1. Registration trouble? Please use the "Contact Us" link at the bottom right corner of the page and your issue will be resolved.
    Dismiss Notice

'66 CJ5 to '50 CJ3B

Discussion in 'Flat Fender Tech' started by BenFoley, Feb 25, 2009.

  1. Feb 25, 2009
    BenFoley

    BenFoley Member

    Cedar Rapids, IA
    Joined:
    May 22, 2008
    Messages:
    130
    Well here it goes, I am think about going over to the dark side...R). Last year I purchased a '66 CJ5 with a 225, T86, D18, D27 front, and D44 rear. Ever since i bought this jeep I have toyed with the idea of buying an older one instead. I recently came across a local '50 CJ3B for sale for a great price and what seems to be good shape. As much as I would like to have two, I am sure the wife would hit the roof if I told her I was planning on having two. Long story short, I already have everything from my '66 restored except for the body and chassis itself. I was wondering if anyone could shed some light on what components from my '66 could be adapted to fit easily to the '50. I was thinking about using the motor, tranny, t-case, front end, and rear end. I am kind of bummed though in the fact that my '66 has a Meyers top in great shape and I would not be able to use this. Any info on what parts are interchangeable would be great.
    Thanks,
    :v6:
    BenF
     
  2. Feb 25, 2009
    Bill F

    Bill F Finally running

    Hillsboro NH
    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2002
    Messages:
    588
    The engine would swap in. the 225 in a flatty is fairly common and relativly easy to do. You could also use your frame but it is a little bit longer and would require some modifications.
     
  3. Feb 25, 2009
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2003
    Messages:
    23,596
    There's very little difference in drivetrains between the two vehicles. To me, it seems pointless to part out a running/driving Jeep to build another Jeep, when you already have the same drivetrain in the new Jeep. The '3B will be basically the same axles, the same transmission, the same transfer case ... no great difference. Putting the V6 in the '3B will be like doing an engine swap from scratch; no great advantage to using the CJ-5 as a donor.

    If you want the CJ-3B, sell the CJ-5 and swap in a V6 to the '3B. You'll end up with basically the same vehicle you'd have if you took the drivetrain out of the '5 and swapped it into the '3B. You won't save any work and won't get any better drivetrain by sacrificing the CJ-5.
     
  4. Feb 25, 2009
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2002
    Messages:
    12,529
    If you're bent on the 3b I'd say put the 3b body on the '5 frame. Longer springs in rear which gives a little better ride and articulation. Or bite the bullet, ignore the wife, and have 2 Jeeps. I have 7 and the wife doesn't complain (too muchR)). Just tell her it's a hobby and is much better than going to the bars, chasing other women, or a host of other things. Put it in perspective for her....:)
     
  5. Feb 26, 2009
    Kman

    Kman Member

    Middletown...
    Joined:
    Feb 27, 2005
    Messages:
    410
    X2 Jeeps are addictive, my wife and I(shes a Jeep Girl) have several Jeep projects.
     
  6. Feb 26, 2009
    bnorth10

    bnorth10 Wicked Willys Customs

    Joined:
    Feb 27, 2007
    Messages:
    128
    I agree 100% with Nickmil. If you absolutly have to have only one, keep 3b body for 5 chassis but a better idea would be to just have both. My wife used to get ****ed but I think now it just humors her. We have an agreement that she has a few hobbies such as horses and I promise not to bitch and I have my Jeeps and she wont as well. I tell her the same that I could drink it all away. And at least Im attracted to not only beautiful women but Jeeps as well so it keeps me out of trouble. I currently have 7 as well but have had up to 14 at once. (I live in the country and can keep them hidden!!). Ive even gone as far as building one and calling it hers so we can fit the whole family in two Jeeps. She laughs!! Honestly, an old Jeep can be a pretty good investment if bought right=)
     
  7. Feb 27, 2009
    wheelie

    wheelie beeg dummy 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor

    York, PA
    Joined:
    Mar 6, 2004
    Messages:
    4,491
    JEEPs are like potato chips.......ya can't have just one. Any reasonable person understands this. The hassle comes in storing them but, this can be overcome. Good luck with your new addition to the stalls.
     
  8. Apr 1, 2009
    DonK53

    DonK53 New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 2, 2007
    Messages:
    3
    I just noticed this post, I haven't been here for a while, but a 1950 jeep can't be a 3B?
    Better double check it or post a pic.
     
  9. Apr 1, 2009
    jeeper50

    jeeper50 jeeps 'till I die

    Spanish Fort. AL
    Joined:
    Dec 20, 2007
    Messages:
    844
    Short hood or tall hood? I'd swap the goodies over to the 3B and sell the 5, it's not that dark over here, in fact I see things much clearer now.
     
  10. Apr 3, 2009
    Bob Greenslade

    Bob Greenslade Member

    Roseville CA
    Joined:
    Sep 15, 2008
    Messages:
    232
    If it's a '50 it has to be a 3A
     
  11. Apr 4, 2009
    windyhill

    windyhill Sponsor

    PA
    Joined:
    Nov 4, 2006
    Messages:
    1,502
    What Nick said! I'd finish the early CJ5 and then start on the 3B.:) Seriously take it from someone who has a few, If you can finish the one first, but buy the 3b if it's a good deal and then you can dream about both projects. '53 was the first year for a 3b (high hood) a '50 would be a 3A. Your wife will adjust just fine, Mine comes out now when I drag another one home and points out the good parts on them. "Hey nice PTO winch or that fender looks good." R) She's a keeper.;)
     
New Posts