cj5

The Jeep CJ models are a series and a range of small, open-bodied off-road vehicles and compact pickup trucks, built and sold by several successive incarnations of the Jeep automobile marque from 1945 through 1986. The 1945 Willys "Universal Jeep" was the world's first mass-produced civilian four-wheel drive car.
In 1944, Willys-Overland, the primary manufacturer of the World War II military Jeep, built the first prototypes for a commercial version – the CJ, short for "civilian Jeep". The design was a direct evolution from the war jeep, but the most obvious change was adding a tailgate, and relocating the spare wheel to the side. Also, besides adding basic civilian amenities and options and legally-compliant lighting, the CJ required a sturdier drivetrain than the war jeep, because the targeted rural buyers would work the vehicles hard and expect years of durability, instead of mere weeks as during WWII.
From then on, all CJ Jeeps consistently had a separate body and frame, rigid live axles with leaf springs both front and rear, a tapering nose design with flared fenders, and a fold-flat windshield, and could be driven without doors. Also, with few exceptions, they had part-time four-wheel drive systems, with the choice of high and low gearing, and open bodies with removable hard or soft tops. A few stand-out changes during 42 model years were the introductions of round-fendered vs. flat-fendered bodies (1955 CJ-5), straight-6 and V8-engines, automatic gearboxes, and different 4-wheel drive systems. The 1976 CJ-7 stretched the wheelbase by 10 inches (25 cm), and made doors and a removable hardtop common items.
After remaining in production through a range of model numbers, and several corporate parents, the Jeep CJ line was officially ended after 1986. More than 1.5 million CJ Jeeps were built, having continued the same basic body style for 45 years since the Jeep first appeared. Widely regarded as "America's workhorse", the CJs have been described as "probably the most successful utility vehicle ever made." American Motors VP Joseph E. Cappy said the end of "CJ production will signal an end of a very important era in Jeep history." In 1987, the Jeep CJ-7 was replaced by the first-generation Jeep Wrangler. Looking very similar and riding on the same wheelbase as the CJ-7, it carried over some important components, including its use of leaf springs.
The similar model the DJ "Dispatcher" was introduced in 1956 as a two-wheel drive version with open, fabric, or a closed steel body in both left- and right-hand drives for hotel, resort, police, and later United States Postal Service markets.

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  1. jzak

    Misc. Dummies Guide to 1981 CJ5 Climate Control??

    Hey Guys! I know there's no stupid questions, just stupid people, but in 20 years of owning CJ5s I've never completely understood how to use the climate control knobs. I always engaged the Air, Temp, and Fan to get heat, but when driving her today, I only puled out the temp knob and got plenty...
  2. J

    Body Not sure of year

    I have a CJ5 that’s stamped 8305 178180 does anyone know what year it is?
  3. BOOTZ2

    Members CJs BOOTZ2 '81 CJ5

  4. W

    Members CJs New Projects

    New member here and this is my project collection. The grey/black one on the right is a 1969 CJ5 that I acquired with a flood rebuildable title with a Buick 231V6, TH350 tranny, and 2 stick transfer case. The green one on the left I acquired with a bill of sale stating it is a 1966. It has a...
  5. G

    Members CJs New jeep, new member

    Hey everyone, joined after lurking for the past week. I picked up a 79 CJ5 last weekend and drove it 2 hours home. It was pretty rigged up for bashing sand dunes. It's a good survivor but needs alot of little things done to make it reliable. I'm sure I'll have questions at some point. Right...
  6. T

    74 cj5 top and doors

    I’m looking for top and doors for 74 cj5. Best top says they have top but not doors. Any suggestions on how to locate either
  7. P

    Engine New to Jeeps, 1962 CJ5

    Howdy all, new to Jeeps, just bought a 62 CJ5, no engine, has (from my initial research) a T18 and D20..? Has the parking brake on the back of the t-case, haven't checked gearing in axles yet. Yes, I am a "Pickupman" I have a bunch of old Ford trucks, 1963 F250 4x, 1966 F100 and F250, 1977 F150...
  8. T

    Steering 74 cj5 steering column

    I recently acquired a 74cj5 and where the steering column passes through firewall it has a lot of slop, as if there is a missing bearing or bushing. Looking for advice/ info on how to approach and if there are parts available to fix.
  9. M

    Members CJs My 72

    Just inherited my old man’s 72 CJ
  10. N

    Members CJs 1980 cj5 with 5.0

    Just bought this cause it reminded me of the first one I owned 10 years ago. Needs alot of work but still looks good.
  11. R

    1980 Jeep CJ5 – 360 V8 – Rust-Free Body – $6,500 OBO

    This thread is for the general discussion of the classified ad 1980 Jeep CJ5 - Classic Muscle & Vintage Charm - $7,500 (Chino Hills). Please add to the discussion here.
  12. 1980 Jeep CJ5 – 360 V8 – Rust-Free Body – $6,500 OBO

    For sale 1980 Jeep CJ5 – 360 V8 – Rust-Free Body – $6,500 OBO

    Looking for a head-turning classic that’s ready to roar? This 1980 Jeep CJ5 is more than just a vintage ride — it’s a piece of Jeep history built to turn every drive into an adventure. ✅ Upgraded Power: 360 Big Block V8 – raw muscle with that unmistakable Jeep growl ✅ Fresh Drivetrain: Rebuilt...
    $6,500.00
    or best offer
  13. R

    1980 Jeep CJ5 - Classic Muscle & Vintage Charm - $7,500 (Chino Hills)

    Own a piece of Jeep history with this beautifully maintained 1980 CJ5 featuring a powerful 351 big block V8 paired with a rebuilt Dana 300 transfer case. This Jeep runs strong and offers an iconic blend of vintage style and muscle under the hood. Mechanically sound and ready to drive...
  14. R

    Members CJs 1980 Jeep CJ5 - Classic Muscle & Vintage Charm - $7,500 (Chino Hills)

    Own a piece of Jeep history with this beautifully maintained 1980 CJ5 featuring a powerful 351 big block V8 paired with a rebuilt Dana 300 transfer case. This Jeep runs strong and offers an iconic blend of vintage style and muscle under the hood. Mechanically sound and ready to drive...
  15. T

    Build Thread $600 CJ5!

    Found this 76 CJ5 on FB, picked it up for $600! The tub and windshield frame are a total loss but I think I can save the hood, fenders and grill. The frame has surface rust but I only see one possible crack near the one spring hanger (once I strip the body, I'll know more). The drive train is...
  16. S

    Members CJs New to group

    Hi this is my 1973 cj 5 im in the process of bring back after years in storage. 4.2 straight six, refurbished brakes new tyres, new exhaust manifold, carb rebuild it runs like a top. It does have a fully galvanised tub so not original body but very good condition.
  17. jzak

    Misc. When should I trickle charge my CJ?

    I have a CJ5 with an Optima Yellowtop, that I take out 2-3 times a week, for a 20-30 minute drive each way. Is that enough to keep the battery properly charged, or should I leave her on a trickle charger? Thanks!
  18. N

    Misc. CJ5 rain cover

    I have a 72 CJ5 and it is left outside all of the time. Any suggestions on a rain cover that is easy to put on and take off by one person?
  19. M

    Members CJs My first jeep '77 CJ5

    I bought my first Jeep this weekend. It needs a little love, but the 304 runs very well and the 3 speed is amazing. Really enjoying the driving experience so far. I'm looking forward to learning from everyone here. Thanks!
  20. J

    Members CJs Finally finishing up the 82 CJ5

    Finally finishing up the CJ5, a few remaining items left. Its been a long road lol
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