Where to get dimensions...

OK, the obvious answer here is for me to go measure my Jeep. I'll do that if necessary, but I'm hoping to find a source of good detailed info on my 1975 CJ5. I'm trying to find a good source of detailed drawings of the frame and suspension components, etc. Even the body if possible. I'm eventually hoping to build one from the ground up. I know I could buy everything I need to do that, but it would give me much more satisfaction to build it myself. I know, I know, it will also generate a fair amount of aggravation , but in the end, it will be worth it. I am a mechanical engineer, and have access to a good 3D software package, and would like to create a digital model first. That way I could test fit all the pieces and see how the fit/look, before I ever cut the first piece of metal. Thanks for the help.

 

Wow. That sounds like a HUGH effort. Off the top of my head, I don't know where to get this information, but I'll think on it for ya. Have you posed this question to any other internet BBs?

Even my factory service manuals only give general information. I, honestly, cant imagine a manufacturer wanting this type of information to become available because it would cut into their profits. Whether that manufacturer be a Corporate auto builder or a small aftermarket shop.

How long it'll take you to do something like this? I know it'd take me the rest of my life.

 

There is a guy on eBay that sells jeep frame plans

 

Yes, this is a project of epic proportions. If I can get a good set of drawings to work from, modeling it will not take long. I should clarify that by saying the total number of hours involved is not exceedingly high. The time from start to finish for me will be long as I don't have an endless supply of free time for this project. With that said, I think it would be aggressive to say that if I had all of the money needed for such a project, it would most likely take me about 2 to 3 years to build one from scratch. That is fairly aggressive considering guys like Chip Foose take two years to build a car and they do it for a living. They do however, truly scratch build. My effort is more of a copy with improvements. In some cases, the improvements are going to be huge, but the end result will still be a CJ5. This is nothing that I am in a hurry to do as I already have a heap to work on 8) . I'm basically laying the ground work for the project.

As for not being able to get the info from the manufacturer, I'm afraid you may be right. The truth is, they really don't ave a good argument for not maknig the info available. We are talking about a vehicle no longer in production and to boot it has been replaced by more capable vehicles. If you ask me it would actually be a great PR move for them. Here is a guy who wants to restore and existing jeep and then scratch build one. I can get all of the info I want by dismantling my Jeep and measuring all of the parts. I can also buy all of the parts from companies that have already reverse engineered the components. Besides, if you look into the market for scratch built vehicles you'll find that only the rich are buying. It isn't as if I would cut into the market for new jeeps with whatever I wind up creating.

Being the anal retentive enginerd that I am I would like to model the Jeep in 3d first and then "redesign" it and build my scratch Jeep. We'll see how it goes. I'm contemplating a letter to Chrysler to see if I can get the info. I'm even willing to pay for it if the costs are not too out of control.

 

I'll agree with everything you said up to the last sentence. There is no way DC will give you anything for free/cheap. They WILL make you pay through the nose if (and that is a hugh if) they would be willing to part with said information (if they even have it - which is also doubtable).

 

that's why I said if the costs are not too out of control. I figure they will be, shich is why I am only contemplating the letter. Haven't decided to pull the trigger yet. Worst case, I can still get the info I want, it will just take longer. reverse engineering the Jeep will be just like anything else, I'll take tons of measurements and then start modeling and realize that I need more measurements. Dismantle, measure, model, dismantle, measure, model. It's a vicious cycle. That is why I wanted to avoid it.

 

I think vanguard has some materials that might help; 1974 service specifications booklet that shows diagrams of the frame and dimensions

 

I will take a look this evening. Hopefully scans tommorrow.

 

For what it is worth, I have a service manual. If I'm not mistaken, the very diagrams that you refer to are in there. I was hoping for something with even more detail. But please post away, I would like to see them for comparisson sake.

 

i dunno man, i built an l-head for class last year and that thing took forever. there's alot of little things that pop up and bite you when you're trying to put everything together and place the peices. maybe you're using a better program, a better computer, and most likely you know the software better....but it was a lot more work than i thought it was going to be in the beginning. that, and trying to figure out how i wanted everything constrained so i could get the proper movement out of things took a bit of thinking (and rebooting). of course mine went a bit too far in depth (ie bolts, keys, etc). maybe if you stay out of the really small stuff it won't become too overwhelming. all i can say is the finished product is soo worth it, and mine's just on a computer. good luck either way

-Chris

 

Well, I'm not going to get that crazy with the model. I do want accurate dimensions for the frame and suspension components and even the body, as I will eventually be fabricating them. I'm not going to use the model for any dynamic analysis or anything, just mostly to get everything to fit before I build it. And I'm definitely not going to model the engine and every component. I'll just make a shape with the proper mounting points to approximate it and the weight associated with it. the only things that I will get detailed on are things that I will eventually fab. As for attachments and all that, I'm not going to model every last little nut and bolt (although that does go against my normal practice as an anal retentive enginerd ) I'll just use axes to line things up. They work just as well in static situations.

 

No need to scan. Go here:

http://www.mesa4x4.com/tech_articles/frames/frames.html

Karl

 

72-75 frame Diagram:http://community.webshots.com/photo/139976847/139977851EeTdVt

 

Not to worry. I have detailed frame drawings with specs. I used them for my friends newer 75 and worked great. I will scan tonight and post for you! Semper Fi, Gunner

Here is an image for ya... is small for download ease and darkest I could scan. Copy and enlarge and it looked fine on my PC. Let me know if u have any problems or questions. Gunner

 

Sorry again, darn... I keep seeing the wrong dates and helping in the past? I'm going to watch TV LOL...Darn ol hardheaded Marine... Gunner

 

Say does anyone know how this project ever turned out or if it is still in construction?