72 CJ5 - Looking forward to the Journey

Well, I've introduced myself already, but wanted to get a thread started. I've recently purchased my first jeep, and I'm looking forward to giving a restoration a try. I've never done any sort of restoration, but I think with lots of questions for all you veterans, along with research in old threads, I should be able to accomplish it.

It's already in pretty good shape, so ATM, I'm not looking to do a frame up restore, mainly looking at just doing bits and pieces, here and there, as $$ is available until I reach my destination. Whatever, or wherever it may be. Haha. Who knows where it may lead? I'm challenging myself to find out.

Well... I thought I'd be smart enough to post a few pics, but I don't see how to do it yet. I'm on an iPad, any suggestions?

 

Without pics, here's what I've got. Body is in good shape with decent paint. It's had some floor pan patches (diamond plate) but from underneath, I can't see where it was rusted out, so maybe it's reinforcing?

By researching the VIN, it came stock with a 304, but the PO told me it's a 401 from a 77 Wagoneer. So not sure just yet. Grocery list of things that need done before it's ready to start...
Oil pan. PO took it off when he parked it, so he could replace leaking gasket...never finished
Carb. Removed to rebuild...never finished
Exhaust...everything is missing including manifolds
Rear driveshaft... Removed to replace slip yoke, yep you guessed it...never finished

I haven't looked in to any of the electrical yet, so not sure about any of it. I do know it's missing the heater core and blower motor, but that isn't real high on my list of priorities. I'm positive I'll learn much more about it as I go along.

Before driving, I plan to change all fluids is differentials, transmission, and transfer case, along with making sure the brakes are in good working order. I have much to learn, so bear with me as I pick your brains for knowledge and ideas!

 

Welcome aboard. I'm also fixing up an intermediate.. 401 is a LOT of power for a CJ5. They're also worth a good bit if running. Even core engines are expensive. If anything in engine is questionable check it out rather than hurt that 401.

Chilly

 

Welcome!

It will be a fun project for sure!

What transmission is in it? That could be the weak link with that motor. IMHO

 

Here is a step by step instruction for posting pictures, we love to see pictures!

http://www.earlycj5.net/forums/showthread.php?78830-Posting-photos

 

point taken. I'm not crazy about having a 401 in it, but for now, if everything checks out with it, that's what it's going have. I'd honestly like to have a straight 6. Maybe someday it will

 

Excuse my ignorance, but as of right now, all I know about it is its a 3-speed. From what I've read, it's the only trans offered with the v8?

 

Once I do some more learning, I will figure out exactly what the transfer case and axles are in it also

 

As far as I know, you probably have a T15 transmission, a D20 transfer case and a flanged, centered, D44 rear axle. all decent units.

 

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I'll figure out how to get multiples loaded...maybe. More pics to follow.

 

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Ok. That's all I can do now. I've got to get the laptop going again. This iPad and I aren't getting along too good. But anyway, that's my new toy. Like I said, in decent shape but has been parked for 13 years. Any and all ideas or helpful hints will be welcomed. I can't promise anything, but I will try to keep the progress moving and post pics when things get done.

 

Wow that's a good looking jeep!

 

Looks good! Great starter jeep!

 

Thanks for the info. Can you point me to a website that will explain the differences and how to figure out what each item is on my jeep? What to look for on the axles/transfer case, etc? I honestly haven't gotten that far in my research.

 

This is probably the best place to figure this out, post some pictures of the underside. If the drive shaft comes out of the drivers side of the transfer case instead of being on the passenger side, it's probably a D20, the 'silent transfer case" Is the rear differntial centered between the frame rails, if so, it is probably one of the highly desired ones if it is the right years, a D44 flanged axle. Even if you do a Google search, you will probably end up back here. Nice Jeep, have fun with it.

 

Novak Adapters has pretty nice tech sections on identifying transmission and transfer cases, as well as merits of each.

If you don't want the 401 because it has ignorant power then a 304 will be a cinch to swap in, and you can get enough out of the 401 to fix up Jeep in ways you prefer. 304 is same block but with just-right power for a Jeep.

I sometimes consider replacing my 304 with T15 3-sp with a small block Chevy and SM 420 4-sp, for long term maintainability. But so long as they're working well the original parts will remain.

Chilly

 

For engine size just look under the exhaust manifold, the size will be stamp there.

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