new guy with ??? about my jeep

i just bought my first jeep and im confused about year i was told it is a 72 cj5 the dash says it is a 72 that i know could have been changed the confusion is come from i bought another 72 cj5 but there is a bunch of differences
1. the windshield has vacuum operated wipers where the second one has electric
2.it has the short front fenders and hood with no side marker provisions the second has long and side marker lights
3.the tub has tool box under pass side seat and spot for fuel tank under driver side seat
4. the word jeep on the side of tub is different font i guess thats how to explain it
5. there is no vent below the windshield behind the hood

any help would be gret everthing i read tells me it is older but not sure wher to start so i can build my jeep the motor and drive train i know are newer i beleive it has the 304 with a three speed and a dana 44? rear with 373 gears i have pics if you guys need to see to help me out thanks Herb

 

Welcome,

Could you give us the number off the vin tag? You will find it on the firewall.

 

The jeep with the longer nose is definately 72+. That was the first year they used an inline 6 & V8 so they streched the front 4 inches to fit them. The gas tank on the 72 should be in the back. There is still a toolbox under the passenger seat. Should be sidemarkers on the fenders.
Older Jeeps are notorious for having left over parts used in new production years, but with all of the differences in yours that doesn't sound likely.
Make sure you get your vin # to Chuck . He can probably tell you to the month when it was built.
BTW, welcome from Colorado!

 

i have two different vin #s the one on the dash nov 1971 j2f835th14623 the second is close but 1 # off j2f83 f th14623 i hope these help

 

Both vins are from a 72

 

thanks but why is there so much older stuff on this jeep just coincedence maybe ?

 

Pics would be good. Sometimes titles and VINs get moved around - it's not legal, but it happens. Vacuum wipers, short fenders, no marker lights, and no cowl vent are earlier than '72.

 

When I swapped tubs I saved my original vin plate & put it on the new tub. The new tub was from a 73. It can get confusing when things get swapped and modified.

 

Sparky your semi right.
In most every state its the body thats VIN'd.
However some places say its the frame and drivetrain, because some have bodies that can be removed.
Then throw an old VW into the mix where the pan is the VIN'd item.
Having said all that, swapping VIN tags is illegal.
If any of you do it dont say a word.
I've done it myself a time or three.

 

I hear ya.

 

in pa it's illegal but also a good way to get around the smog laws. may not be right but won't say i havent done it

 

The new tub had no vin plate. The old tub had one that was screwed on. Tubs were exactly the same (minus tons of rust). I didn't even think about it not being legal. I'll have to check Colorado laws.

 

The frame is the only major component that is still original. They would probably want me to get a salvage title if I were to consult with the DMV.

 

Jeepgal DA, DT )dont ask dont tell) is the best when doing stuff like this.
Its always easier to ask forgivness than for permission.

 

x2