Inherited '70 CJ-5

My Grandmother purchased a 1970 CJ-5 with the 225 V6 when I was 9 years old. Being the only male Grandchild I immediately told her I wanted it when she was done driving it. Well after 35 years that day has finally come. It's a cherry piece, only 21,000 miles and only a bent front bumper and driver's side step (both recent and probably the reason she quit driving it). I've been perusing this site for some time now and would like to ask the opinions of the folks out there. Does this jeep handle suspension upgrades well (2.5" lift, flex shackles, spring overs)? I'm concerned about drivability, roll over, hard braking, and any other issues you know about. I 've also considered doing a power buildup of the engine with parts from TA Performance, ie., stage I alum. heads, offy intake w/ low cfm 4-barrel. Does anyone have experience with a similar setup? What does these heads do to the torque and power band? Is it worth the extra expense? Will I need to upgrade the rest of the drivetrain or is the jeep parts strong enough? Finally, should I give thought to keeping this jeep factory stock? Heck, it still has the original seat covers and has probably been treated better than most jeeps over their life. Only driven to church on Sundays...

 

Welcome Grannys from Ohio.

Sounds like a great jeep for a stock resto-mod. It all depends on what you'd like to do with your Jeep...trail rig, heavy mudding, occasional off-road, cruises to the store, highway, etc...

As far as the lift goes, I've got 2 w/ a 2.5" lift and I like it.

I/we would love to see a few pics of your '70.
-Alan

 

sounds like one of those cherry automobiles that has been in a time capsule......

Personally, I would keep it original; these babies are just too rare. If you feel the need to modify, buy another that isn't quite so pristine. I can also assure you that it will hold its value better if left stock....

how 'bout some pictures.......!!

 

Welcome from Ohio!

 

welcome, if it's as nice as your description seems kind of a shame to "fix what ain't broke".

 

Welcome from middle TN.

 

Leave it as-is.....Change the spark plugs (wires), coolant, oil (in engine, tranny, TC, and axles), check points, set timing, inspect brakes, and drive it.

 

Welcome from Boston!

Sounds like a great car. If you haven't driven it a lot, I'd suggest that you drive it a while before you decide on any major changes. A '70 is fairly "modern" as CJs go, so you may be happy with it the way it is. "Resto-mod" is the most popular path here for these Jeeps ... keeping the stock appearance and upgrading some of the safety-related systems.

These vehicles are remarkable in their stock form; you seem to have a lot of enthusiasm, but I think you may not appreciate what you have already. SO much depends on the skill and experience of the driver, that it's really worth your time to put some on-road and off-road miles on your Jeep before you make any radical changes. SOA is radical. New heads is radical. Think about tires, brakes, steering, gearing, lockers/LSD - these areas will give a much better return on your time and money.

I'd suggest you get familiar with the stock systems on your Jeep, lurk here a while, check out the tech pages, search the archives, and ask some followup questions.

A few questions for you - which springs (number of leaves) do you have now? Have they sagged appreciably? Which axle ratio? Do you have the rear LSD option? What size tires and wheels do you have, and what is their condition?

hth!

 

Welcome, I’m sure in stock form you will find it very capable.

 

Welcome from central Va

 

Welcome. resto-mods are nice.

 

I'd vote for resto-mod as well. There are plenty of Jeeps that have already been beat/hacked up that would be a better choice for heavy mods, but very few Jeeps that are in original condition.

 

Welcome from Denver, from an Enid, OK native! Please don't chop up Granny's Jeep, leave it reasonably stock. If you want to build some radical off-road machine, that's fine...just use some later model Jeep that someone else has already beat half to death.

 

Welcome from California.

What you've inherited is a horrible unsafe vehicle not fit for man nor beast - I recommend you send it to me for instead!

If the above suggestion doesn't fit with you, then my vote is to keep it stock!

lj

 

Welcome from Havasu. Ditto on the Restro-Mod..