CJ-5 or Cj-6

Ok guys. I am starting to look for a new jeep. But the problem is a 5 or 6. I was thinking of 6 so it would be big enough to haul my fishing poles and equipment. But, how hard would it be to find a 6 over a 5? Is there any differnce between a 5 and 6, except the wheel base? Any ideas or suggestions?
Thanks,
Chris

 

It really comes down to what you can find. I'd definately like to own a CJ6 for the added wheel base and room, but I couldn't find one when I was looking at Jeeps, so I ended up with a CJ5. As far as I know, the only differences are the wheelbase and extended body. Look around and see what's available. You could always make a rack hanging off the back of a CJ5 or maybe one in between the seats or something to hold your fishing poles and whatever else.

 

I own a CJ-6 and it's a pain If you're in need of a used frame or tub.Save yourself the head ache and go with the CJ-5.The only real difference is the frame/tub is 20'' longer.The frame on the C chanel 101'' (wheel base) model has the frame strapped on the bottom.When it comes time to rewire my CJ-6 I'm sure to have to jerry rig it.PS buying fishing poles that break down and getting rid of the back seat would save ALOT of trouble!!!!

 

You could always go with the half cab hard top.A real eye cather.

 

At the risk of repeating Mike et al, depending on your budget and the amount of time you are willing to wait, you can get the vehicle you want. Both are out there - the scarcity is nowhere near the "rare" status you would reserve for most exotic cars. You should be able to come up with 5 or 10 candidates a month, depending on how far you are willing to travel. If you want a bargain, you have to be more flexible.

I've owned both a CJ-5 and a CJ-6, and I think I actually enjoyed my CJ-5 more (shock! ). A lot of this had to do with the setup of the CJ-6 - hardtop (top heavy), underpowered (258 I-6 with a 3-speed), while my CJ-5 felt more nimble and maneuverable. The CJ-6 had some more room, but not like a station wagon or pickup. Storage space is still at a premium, especially if you add backseat passengers.

You will pay a premium for a CJ-6 unless the owner is entirely clueless. Not only do people like them for the extra 20" of room, but the 101" or 104" wheelbase is closer to the current thinking about the ideal wheelbase. The really short wheelbase of the CJ-5 (81", 83.5") is out of favor amongst the hard-core off-roaders. There are technical reasons for this, including the current use of much taller tires than in the past, and change of approach and breakover angle with wheelbase. Thus these vehicles, especially at the low end of the condition scale, command a premium over CJ-5s with similar condition and equipment.

Plus there are a few people out there that simply want a CJ-6 for what it is. For example, Mike (above) wanted one becasue he's tall (you can scoot the seat back further in a CJ-6), he has two growing kids he wants to be able to take along, and he likes the early CJ vehicles. With a CJ-5, you have room for backseat passengers or gear, not both. You still have less cargo room with 4 passengers in a CJ-6 than you would with 2 passengers in a CJ-5.

Aside: The CJ-5 half-hardtop will fit if you have or can fabricate the extra bulkhead panels needed for the CJ-6. I expect you could have a soft half-top if you were willing to pay enough (ie through Beechwood Canvas).

 

Here is my deal with the CJ-6.I bought a Jeep I seen on the side of the road.It turnd out to be a CJ-6A.If you buy a Tuxedo Park I think you should have to restore her by law.PS big head ache!!!!

 

If you like the longer wheelbase, you could also consider the Jeepster Commando. Same wheelbase and chassis, somewhat more refined body style.

 

I strongly suggest you buy my CJ-5 Chris.

 

If you work hard for your money, why would you spend it on something that you really didn't want?

Get the CJ6 if that is what you really want. don't "settle" for a CJ5.

If there is an upcharge for the CJ6 (and I don't think there is), then it won't be much.

It'll ride smoother and you can make more legroom because the wheelhouse won't be in the way.

Sruprisingly, Jeep couldn't sell the CJ6, and now thirty years later it is coming into vogue.




I've always said that "after the check clears the bank it doesn't matter what you paid for it, what matters is what you got for your money".

But, then, maybe that is how I became "Senior Curmudgeon".

 

:shocked: What???????? Why? I am telling you from the horses you know what you will regret it. No I wouldnt call it settling for a CJ5 I take what I can get. But the thing is if I do take out the back seat of a 5 I would have to get it registered as a truck. And if I were to leave it in I would have to classify it as a car. Here in Ohio. If I am wrong someone please correct me. Although, having a 5 with a half cab would be cool. Knowing my luck though I wouldnt be able to find one when I get a jeep. But on to the fishing poles. I use 10 foot surf rods, that break down, and then the bait cooler, and the other cooler for "cold beverages". Not to metion the other persons gear and tackle box. How big would the back of a 5 be with the half cab on? Or that would work if I where to make a rack on the back for the coolers. Hmm...
Thanks,
Chris

 

A cj5 with a halftop will roughly have a 28" (from top to tailgait) X 3' box between the fenderwells. Also if the halftop comes off a cj6 it should have the extra bulkhead "squares" where the fenderwells of the cj5 would be, at least mine does. Of course with the halftop you are limited on how far you can move the seat back with either a '5 or '6. Also my cj6 top has the spare tire mount attached behind the driver's seat(outboard obviously), it fits btween the top and the fenderwell, can't do that with a cj5. And if you can find this option or fabricate it, cj5s were fit with an optional extension box sticking out past the rear of the truck giving an added 2' to the bed space, never have seen one on a cj6, but any option for the '5 should fit a '6.