Newbie looking at early CJ5

me too

 

if the 71 is a 4 banger, that would be a rare breed
I think we sold only 1-2 4 bangers after the V6 was introduced
one was on the lot for a looong time

 

'64 is out. Body had to much cancer for me. The '71 owner is out of state for another week or so. I holding fast! Now I have found a 74 straight 6. It is 2 hours away from me, has a quickie paint (suspect!), small body issues, carb needs rebuilt it sounds like which isn't a biggie (they sent me a video of it running). Looked like it was a ranch mule too. I think they are trying to pretty her up a little with the paint. [/URL][/IMG][/URL][/IMG][/URL][/IMG][/URL][/IMG][/URL][/IMG][/URL][/IMG][/URL][/IMG][/URL][/IMG]

 

That last picture has a rod paralleled with the axle below the axle that has me scratching my head. The 71 just seems to be the better of the 2. I have talked to the 74 owner and worked them down to $2500, but I think it is still to high just from the pictures. The 71 we haven't worked on a price yet as he is gone. I am leaning towards the 71 so far. I like the extra room on the 74 and they have always wanted the 72-75 CJ, but I feel like the 71 so far might be a better buy. I feel like the 74 owner isn't as forthright as they should be. Buyer beware!

 

The '74 looks like a T-18 truck 4-speed. The '72-75 ones have some nice upgrades including bigger brakes, more modern and better steering, suspended pedals, a better front axle (less maintenance, stronger, tighter turning radius). The wheelbase of the '74 is 3" longer than the the earlier ones, but the body is basically the same. You sit further outboard on the '74, but there's no more legroom. Weird seats - maybe home-made cushions put inside the metal frames for the original seats. Driveshaft in the back is likely from the front axle ... what's up with that?

 

I have a LOT of questions with her. I know of all you have spoken off (read a view of your comments before). It is her sons, given to him by father, drove it to her home from Monterey. She has been very kind and taking pictures and a video. I think she is the middleman(woman). I need to see if I can talk to dad. With the fifth wheel ball it was used on a coastal farm I suspect. Yeah, those seats are funky, but no less funky than the clothe Lincoln seats in the 71 to me. But I guess that is just semantics of interpretation to each.
And is looks like it has/had a PTO with the silver handle in the middle. Owner said it is like cruise control.

I am still weirded out with the pipe under the front axle. WTF is that? Bubba engineering? Ultimately I need to drive to see her. Not sure if it is worth $2500 yet.

 

The white paint is a turn off for me commonly used to hide bad bodywork. That's a 1200 dollar ride imho

 

Well the Ford truck hub caps in the front, and I think those are Ford Galaxie 500 hub caps in the rear. Its a steal at $2500!:driving:

 

I don't think you've found the right jeep for you yet. Might just want to keep lookin'. The right one will show up.

 

+2

Jeeps are not rare. Don't feel pressured to buy until you see one you feel good about.

 

Thanks guys. I don't feel pressured, I don't have to have one I just want one. And there is no time crunch either. When I think I want something, I will stop and compare and make sure it is what I want and look at it with a inverse thought process. I have lost a few deals that way, and saved myself from some major headaches too.
I am a patient man. Jeeps come and go all day long. There is a driver for every seat. My seat will come along. I started looking very infrequently about a year ago. I started looking more frequently lately.
I really appreciate all the input from everybody.

 

Just curious, where in Northern Cali are you?

 

Fresno where we have 4 seasons. Hot, Hotter, Still hot, and fog/smog.

 

Soooo, still looking and I found a 68 on CL. The guy sent me some pics and it looks okay. Potential so far. Then I get this one.
What the heck is up with the knee-dash and the steering column?
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Get underneath each Jeep with a flash light and measuring tape, ensure the frame is straight and the tub isn't rusted through.

 

Does anyone have a take on this? Before I travel 2 1/2 hours to see this cj, wanted a take on what is pictured. I am concerned with what I see. Something has been replaced it seems. The under part of the dash I have never seen, and the steering column does not line up or coincide with that column hole. Everything in the pictures sent seems worthy to travel to look at it, until this picture.

 

Maybe the body was lifted off the frame,thats why the column hangs down and a "custom dash",x2 on the crawling around with a flash light.

 

After a long search and evaluation of the condition on my knees, I finally found a ride that works for me. After looking at so many CJ5's and some difficulty of the ingress/egress in the 5, I opted for a CJ7. Some of the prices also dictated this decision, but overall I have a knee that does not like the bending it takes to get in and out of the CJ5. Besides, I have a lot of leg room in the CJ7 that is much appreciated.

She has some minor neglect, the suspension was lifted in a undesirable way, and the re-paint is horrible, but good bones overall. I have new brake lines, suspension, lower steering column joints, a twin stick conversion, and a brake booster on there way to me. After all this, the carburetor will need attention soon. I would like to change the transmission to something stronger than the T-5, and match the gear ratio to the tires (3.31 stock gears). She has a Richmond locker in the front and a factory Posi in the back. Just emptying every pocket already.

She ain't the prettiest Jeep, but she is mine and will get the job done. Nice to have a ride to protect me from the rain (assuming we get some here in Fresno), as riding in the rain on my KZ650 just SUCKS.
She isn't a CJ5, but I think it is a better fit than what I had my heart set on. She rides and drives very nice. Hell, my wife likes it (except the paint).