Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire Anyone have an older CJ-5?

I have had 2 CJ-5's in the past and now have a hankering for another one.

Anyone else a fan of these jeeps? Anybody still own one?

I am looking to find the right one to buy, would love to find the old half cab version, those tops are really hard to come by now.

JM

It's been a long time since I owned one, I had a 1966 CJ-5 with a Chevy 350 in it until a semi stalled in front of me and rolled back into the front end of it. I replaced that one with a 1975 CJ-5 with a 304 V8 in it. They were always a lot of fun in the summer, but not so much fun in with a soft top during a cold Nebraska winter.

I wouldn't mind having another one, I would have to get rid of some of my other toys first.

Had an '82 CJ-7.........fantastic off road vehicle.

Been kinda toying with the idea of a new Rubicon.

MM

What do you want it for? A fun off roader or a hunting vehicle?

Given the species you guys hunt over there, I think I'd want something with a longer load bed for hunting....

The CJ-5's are awesome hill climbers Pete.

Ne,

That's why I would like the old half cab hard top if I could find one. Even a winter down here is kinda tough with a rag top.

The older CJ's were really good at getting in and out of bad places. I had one with a stock 304 and the last one had a Chevy 327 in it.

Wish I had either one back now.

JM

Back in about 75 they were all the rage wiyh my buddies.
One friend had an ok 72 with the six banger, another 2 cruising buddies the 304.
I remember both V-8 jeeps ended up with broken frames and on serious side hills they twisted so much the clutch wouldn't engage. Another thing...........transfer cases always popping into neatral at very bad times. My old 3/4 GMC spent a lotta time towing those crappy CJ-5's around........
I always did like the late 60's models with the factory Buick V-6 though.

They were a lot of fun though and definately chick magnets.

I never did any rock climbing with one. I know they were excellent in swamps and muddy hills.

My Dad had one and we had to shuttle folks into the camp when it was wet, nothing else could get in and out except a couple of old Ford Broncos, I like them as well.

My main gripe with the cj's was the drum brakes on them.

JM

Yes John, I still have my 1978 CJ-7 that I purchased new in MEM at the long defunct Holiday Motors. It still runs well, even though it's on its second engine, but it does need new brakes and spring bushings. I'm waiting for warmer weather in order to address those issues. It's no longer stock though, as I've modified the suspension and drive train, and "helped" the 258 with some enhancements.

Have you got any pics Mike? Would love to see it. I would definitely consider one with the 6 cylinder, you can get alot out of those motors with aftermarket parts.

JM.

We had a 78 Ford Bronco for hunting vehicle for quite while too, that thing would go about anywhere too.

I am running a 53 M38a1 the father of the cj5. Fhead 4 and a Warn over drive. Goes pretty much any where. Bear

I can get the pics, but I have no clue as to how to post them. It's sitting in my shop right now needing a wash. It has some rust on it in the usual spots for CJ's, i.e. front fenders and bottom windshield frame, but the body tub is solid, as is the hood and grille. It has factory front disc brakes and drum rear, both of which need work. I'm probably going to replace the entire brake system from master cylinder, lines, proportioning valve, cylinders, rotors and drums this spring. It takes a few pumps before the brake pedal stiffens up, which sounds like the master cylinder to me. I don't drive on the roads with it, and won't until I address this.

I have modified the DT and suspension. The DT now has a Borg Warner T-18 4 speed, Dana 20 transfer case, and Dana 30 front, AMC 20 rear axle housings, with 4.56 final drive and a Tru Trac front posi and a Detroit Locker rear. I need to replace the keyed AMC axle with a Moser one piece, but have delayed doing that.

The suspension has been lifted 3" and I'm running 10.5x33 BFG Mud Terrains. I added a Saginaw power steering pump to make it easier to handle rough terrain. I actually set all of this up in the late '80s when I was based in LeMoore CA. We used to go into the Sierras almost every weekend in the spring, summer and fall and do a trail up to the lakes and camp and fish.

The motor is an AMC 258 that has been bored .030 over, balanced and printed. It has a Crane RV cam, Holley 390 CFM 4 bbl carb, and Clifford Research headers and intake. It's a pretty stout motor, and very torquey.

I've had it since new, and probably won't ever sell it. I highly recommend a CJ-7 over a 5, if only for increased comfort. I'm 6'4" and could not fit into a CJ-5 when I went to buy one back in the day. The CJ-7 is 10" longer, and is more mannerly in highway driving because of the increased wheelbase. Anything from 1977 to 1982 is good, and after '82 they widened the axles, which IMO decreased the "trailability", but that's just my opinion.

Good luck on finding one, as I'm sure that their are plenty out there, but in varying stages of repair. They are really good trail vehicles, and fun to boot.

I have a 81 CJ 5 that has asked to go to a new home, since I have not taken it hunting for several years. 6 cly. 4 speed. shows slightly over 50,000 miles. I have had it for 6 year and used it on a hunting lease. Not inspected at this time. One small rust spot a coulpe ripples on hood. Not top. Located in the Houston area.

Mike,

I'd be interested in seeing your Jeep as well...If you email me the pics, I'd be happy to host them and post them in here for everyone to see..

Regards,

Peter

A friend is looking to sell this one.

It has been restored and even has a power take off for belts like the old tractors did.

Looks like a CJ-3 from here. Looks good, too. How much is he wanting for it? Original engine or what?

The 5's do wander on the road more than the 7's and the hump in the back of the door makes it a little harder to get in and out of.

I have just always liked the short 5. In the picks you can see the hump in the door on the 5 vs. the 7 and the wheelbase difference.

CJ5


CJ7

That's a CJ-3B.

Very nice, I believe that is a Kaiser or Willy's, can't really tell with the hood up.

Very cool jeep.

JM