheelbase and hard top, heater ect.