Will postal Jeep parts work for my CJ5?

We have a 1972 CJ5. We found a 73 postal Jeep that we would like to buy for parts. Is there any way to use the postal Jeep body on our left-hand drive Jeep? Are there any major differences in the motor and other parts that would prohibit us from using the postal Jeep parts? Thanks!

 

The firewall cutouts are side-specific, so while I've never looked at a postal Jeep tub I'd think the firewall cutouts would be reverse of LHD.

That's not to say it can't be used, however. If the firewall is good on the old tub maybe you could cut out the DJ firewall and splice in the CJ firewall. Or cut out the DJ firewall, splice in a clean piece of steel, and use the CJ firewall to make a cardboard template. Again, I'm just speculating because I've never really looked closely at a DJ tub.

You'll likely also have to do something about the shifter cover sheet metal. The DJ is 2wd so it won't have the provisions for the transfer case lever. Not a big deal, I'm sure. Maybe the cutout in the floor is the same, but they use different bolt-on panels? That would be easy.

I'd rather make a really nice DJ tub work than replace with an aftermarket steel or fiberglass body. But it would have to be really nice for me to mess around with the mods to firewall. That's my opinion.

Chilly

 

The postals from that era are built on the 81" WB frame AFAIK, not the 84" WB frame of the civilian intermediate Jeeps. They accommodated the inline 6 (232) by using what I call the 'bubble grill' which bumps out to provide room for the radiator. They use the short fenders and hood.

There are lots of differences - I believe the rear springs are further outboard, though I don't know whether the frame is splayed outward or if the postal uses outboarded hangers like the Commando. I expect the latter.

The drivetrain is completely different, again AFAIK. I believe in 1973, the postal would have used a TF727 automatic transmisson, the 232, and of course, no transfer case.

I don't want to be a kiljoy, but I think you would be disappointed by how few usable parts you would get from a postal Jeep. The postals can usually be purchased cheaply, but that's because the vehicle as is isn't practical for anything other than delivering mail, and the parts aren't worth much.

A pre-72 postal will have use the 151 Chevy four cylinder, which is worth having ... that's about the only desirable postal component that I can think of. The fenders and hood are worth having, but they won't fit your Jeep.

BTW the DJ-5 and a postal are two different animals. The DJ-5 has a body like a CJ-5, and would be worth having. The postal (DJ-5A,B,C etc.) has the enclosed postal body and has a limited appeal.

 

Thanks a lot guys. That is really helpful. I didnt want to buy something that I wasnt going to be able to use.

 

on the other hand, a lot of the DJ's had a dana 44 Factory limited slip in the back....(mine did)
they are fun as a cut down dune runner buggy.
I used to drive up to the bank teller window in reverse to transact my business LOL. got a lot of looks with it on bigger tires, ect...
Dont write it off if you want a fun toy...

 

They are also pretty cool with a chevy 350 and racing slicks on the back.

 

If it's got Saginaw steering the column and shaft has value to the folks with an Early CJ or Flatty converting over. The 44 rear is narrower than a CJ '72-'75 rear. The frame is a good swap for an early CJ as well as they have more boxing and beef than a stock Early CJ frame. The rear springs are normally outboard of the frame. The frame rails are straight like all CJ's up to '75. They are also sprung over in the rear from the factory....