what year

had 3 jeeps in past 1. 78 cj 7 304 3sp. 2. 83 cj5 258 4sp 3. 82 j10 360 auto now have a frame off a 70 or 71 cj5 narrowed down year thanks to this sight.i got all the numbers off firewall j4f835th621678300 off frame 34 2078.

 

"J4" VIN would indicate a '74.

What's the front crossmember look like?

 

J4=1974
f=Toledo 3 speed LHD
83=CJ5
5=open body
t=CJ5 gvw3750
h=304V8
The last numbers are the serial number,however, as sparky said, sometimes these vin plates have a way of swapping vehicles. Some pics would go a long way twards clearing up some of these questions.

 

Thanks For The Replies. No Pictures Yet I'm Trying.the Reasons I Thought It Was A 70 Or 71 Was Gas Filler In Back. Wiper Motor On Outside Front. Steering Box Sag.the Guy I Got It From Has A Newer Body Cj5 That Won't Fit.the Jeep Body Is Laid In Junk Yard On It's Side. No Motor ,no Trans , No Transfer Case, And Axles/tires Laid Beside It,hard Top Is On Jeep But Is Rough.what Do I Look For In Front Crossmember. Will Look At Rear To See If It Is 1 Or 2 Piece Dana 44 That Will Help Won/t It.

 

If the rear axle has a centered pumpkin, then it's 72 or newer. It th pumpkin is offset to the side, and it has one-piece (flanged) axles (ie no nut in the center of the hub), then it's most likely 70-71 as you were told. The front crossmember on a 72 or later is solid between the front frame horns, in front of the radiator. Pre-72 the front crossmember was under the radiator and there was just air between the frame horns. 72 or later came with Saginaw steering, pre 72 did not (although it could have been fitted - lots of owner/builder mixing and matching on these vehicles).

hth

 

The 70-75 came with 1 piece flanged axles. The 70-71 never came with saginaw steering, the ross box is mounted behind the front leaf spring on the inside frame rail.
The 72-75 had saginaw and 11" drum brakes. The 70-71 had 10" drum brakes. On the early cj5 the front crossmember is underneath the radiator support, the 72-75 had the flat crossmember in front of the grill. All of the 71 and earlier models had the brake mastercylinder mounted on the inside frame rail under the drivers side floorboard. The radiator cowl (grill) on the 72 and later cj's were thin like say 5" deep, the early cj's had a radiator cowl that was like 10-11" deep.
Hope this helps!!

 

sparky i just got some pics but i'll have to wait for my 10 year old son to show me how to post.thanks for your time.