CJ newbie

Hi. I just picked up a 1975 CJ5. This is my first CJ (I had a YJ for a few years) so I'll be visiting here routinely I'm sure, looking for information and help. I'll make the most of the search function, but I have a couple of quick questions.

1. Are there a couple of generally accepted "best sources" for replacement parts?
2. Is there a good place to find a Factory Service Manual, user manual, etc? Google hasn't turned anything up so far. I have the Chilton book already.
3. Any tips for where to start? She starts right up, drives alright, no apparent leaks. There are a couple of boddy work issues, and it's obvious that the previous owner did some modification. I'm not looking to do a complete and faithful restoration right off the bat, but I'd like to get her to the point where she's a reliabale daily driver, and then slowly restore from there. If there are some typical problem areas for the '75 CJ5, I'd appreciate the tips.

Thanks.

 

Welcome! You're going to love this place, the site is PACKED with helpful info, and the search feature works like a champ!

First thing to do is to fill out your profile completely. Then its time to sit down with a beverage of your choice and spend a couple of hours exploring the site. Especially read the "stickies" you'll find a stickie on the Early page that gives info on the best parts sources, for example. Hit the Technical Library, and Gallery tabs at the very top of the page, those will really help you identify what you've got.

Other than that, you're on the right track. Best thing to do is to drive the jeep and pay attention to what issues come up for your particular jeep. These things are so old, and PO's have done so many "mods" and "improvements" to 'em that there are almost no "typical" problems that are worth going into without further info.

You're going to find a completely different experience here than on a typical YJ forum. A great majority of the folks here really know what they're talking about, years and years of experience with the old heeps. No BS infighting or nastiness you find on other forums.

Your jeep looks great in your avatar, looks like you've got a real good running start over what some guys have started with!

 

:iagree: Good information!

I just want to add my WELCOME!

 

Specifically, about the manual. You can buy a reprint of the factory manual several places. The easiest place to find is Turners,
http://thejeep.com/shop/TECH+MANUAL....html?osCsid=3d536a1503e6dbae51955b19432e3328

There is (or was?) a copy of the '75 manual online somewhere, but it's missing a couple of sections. There's a '72 manual online at www.c104.net and trailforge: http://trailforge.com/cms/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=24&Itemid=30 All the '72-75 years CJs (the intermediates) are very similar.

Welcome to the wonderful world of intermediate Jeeps- in some ways, the black sheep of the CJ line.

 

Here are a few things to look at ...
Frame cracks - the '75 is supposed to have a stronger frame than the previous years, but they are still susceptible to cracks next to the spring hangers and at the corners where the front crossmember meets the frame rails.
Loose steering - the open knuckle front end is a big improvement over the '71 and earlier closed-knuckle design, but it still has some wear points. Look at the flex coupling between the column and the steering box. A loose steering box is also very common.
Flat springs - all of them have flat springs, unless they have had the springs replaced. Lots of discussion of this in the old posts.
Worn spring center bushings - another common wear item. Typically replaced with poly bushings.
Broken heater control bracket - almost impossible to find; no aftermarket source.
Wrong taillights.
V8 or 6? What's your VIN? Power steering? Power brakes?

 

Best I can tell, it's a 1975, Manual 4-Speed, CJ-5, 258 inline 6.

VIN on the title reads as J5M3AA042322, but I think there's an 8 missing from in front of the first 3. So far, the only thing I've found that doesn't work at all is windshield wipers.

I'll try to post some pictures if I can figure out how to resize the ones I've got.

 

Here are some pictures

 

Yep, that's right - typo. "83" has stood for the CJ-5 model since the beginning. The VIN is on a plate under the hood.

The 258/T-18 is a nice combo. Owners like it. If I had a CJ-5 from this era, that's the drivetrain I'd want. You know that this is the 'close ratio' T-18, without the granny gear of the truck transmissions?

Looks like the PO had some pride of ownership, though some of the mods aren't to my taste (I like the bus wheel). Power steering is an excellent upgrade if you can find a donor vehicle (search/ask before you buy any parts though).

Looks good - congratulations!