Early CJ Myths > Need Your Input

You need to do a SOA lift to be able to off road

 

Generally, all the mods you can buy, create, or dream of will replace drivng technique, and make you a superior wheeler. What a crock.

 

Almost rolled over last week when a tire blew.. seams very unstable over 50 but I have 235 85 16 and a spring lift

 

I have driven mine less then 1,000 miles the t18 needed a full rebuild I even had to replace the case. Dana20 rebuiilt, dana 44 failed replaced. Motor started to smoke and knock replaced bearings will rering and rebuild heads the carb snapped in half.. The like new tire blew. The overdrive is toast had to remove it. All the myths ring true.

root cause other than the last owner i think is the 235 85 16

Water pump also went out.

 

not really sure what to add...

all mechanical parts are still available new or reman.
you can upgrade to stronger parts like the 30 spline 1 piece axles, d30 swap, numorous spring options, swap in a sm420/465/t18 pretty easily without major reconstruction. obviously the v6 is a good offroad motor that can be modified in small easy ways to make it a little more stable like hei. most jeepers don't even know about the wonderful warn overdrive only available with the d18. having an offset rear diff is also a great advantage to the early cjs when avoiding big rocks.

for those wanting to really rock crawl i wouldn't suggest a cj5 old or late model. the angles and twistability needed for that are just not found in such a short wheelbase vehicle. for everyday light to difficult trail use a cj5 is just fine, in fact the extra narrow track of our early jeeps can really be a great advantage when navigating the rocks, trees and ruts on the trail. moderate to difficult trail riders really should look into some of the modifications listed above or you could be walking home. i know that in stock form the jeep can do some amazing things, but after 35-50 years some of these things are going to fail and you might as well at least upgrade the easy stuff if you are going to trust your jeep with your life.

chris

 

"did you buy a kit to make your postal jeep 4wd or did you chop a CJ-7 frame?"

 

The under seat gas tanks are a bomb waiting to go off, you HAVE to swap it out for a rear tank.

Its cheaper to build a TJ.

 

anyone got the "how'd ya shorten that hood up? i can't even see a seam on anything" lately? i've been asked three times lately and all the guys swore up and down i didn't know what i was talking about, especially with that v6 swapped in, which was "a really nice swap job" as well..."could you put me in touch with who did it??"

to some guy around here i'm stupid and don't know what i have. if only he knew what he thinks he does...

 

this is often heard about CJs with the AMC 304 V8

"that engine is a Ford engine, Motorcraft carb and distibutor"

 

I love the "you have to have front and rear lockers"

I heard a fella one night telling a crowd around his Jeep that the V8 chevy in his was a factory option.
I muttered to my buddies as we walked off "yea in a camreo" R)

 

You must remove all emissions equipment in order to get any power ( not really a JEEP one as much as an all vehical one)

 

I know you've all the heard the snot nose kid at the parts counter say, you mean a staight 6, no I mean a V6, the final reply is then thats not factory you'll have to find out what it came from for me to get parts for it..

 

I have 235/85/16's and a spring lift and it is very stable over 50. It just cruises right along. Granted I have not blown a tire at that speed, but I feel as comfortable at 60-65 in my CJ5 as I do any other car. Maybe time to check your steering, shocks, body mounts, etc. if you are having these problems.