Dauntless With 5.38s

I’m looking at a 1969 CJ5 with the Dauntless V6 and 5.38 gearing. Could this be factory or more likely to be re-geared at some point?

 

Or converted from a 4-cylinder. Isn't the original engine type in the VIN? The V6 always had optional 4.88 gears available, so it seems unlikely that there would be a special order to get the 5.38s. Also possible that somebody wanted the 4.88 axles and exchanged with another Jeep that was a F134 originally.

Axles have build dates coded into them IIRC. I don't know how to read them, but some research might tell you more.

 

Thanks, I’ll see if I can get a vin

 

5.38’s were still optionally available in 1969 but only on the F-134 cj5/6 models.
It’s most likely that the engine or the axles are not original to your 1969.

 

Nevermind, it sold before I got the chance.

 

Couldn’t imagine having 5.38’s with the v6! ( I have 4.88’s)

 

Me too. I have 4.88's with overdrive.

 

3k on the tach at 55

 

I have 538s with a V6.....and overdrive on one jeep and 373 with no overdrive in the other.

I like both!

Richard

 

I had a 3A with a 225 and 5.38s and a car 4 speed of some type. Muncie I think. That thing was a little drag racer. Had big chrome balony pipes on it that exited right in front of the back tires. Loud as he//! Didn't have it long. Very uncomfortable to drive. Very loud. Should have kept it.

 

I’ve got 538s with a 198 v6 and an sm420 transmission. I never use 1st gear and top out at about 55mph in 4th. Which is fine, as I just use the Jeep for cruising around town.

 

Been running that combination since 1989. Not ideal on road but works great off road.

 

Leave it in 2nd gear and you'll be pretty close to it.

 

ditto! bought my 71 new with 4.88's and after about a week I put a warn OD in. excellent combo for crawling and freeway.