new project for me

Howdy, been a while since I have posted on here but I read often. Anyways I had started a Flatty buildup a few years back (build thread here http://www.earlycj5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=45470) but sold it when we bought a fixer upper house. Now we are pretty much settled in the house and I have been looking for another project and came across a 61 CJ5 that is pretty rust free but needs a good rebuild for an incredibly cheap price so I am hoping to pick it up Tuesday after work, Anyways I now have two kids and no time so plans for this one will be much tamer than with my Flatty. I am thinking a mild spring lift, narrow 33s, stock axles with front discs added, maybe Saginaw steering and probably an engine swap to a newer 4cyl or a V6 with an SM420 but I might rebuild what its in there now, gotta see how bad it is first. I will get pics up in a few days too. Its gonna be kind of hard to keep it mild as I havent done that on my past jeep builds so help keep me in line. If I am staying with narrow 33s how essential is the Saginaw swap really? And is the stock engine worth rebuiding or should I find a running Chevy V6 or Iron Duke 4? I will probably ask a bunch of newbie questions as its been a while since I worked on a stock older jeep but it should come back to me soon I hope...

 

I'm not a big fan of the F134, but it has a loyal following. Even in top shape it does not make a lot of power. The torque peaks at a very low RPM, mostly because of the very very long stroke. Since power is basically torque times RPM, a falling torque curve at useful RPMs limits its power. Supposedly very gutsy feeling at low speed though. Plus its an old ... old ... very old design, with origins going back to the 30s.

The Buick V6 would be a fine choice, and the swap is very easy, as such things go. With the distributor at the front of the engine, the engine fits very well with no clearance issues. The 4.3L Chevy is also very popular, likely due to its easy availability at a low price. It's distributor is at the back, like a Chevy V8, so it doesn't fit in the engine bay quite so easily. Manageable.

If I wanted a 4-banger, I would look for the Chevy stovebolt 4 (153 cid) rather than the Iron Duke (151 cid). The 153 is a more conventional design, essentially 2/3rds of the 230 cid Chevy inline 6. There is also a bored version of the 153, the 3.0L (181 cid) Mercruiser, sold as a marine or industrial engine. More cubes, but may be hard to find at a decent price.

The 150 cid Jeep inline 4 is a fine engine, and should make a good swap. The GM Atlas 4 or 5 cylinder is another possibility.

 

Mild spring lift - maybe look at Skyjacker Soft Ride or BDS.

Narrow 33's - you do know that you can get narrow TSL 34's from Interco? Just a thought.

Saginaw - much better than stock for trails or in the parking lot. Not a huge improvement just cruising down the road.

Engine - personally I would not spend the time on the stock 4 cyl. For a V6 I would pick the Chevy 4.3 or the Buick 225. For a 4 I would look at the Ford 2.3.

Good Luck!

 

Thanks for the replies, as far as the engine goes I will have to see what I can come across running for cheap. A 225 would be nice but they are pretty rare around here. I believe most of the stock steering setup is yanked off so a Saginaw swap is likely anyways. I do have a SM420 I can get for $50 and I already have a few bellhousings so I can mate it to either a225 or a SBC or soemthing with the same pattern. I have though about the TSLs as well, it will come down to what I find cheap and used. I am bringing it home tomorrow so I will know more then....