My first Jeep

i just got a 1974 CJ5. its over all in alright shape. I want to fix it up a little. What parts from a 76 will fit a 74? and more so, what are the difference between the different era's of CJ5? I'd love some advice with this. Thanks

 

Congratulations on your new Jeep....

I encourage you to read through as much of the technical info as you can stomach:

http://www.earlycj5.com/TechIndex.shtml

Post in the intermediates section for technical info for the 72-76 CJ's, as you will get the most qualified help there.

 

Basically, the CJ5 and CJ6 from 1955 to 1971 was the Kaiser design, pretty much unchanged except for the addition of the V6 option in 1966 (?).

In 1970, Jeep was purchased by AMC and 2 years later, AMC updated the Kaiser design to use AMC engines and some updated drivetrain components. These Jeeps, built from 1972 through 1975, are the "intermediates".

There were a lot of changes in the 1976 model year. While the overall look stayed the same, there were substantive changes to the frame, body and interior, a new transmission, and a new rear axle. This year saw the first really all-AMC design. These Jeeps can be easily identified by the new dash and windshield design, the AMC corporate rear axle (M20), and the frame which widens at the rear.

The next big change came in 1980, with the end of the "great transmission" era. Under pressure from the CAFE standards (corporate aggregate fuel economy), Jeep made many design changes to lighten its vehicles. Most important of these are lighter duty aluminum cased 4 and 5-speed transmissions, and higher (numerically lower) rear axle ratios. These changes stayed in place till the end of the CJ era, at the introduction of the Wrangler.

Your Jeep is an "intermediate" - they have lots of nice features, but you cannot assume that any parts from outside that specific range of years (1972-1975) will fit your Jeep. Some things will, but more often they won't. Ask here and we can help.

Congratulations!

 

Yes, I suppose that's true. The first ones had Willys on the tailgate, didn't they?

You like the rest of the post? I need reassurance...

 

I thought it was beautiful Tim...

 

Heh. I feel better.

Cheers

 

Thanks for your help guys. I knew some changes had been made across the years, but I was really sure what all had been done. I'll try and get some pics posted as soon as I get some. Of, and one more thing, is it possible to convert the three speed manual to a 4? Or do I have to get an intire new Transmission? Just to make some short trips down the high way more comfortable for the motor. Thanks again...

 

Welcome, from Eastern Washington. where bouts you located?

 

You can change to a 4-speed. It requires changing out the entire transmission though.

In general, changing to a 4-speed won't reduce engine speed on the highway. Are you asking about an overdrive transmission?

Why do you think your Jeep's motor is uncomfortable? Does it seem noisy? The intermediate Jeeps will do fine on the highway, up to about 75 or 80 mph in my experience.

 

Welcome from Havasu. Fill out your profile and let us know where you are located. One of us may be just around the corner.

 

R)

 

I was just wanting to bring the RPMs down a bit, the motor, so far, is running just fine. I figured it would take a completly different Tranny. I guess I should be happy its a 3speed on the floor, and not the column.