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Cj-3b Vs Cj-5 Axles

Discussion in 'Flat Fender Tech' started by kenb, Jan 20, 2021.

  1. Jan 20, 2021
    kenb

    kenb Cleverly disguised as a responsible adult

    Detroit
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    Jan 22, 2019
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    670
    Hello,
    Did the 3B and early CJ5 use the same axles? I'm considering trying to build a 3B with a frame and body kit. 3Bs are hard to find around here but early 5s pop up frequently. I'm wondering if an early 5 would be a suitable donor vehicle for drivetrain and steering.
    Thanks,
    Ken
     
  2. Jan 20, 2021
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    Axles are not necessarily the same, but compatible. Can't say about the steering.
     
  3. Jan 20, 2021
    oldtime

    oldtime oldtime

    St. Charles,...
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    Yes the 3B and CJ5 axles are identical so long as the year is the same.
    Most drivetrain parts are a direct inter change but not all.
     
  4. Jan 20, 2021
    kenb

    kenb Cleverly disguised as a responsible adult

    Detroit
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    Thanks for the replies. Can you tell me what of the drivetrain is not directly interchangeable?
     
  5. Jan 20, 2021
    Mr Vaughan

    Mr Vaughan

    i think it's all just year dependent, if they're the same year (or similar) they should all be the same. the only difference is the body, as far as i'm aware. cj3B's are pretty cool.
     
  6. Jan 20, 2021
    oldtime

    oldtime oldtime

    St. Charles,...
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    The main components that are not a direct interchange are:
    Frames
    Leaf springs
    Front propeller shafts
    Radiators
    Instrumentation before 1957
    Fuel tanks
    Body parts excluding tailgates
     
    Last edited: Jan 20, 2021
  7. Jan 20, 2021
    kenb

    kenb Cleverly disguised as a responsible adult

    Detroit
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    Good info, thank you. Is the front propeller shaft just shortened compared to a CJ5?
     
  8. Jan 20, 2021
    oldtime

    oldtime oldtime

    St. Charles,...
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    Yes about 1” difference in wheel base mainly effects front propeller shaft length.
    Rear propeller is only different by a small fraction of an inch.
     
    Rodney likes this.
  9. Feb 8, 2021
    Oldpappy

    Oldpappy A.C. Fults - Curmudgeon at large 2022 Sponsor

    East Tennessee
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    Another option which might save some dollars if you intend to buy a CJ5 as a donor. With minimal modifications you can put a 3B, or other flat fender body onto a pre 71 CJ5 chassis, it will just be 3" too long in the rear. That frame cross member sticking out back there makes a great place to add a bumper, or support Jerry cans and spare tires.
     
    dozerjim, Rodney and norville like this.
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