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81 to 68 parts swap?

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by bootsyjr, Jul 11, 2005.

  1. Jul 11, 2005
    bootsyjr

    bootsyjr 68euroCJ5

    Joined:
    Jun 22, 2005
    Messages:
    1
    Let me say first that I am new to both Jeeps and this site. That said, I have a '68 CJ5 and I know someone parting out a '81 CJ7. Are any of the parts from his compatible with mine? Even if some modification is nec. His has a straight six and I have the 134. For the most part, I want his roll bar and possibly the engine. Does the CJ7 have disc brakes I could use? Any help? Thanks!
     
    bootsyjr, Jul 11, 2005
    #1
  2. Jul 11, 2005
    DanStew

    DanStew Preowned Merkin salesman Staff Member

    Lexington, South...
    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2002
    Messages:
    4,585
    you can get the axles to go in, but will probably need to reweld perches and such. The front may fit better, but not sure. The engine wont fit without ALOT of work because the straight 6 is a long motor. Would be better off if you wanted that motor to find a 72-76 CJ5. The roll bar may fit if it is th eearly CJ7 kind that go on top of the wheelwells. but if you want to run disc brakes you will have to upgrade the brakes. And the rear axle is centered on the cj7 so it will not work with the offset CJ5 Tcase
     
    DanStew, Jul 11, 2005
    #2
  3. Jul 11, 2005
    Mcruff

    Mcruff Earlycj5 Machinist

    Albertville, AL
    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2002
    Messages:
    5,349
    Most straight 6 motors will not fit in an early cj5 without quite a bit of modification, the front dana 30 will fit nicely if its not a wide track axle. The 81 late style cj7 roll bar will not fit at all without major mods, it goes to the floor behind the front seats. The swing pedals for the clutch and brake can be adapted fairly easy.
     
    Mcruff, Jul 11, 2005
    #3
  4. Jul 11, 2005
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2003
    Messages:
    23,596
    Hi - welcome from Boston.

    Not much shared between a '68 and '81. I think the roll bar will fit. I'd suggest you get your tape measure and check.

    I would not even consider putting the CJ-7 engine in your Jeep. Your engine compartment is too small - if you look closely at the fenders and hood on the CJ-7, you will see that they have been lengthened compared to yours.

    Some of the parts from the disk brakes will fit. I think we have an article on this site about converting your front axle to disk brakes. You might want to take the whole front axle; that would give you disk brakes and a more modern open-knuckle design. The open-knuckel axles are stronger and have a smaller turning radius. It's certain that the gear ratio of the CJ-7 axle will be different from your existing axle, so you'll need to change the gears so they match the rear axle. Using the rear axle too from the CJ-7 is possible, although those axles (AMC M20) aren't very desirable unless they are significanly modified. Plus, you will want to retain your low-low axle ratios if you can.

    hth
     
    timgr, Jul 11, 2005
    #4
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