Differences Between Intermediate And Late

So long story short the jeep life chose me, I have a 79 and I'm hooked. My tub is rusted out and I want something I can use in the winter so I'm considering diving into an aqualu build someday. With how much that'd cost I could choose from a few platforms for such a project. I like the aesthetic details/character the intermediate has vs the late model (steering column, tailgate, round tail lights, windshield frame...).
How do the intermediates differ mechanically? I know the frame, axles, and tub are different.
Do they still have saginaw steering?
Are high back seats feasible?
Swinging or through floor pedals?
Can I swap in my beloved T-18 and 258?
The rear frame/springs are narrower, does it actually make a noticeable ride difference or just theoretical?
I'm looking to make my dream jeep, something that I can take wherever year round or even daily if I choose.
Thanks for reading...

 

Body Info & FAQ's

 

Yes.

Seat mounting is different. Should not prevent hig-backs though. I had Bostrom captain's chairs in my prevous CJ-6.

Swinging. Different from the '76-on pedals though.

Sure. The 258/T-18CR was optional in the Intermediates.

I don't know. Driving/handling was not an issue with my intermediates. IMO it's more about a softer ride than about handling.

Dane71, Welcome from Boston! This topic has been covered a lot in previous posts. Use Google or Bing to search old posts. site:earlycj5.com intermediate jeep features differences - Bing

The Intermediates (1972-75) were an intermediate revision from the Willys/Kaiser Jeep (1955-71) to a completely AMC-designed revision. (1976-on). Almost everything changes for 1976. About the only thing that carries over from 1975 to 1976 is the engines, the T-18 (but different input and bell), the front axle, and the Dana 20. An intermediate is two things different from the early (Willys/Kaiser) version. 1) wheelbase extended to accomodate the excellent AMC inline 6s. 2) Components upgraded to include all the changes that Jeepers were already making to make their Jeeps more trail and road worthy. New axles, new transfer case, new brakes, new steering, new engines. Pretty much everything else is the same as the early models.

 

Wonderful, thanks for the information guys. This will give me some more to think about.

 

I bought a new 1976 / 304 CJ with every HD factory option and drove it for 2 or 3 years.
From my experience the weakest link of the Late CJ's is the Corporate 20 rear axle.
And the standard crawl ratio is too fast.

All in all it was not bad but I destroyed the rear axle splines.
Only been messing with the older/ earlier jeeps ever since that one.
Way back when national speed limit was 55MPH I actually preferred a stock 1948 CJ2A over the HD 1976 CJ.
Anymore I prefer trans-vintage and trans-model builds.
In general I don't go newer than 1975 parts anymore excepting for a very few assemblies like the low geared T18 .
Don't have, but I might possibly reconsider the 1977 front disk brakes someday.

 

Yeah luckily mine has been alright, one piece axles are on the endless to do/wish list though if I go through with it. And I have a granny gear so I'm set as far as the crawl ratio. I love the old ones but it sounds like a lot of work to get one happy at speeds over 55!