1970 CJ-5 Newbie Question(s)

[scottsman]

I just purchased a 1970 CJ5 , my first jeep. The seller tells me that it will need tires. I think wheels/rims are stock.

I have not taken delivery of it yet but would like to start pricing both wheels and tires.
I have looked online and can not find any original manufacturer’s info on this year model.

Can someone tell me, what size tire I should be look for, if I keep the stock wheels?
(What was the size and backspacing on the original rims?)

Also can someone tell me what size the bolt pattern is on this year model? I know it is a 5 lug but is it a standard 5x5.5”

These are the specs I have on the jeep I have bought:
Buick Dauntless Buick 225 V6 225 V6
Warn Overdrive
Saginaw Power Steering
GM HEI electronic Ignition
LED Tail Light
LED Reverse Lights
Dana 44 Rear Axle
Dana 30 Front Axle

Also is there some place on the web I can locate the original specs for this year model (like manufacturer’s specs/sales brochure)?

 

[mylittlecj5]

I'd say before you start spending money on tires, figure out what you want to do with the CJ after you get it.
Do you want to trial ride, street cruise only, or hit the local mud bog?
This will help you decide if you need bigger wheels and tires, or if the stock sizes will work for ya.
I believe the stock rims were 15x7, but I am not sure on that. Most 15x8 aftermarket (IIRC with a 4" standard BS) will work just fine on most Jeeps. Yes it will have the 5 on 5.5 lug pattern.
Original size of the tires is probably in the 225x75x15 neighborhood. Most jeeps probably will not have the original size after all these years anyways.

From the specs you posted, it sounds like a fine setup that someone has spent some time massaging. Post some pics after you take delivery, and lets see what you got to work with!

 

[BajaEdition]

you already have a bunch of non factory upgrades on that jeep
the Dana 30 is an upgrade over the d27 that came in it
as is the saginaw power steering and the hei ignition
not to mention the leds
as far as what size ties you can run, 31s will fir under there, now I cannot give you backspacing as it dies not have the original D27, you back spacing depends on that Dana 30 you have.

1970 and 71 jeeps are a bit of a problem to source info on as AMC did a few changes after they bought the line in late 70, but did not document them well. In 72 they started major changes

best things about that jeep is the engine (killer and desirable engine) the rear Dana 44 is flanges and not a 2 piece so it is rock solid and the fact you have a Warn Overdrive is a nice feature. With the V6 you probably have a T-14 tranny (3 speed?) which is a good unit and possibly 3.73 gearing. Not bad on road it will get up and move. Or it could be lower if ordered that way. Yes 5 on 5.5 is factory on that year CJ. It is a jeep to be proud of however sourcing parts will be harder than owning a post 76 Jeep, you also have the 1.5 springs , however unlike most early jeeps (those before 72) you should have a 2 stage master cylinder. The only drawback is the cable clutch system you have, only on 71 and 70 jeeps. no one makes a replacement for it.

Nice jeep, keep it nice and it will be a thing of pride for you, here are some specs http://www.jeeptech.com/models/cj-5.htm

 

[scottsman]

Unfortunately they turned out to be 31x10.50R15 LT M/S. Not usre if I like the big fat tire look, really prefer the tin military mud tire look!

 

[GI JOE]

I found the following websites to have some useful info.

http://cjoffroad.com/writeup.asp?WU_ID=13&noAdd=1

http://cjoffroad.com/writeup.asp?WU_ID=15&noAdd=1

http://www.earlycj5.com/resources/visual-cj-5-identification-guide/

http://www.allpar.com/model/jeep/jeep-history.htmlhttp://cjoffroad.com/writeup.asp?WU_ID=13&noAdd=1

 

[dave123]

Welcome to the world of Jeeps!

If I were you, I would start with the sticky here on what to do when you get the Jeep home, then when everything is solid, worry about tires.

If you got 31 x 10.5, I don't think you can go bigger without a lift, and that causes other problems that multiply as you go bigger. I've been wanting to go bigger, but the negatives (so far) have kept me with the same tires you have.