Cj5 Racing In Norra?

Here’s an interesting thought. So I’ve seen a few pictures of CJs racing back in the day. How about racing a CJ5 in the NORRA 1000/500 in the Pioneer 4x4 class(Stockish/how they would’ve been raced back in the day). The Pioneer 4x4 class is mostly Broncos from what I can tell.

What would it take with mods and strengthening to get say an intermediate CJ5 to last the whole race and be somewhat competitive while staying within the rules?(Obviously not gonna beat a Bronco haha)

Anyone have any experience with racing an old Jeep like this? I’d love to hear stories!!!

Some pics I found!

 

Here’s the rules I found!

 

That would be awesome. I wonder if a CJ6 would be the way to go, though. That extra wheelbase might make a big difference on rough stuff if you're trying to carry "speed". Still fits under the 108" requirement.

 

Man, those are strict rules! You’re basically limited to a stock Jeep with a cage, with a D30 upgrade with disc brakes. Even the stock-length springs and stock shackles(!) are required.

 

"... but may be reinforced." That leaves a lot of wiggle room for a "stock" shackle, haha.

Being a loophole that may be specific to Jeeps... I wonder if military parts would be considered as bring "originally available" on said vehicle. Could open up the parts options a bit.



These would be my initial thoughts given the ruleset: (BTW I love desert racing)

1. '72-'74 CJ6 (with power saginaw steering)
2. AMC 304
3. D30 front, D44 rear
4. 4x disc brakes
5. No idea which trans would be best...
6. Use the fixed front hubs
7. reinforce the hell out of everything
8. brace for impact with those short springs

 

Seriously strict rules. A V8 Commando would be the best starting point for a Jeep realistically.

It's funny you can run pretty much an unlimited engine except for size and carburetion. You could have a 600hp race SWB Jeep on nearly stock suspension. The would be pretty exciting until the tumbling starts.

 

No wheel spacers, but no limits on wheel back spacing. I’d be running wheels with the craziest offset

 

It lets you run bigger brakes too since they aren't in the wheels anymore.

 

I was wondering if the 104" WB bullnose commando would be ideal as well... especially if they have longer leaf springs than a CJ6.

 

Yeah, the rear springs are something like 5ft long on the Commandos. They are also outboard.

You're still stuck with pretty bad front suspension. ...if only it went up to 76 when CJ's get much better springs. Then a CJ7 would be the ticket.

 

...and an FSJ Cherokee wheelbase is 2" too long.

 

With Broncos being the only rigs with front coils and no suspension alterations allowed, this class is basically written for Broncos to win.

 

FIrst thing that came to mind when this thread was posted was "what's the wheelbase of a shortbed J truck?" haha

 

Let's talk about the real desert racing weapon though... the Willys fleetvan

 

It's not a Jeep, but a 1975 Ranger Rover has a V8 and coil springs on both ends. I'll be you could make a winner with that and a pile of money.

 

Long wheelbase would be optimal!

 

That sounds like a good combination! I wonder if having Deaver make springs that stay within the rules would help

 

That would be absolutely hilarious

 

That’s what it looks like

 

My vote is for a ~‘75 Scout 2 with a 345.