Cj5 1972-1975
- Posts
- 5,832
- Thanks
- 74
- Location
- Plumas Lake, CA, USA
- Vehicle(s)
- 1974 CJ5 ~ Fresh built AMC 360 - SM420 - D20 - D30F with upgraded 30 spline shafts and knuckles & D44R - 4.27 Gears - ARB Lockers F/R - All chrome molly axles - on 33's - YJ 4" Lift Spring Conversion
THE AMC CJ5
Above Photo From Yahoo Image search - 4 Wheeler Magazing favorite rides
Above Photo From e-bay sell ad - Old Poster / Sign
Above Photo From "Old Car Advertizements" - http://www.oldcaradvertising.com/Jeep 1970-87 Ads/1974/1974 Jeep CJ-5 Renegade-0a.html
As stated in the CJ5 1955 to 1971 thread there were 3 owners of "Jeep".
American Motors Corporation - AMC
Above Photo From Yahoo Image search - 4 Wheeler Magazing favorite rides
Above Photo From e-bay sell ad - Old Poster / Sign
Above Photo From "Old Car Advertizements" - http://www.oldcaradvertising.com/Jeep 1970-87 Ads/1974/1974 Jeep CJ-5 Renegade-0a.html
As stated in the CJ5 1955 to 1971 thread there were 3 owners of "Jeep".
American Motors Corporation - AMC
Early in February 1970 (2/5/1970) American Motors Corporation (AMC) officially acquired Kaiser Jeep corporation. The changes began immediately as AMC was hungry for more of the market in vehicle sales. This acquisition made AMC the 75th largest industrial corporation in the US totaling their worth to $1.2 billion. AMC was marketing very aggressively towards the growing sports utility and 4x4 market.
General Information:
1972
In 1972 the changes AMC had been making to CJ's, reliability, durability, increased passenger / driver comfort and splitting models to CJ5 / CJ6 increased to now include:
In 1972 the changes AMC had been making to CJ's, reliability, durability, increased passenger / driver comfort and splitting models to CJ5 / CJ6 increased to now include:
Discontinuing the previously available 134cid 4 cyl and 225cid V-6 engines and instead offered the new standard 232 I-6, and optional 258 I-6 and 304 V-8. Fitting these newly offered engines required AMC to stretch the nose of the CJ5 jeep (hood and fender areas) 3.3" and also stretching the wheel base to 84".
With the new power available, AMC decided to upgrade the brakes as well. The old standard 10" x 2" brakes were replaced by 11" x 2" brakes offering a total of 180.8 sq. in. of braking surface.
This change was a result of the replacement of the Dana 27 front axle with the full floating open knuckle Dana 30 front axle. This new axle was used in marketing to claim the open knuckle design was easier to maintain and decreased the tendency to "wheel shimmy". The curb to curb diameter shrunk from 1971's 38.6ft - 1972's 32.9ft.
The clutch was addressed as well, now using a 10.5" diameter clutch handling 290ft/lbs for all 3 engine options.
The rear axle capacity increased from 2500lbs to 3000lbs with the semi-floating Dana 44.Gear (axle) ratios from factory were the standard 3.73:1 and optional 4.27:1 for all three engines and transmission option combos.
The transfer case changed from the previously used parking brake equipped Dana 18 model to the Dana 20 that had previously only been used in the Jeepster and J-Series models. This decreased the low range in the transfer case from 2.46:1 to 2.03:1 but increased the ease of shifting by using the longer shifting lever.
Click here for more on the Dana 20 transfer case
Click here for more on the Dana 300 Transfer case
Steering system changes from the old cam and lever system to the Saginsaw recirculating ball setup reduced steering effort and provided improved recovery according the claims by AMC. It was also easier to service, and reduced the possibility of steering play. Power steering was optional for all engines for the first time. AMC received koodo's for this change from "Off-Road Vehicles" in Jan/Feb 1972 saying "the addition of power steering is certainly the most marked improvement so far!"
Though the side mounted spare tire and movable tailgate were still standard, AMC offered the rear mounted spare and fixed solid tailgate claiming it provided a "better appearance and more convenient spare location"
1973
The changes from 1972 - 1973 CJ5 models were less apparent. Most of AMC focus was concentrated on the new Quadra-Trac full-time 4WD system.Other small changes that were made included the reference numbers from 5 digit to 2 digit, soft-feel control knobs and new gauges for oil pressure and ammeter. The needle colors changed from white to fire orange and now included bright trim rings. Parking brake release and heater controls locations were also some minor changes recorded. In addition the wiper motor now included a plug that would disconnect to easily allow the folding and removal of the windshield. One additional change in 1973 was the addition of the now standard rear fuel tank skid plate.
The drive train options remained the same, but for small changes within individual components.
1974
In 1974, CJ's were upgraded with a new braking system yet again, including proportioning valves, new drums, linings and master cylinder. Stronger body to chassis mounts, higher output heater and a new optional federal 5mph bumper standard bumpers were also some small changes this year.
