Cj-5 ???

[bntcrkfrm]

Hi,
I'm looking to purchase my first jeep. I am looking to purchase a 1978 thru 1981 CJ5 with the AMC 304 3 or 4 speed. Can someone tell me the most noticable differences in those years and the differences between the Renegade , Golden Eagle etc. Just doing my homework as best i can and then will narrow down exactly what suits me from here. Thanks in advance.

 

[ken98k]

I believe 81 was the year they went to the wide trac
The difference between Renegade and Golden Eagle is stickers.

 

[BusaDave9]

You've got good taste. I love the CJ5 's. I even like the odd shaped door. The years you mention have boxed frame. I love the AMC 304 V8. I went on a search just like yours and ended up with a '79 CJ5 with a AMC 304 and a T-18 Tranny. It's an excellent heavy duty Transmission , the best to go into a factory CJ. In the '70's CJs had lots of good strong transmissions. Unfortunately many of them had 3 speeds. If that doesn't bother you then you should be able to find something you like. We are talking about jeeps that are more than 30 years old so these CJs aren't too common.
If you can find a CJ with a T-18 from '77 to '79 it will have a granny low (6.32).

In the '70s the CJs had the Dana 20 Transfer Case . Starting in 1980 they had the Dana 300 TCase. They were both good transfer cases. The difference is the low range. The Dana 20 had a low range of 2:1 and the Dana 300 has a more desirable low of 2.62 to 1.

Most CJ's of this range will have a Dana 30 front axle and a AMC20 rear end. That AMC20 rear should get a one piece axle installed. Check to see if a PO already did the mod.
If you see a nut in the rear hub like this you will need to replace it with a one piece axle before it fails.

 

[bntcrkfrm]

Thanks Dave, Your post tells me a lot of the info I was looking for. I also like the odd shaped door opening...seems to give it some character. I do plan to totally restore ground up and its nice to know the combinations that were produced. Is the T-18 a 3 or 4 speed Tranny? I have looked at several with the 3 speeds and a couple with 4 speeds. Just havent found the price and condition I am looking for...yet.

 

[rr41mag]

What do you mean widetrack? Are those axles really that bad?

 

[BusaDave9]

Is the T-18 a 3 or 4 speed Tranny?

The T-18 is a 4 speed with a granny low first. It is intended to be started out in 2nd gear. You only need 1st when you are going very slow such as when off road.

 

[BusaDave9]

What do you mean widetrack? Are those axles really that bad?

Wide track is good. They are wider for more stability on and off road. Through 1981 CJ axles were 53 inches wide. Starting in 1982 they went to 56 inches wide.

 

[JR74CJ5]

In the '70s the CJs had the Dana 20 Transfer Case . Starting in 1980 they had the Dana 300 TCase. They were both good transfer cases. The difference is the low range. The Dana 20 had a low range of 2:1 and the Dana 300 has a more desirable low of 2.62 to 1.

The Dana 300 TC is also easier to Twin stick and the Terra low kit goes to a much lower 4:1 vs Dana 20 's is only available to the 3.15:1

May not make much of a difference to you, but if you are after the "real" low crawl ratio, it may make quite a difference...

I currently have a Dana 20 , very nice Transfer Case , been thinking if I ever get the chance to get my CJ T-18 4 speed swap, I'll probably also swap to Dana 300 ...

 

[BrockGrimes]

Buy the nicest jeep you can afford, and resist the temptation to buy one already modded. Also check the frame around the suspension and mounts for cracks.

 

[bntcrkfrm]

I agree with you 100% Brock. Looking for an original that needs to be restored and/or ready for the modifications I have in mind and hasnt been beat to death. As you probably know, not very easy to find.

 

[Black Arrow]

you just need patience my friend, I bought a 78CJ5 4 months ago, I always used XJ and was looking for this jeep, I saw a lot of Wranglers, but I really wanted a CJ5 between 77 and 79, I finally found it...it will come, just have patience

 

[Sasquach]

Thanks Dave, Your post tells me a lot of the info I was looking for. I also like the odd shaped door opening...

You aparently have not tried to get in and out of that opening have you?
Anyway I think the 5 opening is normal and the 7 is odd.

 

[IOPort51]

The CJ5 door is specially designed to remove the left rear pocket of your blue jeans. It works very well.

 

[BajaEdition]

The CJ5 door is specially designed to remove the left rear pocket of your blue jeans. It works very well.

I know, but I still love it more than that boring CJ7 door
I am about to design a half door to fit the Best top upper for the CJ5
I want a hard door lower
stand by folks and get your welders and cutters warmed up

 

[IOPort51]

I will be interested in what you come up with for a latch, I have a major dislike for the latch on the best top door. way too many sharp corners and right in the way.

I know, but I still love it more than that boring CJ7 door
I am about to design a half door to fit the Best top upper for the CJ5
I want a hard door lower
stand by folks and get your welders and cutters warmed up

 

[Sasquach]

I will be interested in what you come up with for a latch, I have a major dislike for the latch on the best top door. way too many sharp corners and right in the way.

^X2^

 

[BrockGrimes]

I had the idea to use the latching parts from a yj, but never got around to doing it.