Build Thread 1973 CJ5 Build for all around use.
leichardti
Jeeper
1973 CJ5 , AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l 4.2, Dana 30 /40 4.27 gears, Detroit rear locker, single barrel YF carb.
Joined the forum recently. I'm sure all the information I need is there once I start to really search. But any help with my questions will be much appreciated. The CJ5 will mostly be on the trails between lake arrowhead and big bear. Will trailer it out to Johnson Valley, ocotillo, glamis, koh, anza, etc. Will be on basic trails/terrain until I get it build up. After time and $$ I will venture out to harder trails. I Need to be able to haul a large kayak. Mostly off road use with minimal street use.
In the process of basic Tune up, ignition, bushings, cooling system, fuel lines, brakes components, etc. Get it running solid, see what brakes or doesn't work. Then get new tires, leaf springs, extend roll cage and tie to frame and rock sliders.
Recommendations for leaf springs and shocks?
Needs shocks right away, and then leafs next. Currently on 33"s would like to be able to clear 35"s. Rear leafs appear to be stock. 1 3/4"wide and takes stock bushings. Front leafs have aftermarket hanger welded to the frame, larger bushings 1"round, kit 1-1002-BL , and 2" wide leafs. I think they may be off a CJ7 or YJ.
Fronts shocks are doetsch 21.5" extended 13.4" collapsed. Rear are skyjacker nitro 8000 27" extend 16" collapsed. Both are in bad shape, i don't know if they are the correct length and have 5/8" mounts. I've Measured the shock mount distance and bump mount distance with shocks on and off.
Carb recommendations? A friend recommended putting on a 2 barrel weber carb. Saying it ran great and was a reliable carb on his 258. I was going to rebuild the single barrel yf carb for now, unless people recommend I invest in a better carb from the start.
Extended brake lines. Is +4" front lines, +6" rear line long enough?
Replace or rebuild steering box if its leaking? Decent leak from the steering system. I thought it was from the new lines and pump previous owner put on but might be leaking from the box as well. Going to clean it up and check if its leaking from box as well. Still accessing if the pump and bracket is stock. I know the alternator and bracket is not.
Will an upgraded steering setup be needed eventually when running 33 to 35" tires? I live by trails and will be on them all the time. Mild stuff with the option of harder terrain. How much of a beating can the stock setup take before I should upgrade?
Thank you for your time. All help is appreciated.
I visit the desert and mountains often. I have dirt bikes, quad, trailer, boat, golf cart, 4x4, awd, 2 strokes, etc. I do most of the work and maintenance myself but this is my first jeep/CJ and I wasn't planning to get one. So im kinda starting from page 1. Any help is truly appreciated. Thank you for your time.
Joined the forum recently. I'm sure all the information I need is there once I start to really search. But any help with my questions will be much appreciated. The CJ5 will mostly be on the trails between lake arrowhead and big bear. Will trailer it out to Johnson Valley, ocotillo, glamis, koh, anza, etc. Will be on basic trails/terrain until I get it build up. After time and $$ I will venture out to harder trails. I Need to be able to haul a large kayak. Mostly off road use with minimal street use.
In the process of basic Tune up, ignition, bushings, cooling system, fuel lines, brakes components, etc. Get it running solid, see what brakes or doesn't work. Then get new tires, leaf springs, extend roll cage and tie to frame and rock sliders.
Recommendations for leaf springs and shocks?
Needs shocks right away, and then leafs next. Currently on 33"s would like to be able to clear 35"s. Rear leafs appear to be stock. 1 3/4"wide and takes stock bushings. Front leafs have aftermarket hanger welded to the frame, larger bushings 1"round, kit 1-1002-BL , and 2" wide leafs. I think they may be off a CJ7 or YJ.
Fronts shocks are doetsch 21.5" extended 13.4" collapsed. Rear are skyjacker nitro 8000 27" extend 16" collapsed. Both are in bad shape, i don't know if they are the correct length and have 5/8" mounts. I've Measured the shock mount distance and bump mount distance with shocks on and off.
Carb recommendations? A friend recommended putting on a 2 barrel weber carb. Saying it ran great and was a reliable carb on his 258. I was going to rebuild the single barrel yf carb for now, unless people recommend I invest in a better carb from the start.
Extended brake lines. Is +4" front lines, +6" rear line long enough?
Replace or rebuild steering box if its leaking? Decent leak from the steering system. I thought it was from the new lines and pump previous owner put on but might be leaking from the box as well. Going to clean it up and check if its leaking from box as well. Still accessing if the pump and bracket is stock. I know the alternator and bracket is not.
Will an upgraded steering setup be needed eventually when running 33 to 35" tires? I live by trails and will be on them all the time. Mild stuff with the option of harder terrain. How much of a beating can the stock setup take before I should upgrade?
Thank you for your time. All help is appreciated.
I visit the desert and mountains often. I have dirt bikes, quad, trailer, boat, golf cart, 4x4, awd, 2 strokes, etc. I do most of the work and maintenance myself but this is my first jeep/CJ and I wasn't planning to get one. So im kinda starting from page 1. Any help is truly appreciated. Thank you for your time.