Additional internal engine changes were done resulting in the newly introduced EVAP and exhaust standards for utility vehicles starting in 1974.
1975
1975 included a lot of changes, the new frames being one of the largest. All models now included the new frame with increased gauge side rails. New ignition systems were implemented as well, decreasing the chance for long cranking times and undependable starting. The result was quicker more reliable starting in most any weather. The dash included a new disconnect plug allowing the owner to easily remove the dash for diagnosis and repair of wiring issues behind it.
The gauges changed once again with the replacement of the ammeter with the voltmeter showing battery condition and alternator status.
AMC now offered for the first time a factory installed AM radio. It was mounted below the instrument panel with a weather proof console and connected to a whip style antenna.
Also offered was a column mounted tachometer and HR-78x15 radial tires.
There was a newly offered "Cold Climate Package" which would provide the owner with a engine block heater, 70amp battery, and higher out-put 62amp alternator. This was a valuable package deal for cold weather locations.
Dealers could install a newer version of a soft top boasting it's larger door opening size and increased visibility.
Up until 75 all options of the engines were operable on regular, low, and no lead gasoline. 1975 brought the warning labels "UNLEADED FUEL ONLY" located on the instrument cluster and refueling area.
This change was a result of the replacement of the Dana 27 front axle with the full floating open knuckle Dana 30 front axle. This new axle was used in marketing to claim the open knuckle design was easier to maintain and decreased the tendency to "wheel shimmy". The curb to curb diameter shrunk from 1971's 38.6ft - 1972's 32.9ft.
The clutch was addressed as well, now using a 10.5" diameter clutch handling 290ft/lbs for all 3 engine options.
The rear axle capacity increased from 2500lbs to 3000lbs with the semi-floating Dana 44.Gear (axle) ratios from factory were the standard 3.73:1 and optional 4.27:1 for all three engines and transmission option combos.
The transfer case changed from the previously used parking brake equipped Dana 18 model to the Dana 20 that had previously only been used in the Jeepster and J-Series models. This decreased the low range in the transfer case from 2.46:1 to 2.03:1 but increased the ease of shifting by using the longer shifting lever.
Click here for more on the Dana 20 transfer case
Click here for more on the Dana 300 Transfer case
Steering system changes from the old cam and lever system to the Saginsaw recirculating ball setup reduced steering effort and provided improved recovery according the claims by AMC. It was also easier to service, and reduced the possibility of steering play. Power steering was optional for all engines for the first time. AMC received koodo's for this change from "Off-Road Vehicles" in Jan/Feb 1972 saying "the addition of power steering is certainly the most marked improvement so far!"
Though the side mounted spare tire and movable tailgate were still standard, AMC offered the rear mounted spare and fixed solid tailgate claiming it provided a "better appearance and more convenient spare location"
1973
The changes from 1972 - 1973 CJ5 models were less apparent. Most of AMC focus was concentrated on the new Quadra-Trac full-time 4WD system.Other small changes that were made included the reference numbers from 5 digit to 2 digit, soft-feel control knobs and new gauges for oil pressure and ammeter. The needle colors changed from white to fire orange and now included bright trim rings. Parking brake release and heater controls locations were also some minor changes recorded. In addition the wiper motor now included a plug that would disconnect to easily allow the folding and removal of the windshield. One additional change in 1973 was the addition of the now standard rear fuel tank skid plate.
The drive train options remained the same, but for small changes within individual components.
1974
In 1974, CJ's were upgraded with a new braking system yet again, including proportioning valves, new drums, linings and master cylinder. Stronger body to chassis mounts, higher output heater and a new optional federal 5mph bumper standard bumpers were also some small changes this year.
Additional internal engine changes were done resulting in the newly introduced EVAP and exhaust standards for utility vehicles starting in 1974.
1975
1975 included a lot of changes, the new frames being one of the largest. All models now included the new frame with increased gauge side rails. New ignition systems were implemented as well, decreasing the chance for long cranking times and undependable starting. The result was quicker more reliable starting in most any weather. The dash included a new disconnect plug allowing the owner to easily remove the dash for diagnosis and repair of wiring issues behind it.
The gauges changed once again with the replacement of the ammeter with the voltmeter showing battery condition and alternator status.
AMC now offered for the first time a factory installed AM radio. It was mounted below the instrument panel with a weather proof console and connected to a whip style antenna.
Also offered was a column mounted tachometer and HR-78x15 radial tires.
There was a newly offered "Cold Climate Package" which would provide the owner with a engine block heater, 70amp battery, and higher out-put 62amp alternator. This was a valuable package deal for cold weather locations.
Dealers could install a newer version of a soft top boasting it's larger door opening size and increased visibility.
Up until 75 all options of the engines were operable on regular, low, and no lead gasoline. 1975 brought the warning labels "UNLEADED FUEL ONLY" located on the instrument cluster and refueling area.
