New CJ5 Owner here!!

Hello all...

Just picked up a 1974 CJ5, it has a strong 304 in it, and is pretty much stock, 99% rust free, got a real good deal.

Any things real quick I should know about this model??

couple other quick questions:

It has a replacement Kayline snap soft top on it, i understand they have gone out of business? best the best top to buy as a replacement?

How expensive, and how hard, is it to upgrade to power steering?



This website has been a wealth of info for someone like me. Tons of interesting things. Thanks in advance to all of you!

 

Welcome. Have any pics? Do a search for power steering and you will find alot.

 

Workin' on gettin a few pics up, most likely tomorrow.

 

Welcome!

As far as I'm concerned, you bought the toughest jeep short of a wrangler rubicon. The "intermediate" models have hung pedals (vs. through-the-floor) the dana 44 rear, a 3 or 4 spd transmission, dana 20 transfer case and dana 30 front axle. And you have a v8

The 76 and newer jeep tops fit with the exception that you'll have to swap out the windshield frame. Since you are looking for a soft top, that shouldn't be an issue, go for a bestop supertop...

Good luck, and welcome

 

Re power steering, there are lots of old posts - search. You'll need a new steering gear, hoses, brackets, a new bell coupler, and a power steering pump. The power steering gear will bolt up to the existing bracket, though the manual steering gear bracket uses one fewer bolt than the PS bracket does. The new PS bell coupling will be needed to connect the steering shaft. Buy new hoses at the parts store. You can use the steering pump and brackets from a Wagoneer - they are fairly common in the junkyards and almost all have V8s.

A fairly easy conversion, especially for a V8 (easier to source the brackets than for a 6).

Don't throw out the manual gear - someone will want it.

Welcome from Boston!

 

This thread mostly pertains to the pre-72 CJs. FOr a '72 or later, they already have Saginaw steering, so all that's needed is to change from a manual Saginaw steering gear to a power Saginaw steering gear. It's a bolt-on process.

 

Hey, we have the same year! Welcome! I 'm also new!
If you swap to power steering, I may be looking for year correct spare parts.