'78 CJ5 Given to me! Now What?

I was just given a 1978 CJ5. The guy gave it to me because he didnt have time to mess with it, so of course I took on the project. I do know that it was running about 6 months ago before the front axle got loose from the leaf springs.

From driving it in the past I know it has a 4-speed transmition and the 4X4 did work but it has been quite a while since I've driven it.

Some major issues that I know of at this time:
-Ignition/Key doesnt work - but I plan on putting a race car style ignition switch - I did pull the old one and used some needle nose pilers and the engine does turn over, but filter is cloged.

-Guages may or may not work

-Front axle is "twisted" for lack of better terms, I believe the u-bolts are loose from the leaf springs. But he did give me a new set of front leafs. Also when the front axle "twisted" he did disconect the front drive shaft so I don't think its bent.


So my question for ya'll is where is a good starting point?/How do I start?
- I did get the Haynes Repair Manual


That is all I can think of right now.

Thanks in advance

 

I am going to say... install your ignition start button and tighten up the front axle u-bolts... reinstall the drive shaft and go hit a trail. When other things break... fix them

It's a freebie... just enjoy it before you end up with a ton of money in it.

 

X2 on that

 

On the front axle do you mean twisted vertically or horizontally? If vertically the u-bolts could be loose, the springs twisted/bent, spring mounts damaged, etc. A careful inspection is in order here to find what the problem is before proceeding.

If the 4 speed is stock for that year it should be the desireable T-18 with the 6.32-1 first gear. Very good truck style transmission. Worth keeping even if it needs a rebuild. People spend big bucks to install this tranny.

I'd address the other issues before worrying about the gauges.

Take the Haynes manual and give to some other sucker and get a Factory Service Manual (FSM). Not real cheap but one of the best investments you can make if you really intend on working on this Jeep.


'78 has the ignition key and lock cylinder in the column. Readily available at most parts houses as it is a standard Saginaw column used in tons of vehicles including Cherokees, Wagoneers, Jeep PU's, most GM's, etc. I just replaced the one in my XJ Cherokee for around $12-$15 in parts. There are some special tools needed to compress the steering lock plate, but those can be had for cheap as well.

You don't say where you are located. Please fill out your profile under the "user cp" tab at the top. Someone may be local that can help you out.

I'd do a thorough checkover on the vehicle before hitting the trail. Go with another vehicle so if you break down you can get back out.

First thing to address? Safety, safety, safety. Front axle issue, steering, brakes, make the engine run dependably.

 

Where can I find a FSM and is it really that much better than the Haynes Manual? As for the "twisted" Front axle I would say that it is twisted on the horizontal axis because its not that one wheel is higher than the other, its that one wheel is in front of the other.

After closer inspection I did notice that the u-bolts on the passenger side are a little loose...so when I replace the leafs should I put some BLUE lock-tite on the u-bolts so this doesn’t happen again?

I am very new at this and trying to get started in a good direction!

Thank you for your help.

 

theres a hole on your spring perch,(where the spring sits on the axel.) a couple acually. there is a bolt and nut that go's through your leaf sping pack holding it together. that nut and bolt go's in the center hole of your spring perch, then the uboult go on. if that nut and bolt are not in the center hole then your axel will not be sitting straight.
If it not in any of the holes then when the ubolts are tighted up and u drive it, the axel may shift allowing the nut and bolt to go into one of the hole on the perch and your ubolts will then be loose. After installing new springs or old ones, its a good idea to check your ubolts to make sure they havent loosened up. I have found mine loose a couple times after a new install and driving it a few times. everything needs to get settled in and untill that happens you need to check from time to time. If you check a couple times and their not loose anymore, Id say you good. (MAKE SURE THE NUT AND BOLT ON YOUR SPRINGS GO IN THAT CENTER HOLE ON YOUR PERCHES)

 

Yes the fsm is much better than the haynes manual.
Also referred to as a Technical Service Manual. There is an on-line resource to look at for free. A simple search should turn it up. Here is one resource for the manual http://thejeep.com/shop/TECH+MANUAL....html?osCsid=acc432696de16bfdc25c20de28ca21d2

I wouldn't use threadlocker on the U-bolts. They can stretch and conform to the axle tube with time and you want to be able to re-tighten them from time to time. Use a good torque wrench to torque them down properly.

 

If you just lost a center pin on the spring pack just replace that for about $2.00 and drive it to see what else is wrong. Try not to waste money on things that aren't broke. You'll do plenty of that once you start wheeling it.

 

There's a '76 manual here http://oljeep.com/edge_76_tsm.html which is pretty close. The main differences '76 to '78 that I can recall are front disk brakes for the CJs, different ratios in the 4-speed CJ transmission, and likely emissions stuff. Your best route is the bona fide '78 manual from the source that Nick linked, or some other source (there are many). Don't bother with the Haynes or Chilton's manual.