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74 Cj5 Assist.

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by Jacked up, Jul 24, 2019.

  1. Jul 24, 2019
    Jacked up

    Jacked up New Member

    Florida
    Joined:
    Jul 24, 2019
    Messages:
    2
    Thanks to all for your input. I have been reading a number of post but still need some help.
    As a new owner of 1974 cj5, I am looking for some knowledge
    I am trying to make improvements or just getting it running. So before taking it to a machine shop I need to know.
    The vin says I have a 304, the engine has a big 360 on the side of the block. What do I have?
    My other question is, was the 360 an option in 1974and if it was would there be anything on the vin?
    Also looking for suggestions/ advice on upgrades in particular disc brakes.
    Thank you again
     
  2. Jul 24, 2019
    Iandavidh

    Iandavidh Member

    California
    Joined:
    Sep 24, 2018
    Messages:
    398
    A 360 was never put in the cjs from factory. I thought I read somewhere about a dealer that put a couple 360s in them but likely not the case here.

    In the future I am planning to go with Metcalf’s front disk conversion and just keeping the rear drums. Brennan's Garage
     
  3. Jul 24, 2019
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    Aug 10, 2003
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    23,596
    It's a 360, if that's what's cast-in to the side of the block. The Jeep definitely was delivered new with a 304 (H code). There are more used 360s available today than used 304s - the only difference externally is a different flywheel, balanced to the 360. It's a drop-in replacement for the 304, and the best performance bang-for-the-buck in a 304 Jeep. The 360s (and 401s) have different heads from the 304s with bigger valves - more power from a better stroke ratio, in addition to increased displacement and better induction.

    No 360s or 401s in CJs from the factory. I have never heard of dealers installing 360s in new CJs, but they definitely did install 401s (I test drove one in 1973). Nearly 100% certain your engine was swapped-in by a previous owner. Happens a lot. Good 401s are pretty scarce today.

    Lots of info about front disk swaps in old posts site:earlycj5.com intermediate front disk brake swap - Bing In 1977 Jeep started offering front disk brakes in the CJ as a factory option, and they were standard soon after. You can do this conversion with factory parts from a later CJ. The 11"x2" Bendix drum brakes used in these Jeeps are not bad ... I would not be in a big hurry to swap brakes. Service parts for the Bendix brakes are cheap and widely available.

    Welcome from Boston :coffee:
     
    Last edited: Jul 24, 2019
  4. Jul 24, 2019
    Walt Couch

    Walt Couch sidehill Cordele, Ga. 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    cordele, Ga.
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    Mar 29, 2007
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    Welcome from Ga.
     
  5. Jul 25, 2019
    Jacked up

    Jacked up New Member

    Florida
    Joined:
    Jul 24, 2019
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    Thank you all for your input.
     
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