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CJ6 / M170: What To Watch For? Thoughts and Opinions

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by JohnnyCommando, Jan 8, 2010.

  1. Jan 8, 2010
    JohnnyCommando

    JohnnyCommando Blue Tarp Station, proprietor

    Eureka, CA
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    Hello. Is there anything specific to the CJ6 or the M170 that I should be mindful of when considering the acquisition of one? Trouble spots?

    Thoughts and opinions on these models?
     
  2. Jan 8, 2010
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    Not many M170s out there. I expect few of them were made.

    Not much difference in the CJ-6 vs the CJ-5. They are a CJ-5 with longer frame frails and a section added to the body. Mechanicals are identical to the CJ-5, except for the few items that need to be longer. Not a huge number were made, compared to the CJ-5, but they aren't "rare" by any reasonable definition.
     
  3. Jan 8, 2010
    bkd

    bkd Moderator Supreme Staff Member 2022 Sponsor

    K-Town Tenn.
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    usual areas to check for cracks or rust.......having a long term plan in mind when looking so you can evaluate better ultimate budget/costs........I'm a biased cj6 owner but they're cool, more functional than they're shorter brethern...............(there's a REALLY nice one for sale in our classifieds being sold by Boyink that's really worth looking at, I wouldn't consider selling mine for what he's asking for his)
     
  4. Jan 8, 2010
    USMC_LB

    USMC_LB Member

    Tipton Co, TN
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    M170s are pretty rare (they only made about 4,000 of them) so if you find one most likely they will be with inflated price tags compared to their actual condition.

    CJ6s are plentiful compared to M170s but compared to their CJ5 brothers, they are definitely less numerous. They only made around 50,000 of the CJ6.

    Things to look for are no different than looking for a CJ5.

    If you have any specific questions please feel free to IM me.

    TimD
     
  5. Jan 8, 2010
    aallison

    aallison 74 cj6, 76 cj5. Has anyone seen my screwdriver?

    Green Cove...
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    And CJ6's are just way cooler than a CJ5. Chicks did the extra 20 inches...............................:)
     
  6. Jan 8, 2010
    JohnnyCommando

    JohnnyCommando Blue Tarp Station, proprietor

    Eureka, CA
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    Thanks fellas.

    I was preparing to look at a CJ6 on Saturday:

    I had somebody contact me yesterday offering a '75 CJ6 as a trade for my '66 GMC. As it turned out, it's really just a titled tub and frame -- no front wrap, no axles, no motor -- sitting in the dirt. That doesn't even qualify as a basketcase and is definitely not what I had in mind as a straight trade...

    He's working that "rare" (seller's words) angle for all its worth; he's asking a grand for what I described. I don't blame him for trying.

    (I hope that some of you find some humour in all of that. I know that I did. :) )

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    Last edited: Jan 9, 2010
  7. Jan 11, 2010
    Rumpeltiltskin

    Rumpeltiltskin New Member

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    $1000 ? cut that in half and then subtract $100 and then he would be close to what it is worth.
     
  8. Jan 11, 2010
    JohnnyCommando

    JohnnyCommando Blue Tarp Station, proprietor

    Eureka, CA
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    Right. 'Probably why it's been advertised for the last several months.

    THAT -- or the fact that he's relying on texting for all of his communication with potential buyers.

    Here are the photos that the seller sent me:

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]


    There have been a couple of other CJ6s that I've seen for sale that are drivers, and I really would prefer to find a driver and not a basketcase -- regardless of which model I settle on.

    __________________
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    Die Klunkerfarm
     
    Last edited: Jan 11, 2010
  9. Jan 11, 2010
    double R

    double R Member

    Reseda, CA
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  10. Jan 11, 2010
    JohnnyCommando

    JohnnyCommando Blue Tarp Station, proprietor

    Eureka, CA
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    Thanks for the link Rodney. That may be a bit far... hmmmm...

    Ya know, I have heard that you automatically gain 10HP per M151 wheel that you use on an early jeep. I have also heard that hills lie down flat when your jeep is equipped with such. It must be an intimidation thing.

    Thanks again for the link -- food for thought! [​IMG]

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  11. Jan 13, 2010
    modified

    modified Member

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    well, it will cost a grand to transport X-country. but take a closer look at the pic...hint "windshield" not endorsing the fact you purchase this willys. I myself, possess an M170. My question to you is , what do you want to do with the vehicle. restore and garage or use and abuse. or anything in between?
    the M170 is a M38A1 version of a Front Line Ambulance. a rarity and parts specific are a pain, if none existent to recover. also orig mil spec is 24 VDC running and fording conversion ability. the front spring pack is stiffer than any civy cj6 but you have the added away bars and factory reversed shackles. the orig frame is double walled and boxed at the front. the body metal is a gauge or two thicker from what I can tell.
    All around, the M170 was a well engineered vehicle for its intended durability purposes at the time.

    IMHO, stay away from the M170. I dont need the competition to find the scarce parts.:twisted:
    get a post 70-ish cj6. its easier!!!! please
     
  12. Jan 13, 2010
    modified

    modified Member

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    sorry " sway bars "
     
  13. Jan 13, 2010
    JohnnyCommando

    JohnnyCommando Blue Tarp Station, proprietor

    Eureka, CA
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    I followed you; sway bars and away bars are both good.

    Light use is my angle -- some off road but no rough terrain, no heavy loads, and very local transport. For the most part, the closer the vehicle is to stock the better. Inevitably I might perform a restoration on whichever vehicle I choose, although my thinking is mostly along the lines of preservation.

    I realize that your question was likely for introspection, but lest there be any doubt of my intentions...

    Thank you for your input.


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    Last edited: Jan 13, 2010
  14. Jan 13, 2010
    djbutler

    djbutler Sponsor

    Rio Linda CA
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    Johnny,
    I know where there is a relatively complete M170 in Sacramento. S&H 4WD, a shop here in Sac. I don't know what he wants for it, it is a little rough but is something you could work with and it's all there. Still has 24V electrical etc.

    I didn't know what its nomenclature was until I read this thread. It looks like an M38A1 except for being CJ6 length.

    Don
     
  15. Jan 13, 2010
    Boyink

    Boyink Super Moderator Staff Member

    Tulsa, OK
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    Buy mine! ;)
     
  16. Jan 14, 2010
    farmall

    farmall New Member

    CENTRAL OR.
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    I have never seen a M170 in person. If I had one I would want it stock. Now a V6 and V8 CJ6 would be more practical. If you want a hard top its best to find one with one included.
     
  17. Jan 14, 2010
    aallison

    aallison 74 cj6, 76 cj5. Has anyone seen my screwdriver?

    Green Cove...
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    By M170, do you mean one with the extended pass door?

    Like this?
    [​IMG]

    If not, I did not know they used a CJ6 version without the extended door. I thought they were all used as ambulances.
     
  18. Jan 14, 2010
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    Yes, that's the M-170. They all have the extended passenger door, intended for ambulance service. No CJ-6s in military service AFAIK, though there is plenty of precedent for overseas use of civilian production vehicles as government/military vehicles.
     
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