Universal CJ-5
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EarlyCJ5.com Technical Library
A technical library for classic Jeeps
EarlyCJ5.com
The Early CJ-5 and Dauntless V6
CJ-5 Spotter's Guide
By: Ron Roland and Adam Sparks
Edited by: Adam Sparks
The Early (Short 81 inch wheel base) CJ-5 was manufactured from 1954 through 1971.
Identifying features include:
- Engines
-
- 1955-1971 - 72hp Hurricane F-head 134 cubic inch I-4
- 1961-1965 - 62hp Perkins 192 cubic inch diesel
- 1966-1971 - 160hp 225 cubic inch Dauntless V6
- Fuel tank was located under the drivers seat with the fuel-fill on the side just behind the drivers door opening. This was moved to the rear of the Jeep somehwere in 1970 to comply with federal regulations that fuel tanks could not be in the passenger compartment.
- Short hood and front fenders. The fender makes a triangle with the cowl.
- Snorkel cut-out on passenger side of hood before 1965
- Faux battery box cover on passenger side cowl, 1955-1965
- Ross steering box (mounted on the frame behind the front axle, Saginaw steering boxes are mounted on the front of the frame in front of the axle on the left hand side)
- Dana Model 18 transfer case (4 cylinder with dual lever through 1966(?), V6 with single lever shift). Twin sticks can be retrofitted to a single stick transfer case.
- Front Axle (Beginning production through Nov. of 1960 was the Dana 25, with SN 57548 - 121248 beginning the Model 27 front axle)
- Rear Axle Dana Model 44 two-piece rear axle until 1970 when it became one-piece flanged (desirable). A two-piece rear axle has an axle shaft and a hub that slides over the tapered outer end of the shaft and is secured with a nut. To determine which it is, if the axle is rounded on the end (dust cap) it's a two-piece, if it's flat it's flanged, see this section of the picture bank for illustration please.
- Three speed transmission T-90 or four speed T-98 (rare) for F-head, T-86 and later T-14, or T-18 (even rarer than the T98) used in V6 models
- Narrow windshield frame with fold-down latches, wipers mounted on top through '68, on bottom from '69 on, the hinges are two piece and come apart for easy windshield removal. The windshield is nearly 90* upright but not quite
- Exterior wiper motor bottom mounted from '68 on
- No door hinges
- Tool box located under passenger seat
- Side-marker reflectors installed on hood in 1969 and throught mid-1970. Side markers appeared on front fenders mid-1970 onward.
Tuxedo Park Mark III and Mark IV
The Tuxedo Park models have their own page now. Tuxedo Park Mark III and Mark IV Guide
Renegade
The Early CJ-5 Renegade Packages are documented here. CJ-5 462, Renegade I, and II Page
AMC Renegade Press Information
This special limited-production vehicle leaves little doubt about its true purpose.The sporty Jeep Renegade is built for the man who wants all the excitement he can get out of 4-wheel drive. That's why the specially priced Renegade equipment package includes a hefty 304 cubic inch V8. A Track-lok differential is included too. And that's not all. Cast-aluminum 7" wheels, bucket seats, heavy-duty cooling system, fuel tank skid plate, roll bar, custom pain job and many other features which are available only as separately priced options on ordinary 4-wheel drive vehicles are all part of the Renegade package. This one has what it takes to do just about anything for fun. If you're in the market for this kind of excitement, better see your Jeep dealer soon. Scheduled Renegade production is limited.
Intermediate AMC (Long 83 inch wheel base) CJ-5
Manufactured from 1972 through 1975. Identifying features include:
- Longer hood and front fenders to accommodate the AMC I-6 engines
- Engine(s) AMC 232 CID or 258 CID I-6, AMC 304 V-8
- Fuel tank and fuel-fill located at rear. Narrow windshield frame with fold-down latches with wipers mounted on bottom. Exterior wiper motor
- Saginaw steering box (power steering optional)
- Dana Model 20 transfer case
- Dana Model 30 open knuckle front axle
- Dana 44 Centered output differential, 30 spline, flanged
- Three speed transmission T-14, 6 cylinder models, T-15 three speed transmission, V-8 models
- Four speed transmission optional
- Most Renegade models had the tailgate deleted, spare tire mounted on rear
- Levi edition trim level introduced
Final AMC (Long 83 inch wheel base) 1976 through 1983
Identifying features include:
- Longer hood and front fenders to accommodate the AMC I-6 engines
- Engine(s) AMC 232 CID or 258 CID I-6, AMC 304 V-8
- New stronger, wider frame with longer springs for softer ride
- Fuel tank and fuel-fill located in rear of the tub
- Wide windshield frame with built-in door hinges fold-down knobs with wipers mounted on bottom and motor mounted on the inside
- New floorboard and changed seating bracket design
- Saginaw steering box (power steering optional)
- Dana Model 20, after 1979, Dana Model 300 transfer case
- Dana Model 30 front axle
- AMC Model 20 2 peice rear axle identified by it's "WWI Round Helmet" style differential cover
- Three speed transmission T-150, T-18 Four speed transmission optional
- Laredo and Renegade models had the tailgate deleted, spare tire mounted on rear, models with a tailgate had a swing away tire carrier
- Levi and Golden Eagle trim levels available
- Silver Anniversary edition released for 79 only
Note: The fuel tank was moved to the rear during the 1970 model year after AMC bought the product line.