Considering 66 Cj5

Hi everyone,

Not sure where to post this so starting here. I looked at a 1966 cJ5 Tuesday that I loved and made an offer on which was accepted! I wanted to grab a few parts for it and called a guy who specializes in CJ7s wondering if he may have anything. When I told him I was buying a 5 he said “Without even seeing it I wold tell you not to buy it. They are nothing but glorified tractors and only belong on a farm. Don’t waste your money”. I was bummed and started to second guess my decision.

I guess I’m looking for people to tell me how great these are and make me not bummed. Started looking at other Jeep’s the past few days as I haven’t actually bought this 5 yet. The guy put a lot of work into it mechanically within the last year and seems bulletproof. Everything is in great shape minus the interior which I was hoping to make a small project.

Change my mind!

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I wouldn’t say he’s wrong about “Glorified Tractors”. But oh so much cooler than a 7.

What is it you want a ‘66 to do? If you need to drive it to work 75miles every day in traffic there are better choices, but if you want to do this…..welcome home.

 

Early jeeps are off road vehicles. I'm talking 41-75. They were adapted to work on the road. 41-71 had the dana 18 transfer case that supported front and rear PTO's which were used for farm equipment, trenchers, all sorts of tools.

In '76 AMC introduced the CJ7 and sold it along side a modernized CJ5. They had more creature comforts and stylish looks, option packages, etc. But when compared to modern jeeps such as TJ's, JK's etc, a person who owned one would say "all old CJ's are glorified tractors"

In my personal opinion the strongest jeeps were the 72-75 intermediate years. #2 would be the 66-71 with the Dauntless (Buick) V6.

It is sad that the person that told you not to waste your money is telling you to ignore the jeeps that created the legend that mopar/FCA/Stellantis bases their entire marketing scheme on.

 

I prefer "Uncivilized"

 

I knew I'd find some support here......

It probably sounds stupid, but I'm buying this strictly as a toy. Realistically, it will probably sit in the garage most the time and use it for short trips around town. I always wanted a jeep so I started looking at YJs and TJs....but they seemed a bit too modern. Then I looked at a few CJ7s then found the CJ5. I know they are all built to do different things. I'm more about the looks and nostalgia vs the practicality of the vehicle. Any of the mentioned Jeeps could do what I want to do with them.

My uncle had a CJ5 that I always loved to ride in. My grandfather had a 1931 Model A which I loved....totally different vehicle but the 66 incorporates some of what that Model A had.....more simplistic interior, no comfort amenities, etc. The CJ5 just seems to incorporate a bit of everything I want.

I put a link to the one I made an offer on in the original post. I just love the way it looks.

 

Check your serial number. Does it begin with 8305 or 8322? You have hood badges that show it to be a Tuxedo Park. I see nothing else that makes it a Tux though.
The photo in the parking garage shows the Jeep to be in 4wd low-range. You should NOT have it in 4wd on any paved surface. The lever should be all the way forward almost against the firewall.
My dad bought my Tux brand new over in Newport back in '65. I still have the invoice.
-Donny
This discussion should probably be moved to "early cj5 tech".

 

Nothing wrong with having an early jeep as a toy. Isn't that the majority of us here? If I've learned anything in life, is that I try not to be "too" influenced by other's opinions. What really matters is what you want out of this jeep. My '66 isn't the cushy DD, but my pleasure ride when I what to get out in the open air and "see and feel" the sites. I installed an OD this past year, and it has opened up even more options for adventuring by letting me survive the highways to and from where I want to go. What can be said about driving a vehicle that is over 50 years old? !!!It's frigging awesome!!! If it is something that fits your desires and needs....just do it. You might not get there in comfort, but you will be smiling the whole way there. Mine has gone over and around anything that my other buddy's vehicles have done, and most of time easier because of it being a short wheelbase. And of course if it's equipped with the V6? "forget about it? you're "GOLDEN".
That's a nice looking jeep also....

 

I’ll have to look at the number and let you know. Thanks on the 4WD....still learning where everything should be!

 

This is perfect! I think this jeep would make me happier than some run of the mill TJ.

Quick note on the engine. This has the 304 V8 in it. Tells me it isn’t stock and someone did some substantial changes along the way. Is this good or should I run?! (I don’t really care if it isn’t stock).

 

V8 in a little Jeep = FUN

 

My Cj5 is a toy, you can use around your place when nice weather.
Mine is easy to drive, I take off the top and I can put the windshield down.
I go to the village, local farms for eggs, cheese, vegetables ...and small family trips on tracks between fields or wood to see wildlife.
It's rustic but fun.

 

With a 304, you likely don't have the D18 transfer case that was original for a '66, so my comments about the lever position can be disregarded.
-Donny

 

You’ll love your cj5 “Toy” trust me

I sure love my weekend “Toy”

 

sounds like a real nice setup.....as long as it's put together right, and working....wheel it

 

More like "spartan." They started off with little consideration of highway use. By highway I mean high-speed interstate use. They all do fine at boulevard speed or below, even the earliest 4-cylinder examples.

As time went on, more and more upgrades and compromises were made to make Jeeps more highway-capable. Recall that the interstates did not exist until the Eisenhower administration (1952-60), and driving 70 or 80 mph on these early highways was considered daring or foolhardy, not to mention uniformly illegal.

Your CJ-7 guy is doubtless biased, but he also values highway performance more than others might.

The 304 was introduced to CJs in 1972. You either have an unusual engine swap, or it's not really a '66. Need pics.

 

It still has the short fenders so one would presume it is pre 72. My guess is someone swapped the entire drivetrain from an intermediate into it. That shouldn't have presented too many problems with a 304. And yep, a V8 in an early CJ will put a poop eating grin on one's face.

 

Unusual in it's not a Chevy. Possible they took the whole drive train from a later CJ-5. A V8 will fit under the short hood (as you know).

 

I haven't seen it in a week so I'm going to take a closer look when the guy gets back in town and I do my final look-over to ensure the year, engine, transmission, etc. I'll let you guys know!

 

What are your plans for the jeep?
There are quite a number of modifications done by the PO or PO's.
Someone has converted to a Saginaw or Muncie side shift transmission.The transfer case shifter also appears to be the correct single stick, but it is not in the factory location due to the transmission swap.
If you can, get us more pics: under hood, ect. Many times jeeps like this need plenty of bugs worked out of them.

 

Short trips around town on flat paved roads. No off-roading planned (and if I ever do I imagine relatively flat gravel or mud trails, no rocks or anything).

Is it "bad" that this work was done in general or just if it was done incorrectly?

This work was done before this PO. I know he had a lot of work done to it and says he has the papers to prove it that I'm going to ask about ($7K worth of work that included transmission, engine toon up, shocks, leaf springs, etc.)