Early Vs Intermediate Difference

I’m sure this has been beat to death but I’ve searched and gone through quite a few pages. I need some info is the extra few inches on the intermediate really that big of a deal. I like the v6 but some good upgrades came stock on intermediates.
I’m familiar with the little jeeps and a tj we had for a while. I’m leaning towards a early cj but would like some thoughts.
I’m not afraid to turn a wrench either.

Thanks in advance for your inputs/expertise

 

Basically that was inserted to allow a straight-six 258 engine.

 

Ok i had found that in my search but does it make a big enough difference on trails and such to even be a factor? I had noticed that my little Willy’s was way better than our tj in the tight stuff, I know apples to oranges, I can’t see that few inches being to big of a deal

 

Like PeteL says^^^

They say---For 1972, A new box-frame, featuring six cross-members for rigidity, was lengthened by 3" to accommodate American Motor's six-cylinder engine. Fenders and hood were also lengthened. AMC wanted to use the inline 6.

 

Ok the info on the frame is news to me and interesting. Is the amc inline motor the predicessor to the 4.0

 

As was said longer wheel base for inline six and V-8 ,power steering and brakes option, Dana 20 transfer case,Dana 30 front axle,11 in. brakes.Carry over from 1971 was flanged rear axle and rear mounted fuel tank. Happy Hunting .

 

AMC bought Jeep, and they had their own line of engines. They needed the longer engine compartment to accommodate an inline 6. Their inline 6 is an excellent engine, and the later 4.0L was a continuation of it. The fenders are an extra 5" longer, though the frame is 3" longer, so the front lip of the fender is 2" further forward of the axle than in 1971.

At the time, they also upgraded most of the systems that Jeepers had been modifying in their Jeeps - better brakes, better steering. The GM Saginaw steering introduced in 1972 is a major upgrade with the intermediate platform, including optional power steering across the platform. The CJ also got a front axle upgrade that is stronger and lower maintenance with a tighter turning radius. The venerable Dana 18 was replaced with the Dana 20 which at the time was used across the whole Jeep line. The 20 does not have as deep a low range, but it is more durable and quieter than the 18. The AMC V8 is new for 1972.

IMO you get quite a lot more with an intermediate than with a '71 or older. The major upgrade came in 1976, when almost every system changed in some way. The intermediates suffer from a comparatively short run - 1972-75 - which limits parts support for secondary systems. The driver's seating position in an intermediate is further to the left, which seems more natural. To me, they drive a whole lot better than the earlys, but it's been a long time since I've driven an early Jeep.

 

Very helpful. Thanks now I have to figure weather those updates are worth dealing with emissions otherwise I’m stuck at 1966

 

Emissions before the '80s is really simple. Jeep did not even publish vacuum diagrams until 1978 or 1979.

 

That is compelling. If youre willing to do the work an early with a v6, dana 30 front axle, partial frame box like the intermediates, disk brakes, and saginaw steering, would be the theoretical ideal imo. But again thats a lot of work! Does your local emissions testing check visual or just real world numbers?

 

Some visual but we go on the rollers with a sniffer. I have heard many times the older carburetor stuff struggles a lot better than ca though. That’s good that it’s not too bad in like 73 or74 if I find a good one

 

Intended uses for the jeep? I havent driven the earlier ones but that'll help weigh out if the upgrades are even worthwhile to you, others can probably better chime in better with this information

 

How tall are you?..........The early Jeeps are tight and the column angle will either get your stomach or knees.......72 and later they get more roomy up front.......and better defrost & heat options........early has an offset D-44 tapered bearing rear axle and a D-18 TC w/ 2.46 gears...........later is centered axle and TC 2:1 ratio.

Early Jeep upgrades that most do are: Power Steering, larger brakes going from 9" ( early ) to 10 & 11" drums & discs after 72......the steering & brake upgrade go hand and hand with adding a D-30 front axle from a 72 and later Jeep which also gets you 3" wider up front overall.....in 72 The straight 6 is a good platform and so is the little V6 dauntless in the early jeep...........so lots of choices and upgrades to think about how you'll use it.

 

I hear ya on room my first was a 53 cj3 lots of mods. I do like the v6 sounds great to me,however the way our market is I’ll likeley have to get a 4cyl n swap it.

 

Well I plan to use it to drive and to play off road but no really extreme stuff. Will be doing steering and brake upgrades

 

I'm a fan of the 100% Jeep .... Trans-Model builds.
Use the best from military inception through the end of the CJ era.

The only real drawback is that it takes a lot of "know how" concerning parts progress and interchange.

 

I like that idea a lot. How does one gain the knowledge with interchange and such. I’m not afraid to do work I like the satisfaction of driving something I’ve built

 

Read or ask lots of questions.

It's easiest to first determine your realistic needs and use-age.

First choose whatever Jeep model (body style) and vintage that best fits your needs.
Because the model and vintage determines whatever components and assemblies will be feasible for interchange.

Then choose the engine that best suites your requirements.
Engine selection is 2nd because the engine must fit the engine compartment.
Engine selection yields the greatest effect upon proper selection of various other component assemblies.

And so forth is sensible sequence of component fitment and effect.

The end result must become a complete synchronous system of complimentary component assemblies.

 

I already know I’d like a v6 cj5 n go from there.
I’ve read that it’s not too hard to swap in a v6 if I find a good one that’s a 4

 

I grew up with a 71 with the Dauntless V6 & a 72 with the 304. drove both equally as a teenager. The 71 is dear to my heart and I still own it, but the 72 (long gone) was hands down a better jeep.