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Restoring 1974 Cj-5

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by HarvestGold, Mar 2, 2021.

  1. Mar 2, 2021
    HarvestGold

    HarvestGold New Member

    Nebraska
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    Hello, I've just started the restoration on a 1974 CJ-5 with the AMC 258, T-14 transmission, Dana 20 transfer case, and Dana 30 & 44 axles with a 3.73 ratio. What started out as plans for a modified Jeep now has evolved to trying to keep things mostly stock, except for a few items, such as 31" tires and a 2.5" suspension lift. I also plan on adding an electronic distributor, aluminum radiator, engine block heater, front disc brakes, and an electric engine fan.

    While I'm restoring it I'd like to address any known 'weak spots' and at the end of the restoration have a Jeep that could be used as a daily driver that can travel comfortably down the highway at 65 mph, should the mood strike.
     
    Last edited: Mar 2, 2021
  2. Mar 2, 2021
    Twin2

    Twin2 not him 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Virginia Beach, VA
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    welcome to forum
    you have a excellent platform to start with
    we do like pictures
     
  3. Mar 2, 2021
    HarvestGold

    HarvestGold New Member

    Nebraska
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    Thanks for the welcome! I'll try and add some photos, I need to resize them first.
     
  4. Mar 2, 2021
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    Welcome from Boston.

    I see no obvious weaknesses to point out. That Jeep is fully highway capable from the factory, with no changes. Make sure that you have sufficient caster once you install your lift springs.
     
  5. Mar 2, 2021
    Norcal69

    Norcal69 Out of the box thinker 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    Caster, Bump steer and toe adjustment are going to dictate how comfortable it is at highway speeds. Others may disagree, but I recommend a sway bar on the highway.
     
    Lockman likes this.
  6. Mar 2, 2021
    HarvestGold

    HarvestGold New Member

    Nebraska
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    Agreed, I will be sure the suspension geometry is correct. I have a sway bar on another Jeep project (a 1982 CJ-7), and it appears to be compatible with my CJ-5.

    Can anyone verify?
     
  7. Mar 22, 2021
    Tom Walker

    Tom Walker New Member

    Red bluff ca
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    Mar 17, 2021
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    I am curious about the sway bar also, just finishing a 1974 cj5 with sbc, turbo 350 Trans and np205 tcase. I used the rocky road conversion to go to the jeep wrangler leaf springs with soa. Rides alot smoother than the stock cj5 but is very hard to handle on the pavement. Was hoping a sway bar might help.
    Screenshot_20210321-211948_Gallery.jpg
     
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  8. Mar 22, 2021
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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  9. Mar 22, 2021
    Tom Walker

    Tom Walker New Member

    Red bluff ca
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    I haven't made it to the alignment shop, just finishing building the rear bumper with my taillights so I can take it in to town. I noticed others have got a print out and posted it, ill do that
     
  10. Mar 22, 2021
    Dale Park

    Dale Park Member

    Utah
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    What is the best caster to have it set at? That is a nice looking CJ you got there. What are the long pieces sticking out the front, Bumper extension?
     
  11. Mar 22, 2021
    Tom Walker

    Tom Walker New Member

    Red bluff ca
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    Bumper brackets, last two projects are custom front and rear bumper. The rocky road wrangler soa conversion says it is already set for the proper camber, but I think I will take it to the alignment shop and find out for sure. I think I'll stick with what other people have found works best.
     
  12. Mar 23, 2021
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    You need to set caster and toe-in. The camber is built-in to the axle. The shop can adjust toe-in and center the steering, but you'll have to add caster shims to adjust the caster. Caster will make a major difference in tracking and stability.
     
  13. Mar 23, 2021
    jeepdaddy2000

    jeepdaddy2000 Active Member

    Eagle Point oregon
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    I'm a HUGE fan of upgraded seat belts for Jeeps running over 55MPH. Retractable shoulder belts if you can.
    Power steering if you don't already have it.
    Pick a good set of tires. They make a difference in noise and drivability.
    Insure your defrosters work. Upgrade if necessary.
    Interior sound dampening. Rugs would be nice in the winter.
     
  14. Mar 23, 2021
    Snoops

    Snoops Making progress, slow but at least it's forward! 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    Welcome from Idaho!
     
  15. Mar 23, 2021
    sterlclan

    sterlclan Member 2022 Sponsor

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    With that drivetrain how long is the rear driveshaft?
     
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  16. Mar 23, 2021
    Norcal69

    Norcal69 Out of the box thinker 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    Check your caster angle, toe adjustment, steering box and steering shaft joints. It's pretty easy to adapt a later cj5/7 swaybar to work on an earlier jeep.
     
  17. Mar 23, 2021
    Lockman

    Lockman OK.....Now I Get It . 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    Here's a pic of how we set up my '75 . Backed off @ 89 MPH once......went straight as a arrow .I think a Steering Damper is a must.
     

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  18. Mar 23, 2021
    Lockman

    Lockman OK.....Now I Get It . 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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  19. Mar 23, 2021
    Lockman

    Lockman OK.....Now I Get It . 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    Oh, Sorry again here.:oops: Welcome from the ' South Shore of Lake Ontario ' .
    Your gonna love the Front disc's. Night & Day at any Speed !
     
  20. Mar 23, 2021
    Tom Walker

    Tom Walker New Member

    Red bluff ca
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    I think when I measured the tube is about 9in. But that doesn't include the double cardin joint in front and rear ujoint
     
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