1973 CJ-5 With 401 V-8

Do I have anything unusual? This 1973 CJ-5 is equipped with a 401 V-8 with an Edelbrock R4B intake manifold, with a number M 4485729, huge Holley carb and T-15 tranny. It's VIN does not totally compute in that it is JDF835TH24098...think the second digit of VIN should be a number rather than a letter. Were CJ-5 ever equipped from the factory with a 401? Just recently got this little beast and have been getting a few things gathered up on it before I take it for a test run. A friend that drove the unit when it was healthy and in good tune said it was stronger than a wet goat and to be careful with it! Thanks in advance...Tom

 

Lots of power you got there!! Is the frame box in ??

 

THe 401 was never offered from the factory in a CJ. There were reportedly some dealers that would swap a crate 401 inplace of a 304 on new jeeps. The swap from any Gen III Amc v8 to any other is really a pretty much bolt in operation that could have been done by any owner in the last 36 years.

From what I've heard, the 401 can be a handful in a cj, so use careful throttle application, gently...gently... FLOOR IT!

that is a badazz cj. I'm jealous. My 304 has a lot of power for the small frame, i couldnt imagine having the grunt of the 401.

 

Guys...Thanks for the prompt response...Is it conceivable that the VIN second digit of D indicates a dealer engine transplant? Tom

 

I'm no help in this. I'm just saying a 401 in a CJ is ubber cool.

I'm looking for a 401 for my 6.

 

I've got a mildly built 360 in my '74, and it was a handful until I got used to it...now I have moist dreams of a 401 transplant...

 

I have a 401 in my 72, lots of fun.

 

tampering with a VIN would be a felony...
should be a number instead for the year: 2,3,4,5 etc

 

As soon as the 304 became available in the CJs Randall AMC-Jeep in Mesa, AZ. started installing 401s in them when new. They advertised nationally that they kept 50 in stock. I am sure that there were a few other dealers around the country doing it but I never heard of anyone doing it on that scale.

 

I was thinking Randall AMC as well... any chance the Jeep came from Arizona???

 

Brian Chuchua in Fullerton CA sold 401 CJs too. I test drove one in 1973.

Is the VIN you posted from your registration or from the plate under the hood? I'd guess it's a typo on the registration and you actually have J3F835TH24098. Look under the hood at the VIN plate.

 

Couple of locals here in the 74 era would buy a J-10 pickup and a CJ at the same time. (they had money)

The J-10 would be equipped with a 401... and it magically changed to the CJ...

they used the truck for business and CJ for fun.....

 

Was there any more information on this Jeep? I have been looking to find any evidence of a Randall Engineering 401 Jeep for years and thougth this might be one!

 

Tom, I would like to talk to you about that Jeep you have or had, Between my dad and I we are the original owners of the Jeep and we put the 401 engine in it. I’m trying to see if it’s still around.
Thanks Greg

 

yeah I saw that he hasn’t been on here sense then. New to the page and thought that when there was a message that it would send it to your email to let know but I’m guessing it doesn’t. I was hoping to see if it was still around don’t know any other way to find out.

 

This is what it looked like when I sold it to a guy in Kansas back in 95.

 

That is a good looking Jeep !!

 

The Oakley sticker confirms ‘95.

 

I had a set of Goodyear RT’s on my 75 renegade. (Spare tire in the picture.) Size 13:50 by 31 by 15. Best tire I ever had on it.