Close as I could get

[Jeffries]

and I may be in the wrong place but I thought I'd start here. I couldn't pass it up for a project. Price was determining factor. So here it goes:

1975...brace yourself...DJ5
it's a Postal Jeep
AMC 232 i6 /TF727
Right Hand Drive...gotta love that

74,451 documented miles. Purchased from retired Postal Delivery who bought it surplus for his "part time" rural route. I have the original manual(s) and every inpsection receipt since 1975. I have copies of every service record, every tire change, you name it...I got it. had to dedicate an entire drawer in the filing cabinet for this stuff.

Now, here's the so/so cons:

It's a hardtop (which I will sawp later but keep) and it's 2WD. I don't care about the 2WD (a Dana 300 will bolt to the 727 but that's as far as I got). I'm interested in keeping 2wd (I have a winch and if I get stuck then I get stuck) for now but I want to lift it. In fact, I'd like to do a SOA. I've looked at several kits for $650+ and I've seen individual parts here: Rubicon Express CJ Jeep Wrangler Extreme-Duty Jeep Lift Kits and Components

The front axle is the same diameter as the rear and is bascially a Dana 30 w/ out the pumpkin. Other than that, what am I getting into here? I've heard that DJ's are just 2wd CJ's and I've heard that there are no similarities at all.

I'll take any feedback you can give me, I'll post pictures if you need them (and tell me how), and I'll research the forum if you tell me what to look for.

Thanks for your time and I look forward to being here.

Doug

 

[mylittlecj5]

These are getting to be real popular lately. I've seen a number of people getting into the postals.

The rear is already SOA, and the front should just need a set of pads welded on. You will need to adjust the rear to match heights.
The sliding doors are pretty cool but at stock height will not clear a 10" wide tire. Not sure what they will clear when its lifted.
The hardtop is part of the body, so if you remove it, you will have a bunch of work to make the tub strong again. Its not structural, the postal has a full frame. But there will be some work cleaning up the tub edges. If you keep the top, keep in mind it will be more top-heavy than a CJ.
One of the 4wd rags did a build like this many years ago, and as far as I know still use it around a ranch in Cali.
Most of the postals come with a Dana 44 with a Limited slip unit.
If you decide to make it 4wd, the front axle is a great candidate for a matching trailer axle. Its the right width, and a 4x12x0.025 piece of steel welded between the tube and the tie rod will keep the tires aligned.

Oh and welcome to the forums! for you and one for suzie (you will meet her soon)

 

[mylittlecj5]

Oh yea, here is the 4wd rags project build up. Of course they went 4wd with theirs, but you dont have to.

1975 Jeep DJ-5D - Four Wheeler Magazine

 

[CJ]

Hey Jeffries and welcome to the site!

Pictures will always help - you can read how to make a gallery here -->> http://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/f16/how-do-i-make-my-gallery-category-348/

This is a great DJ page - Jeep DJ - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is a great article on converting a 1975 DJ to 4WD -->> 1975 Jeep DJ-5D - Four Wheeler Magazine

According to Rancho - the CJ and the DJ springs are the same (depending on the spring #). -->> Rancho Leaf Springs & Coil Springs

EDIT: ! MYCJ5...

 

[mylittlecj5]

Here is an interesting tidbit about the Dana 300 swap for ya...

Unfortunately, this Novak adapter that mates the stout TorqueFlite 727 to the added-on Dana 300 Transfer Case seems to be rather unique. It was the only one the late Lloyd Novak ever made, we're told. The current regime at Novak Adapters doesn't like the 727 trannies, and won't make an adapter. Advance Adapters recommends using an '80 through '86 case, which would eliminate the need for an adapter.

 

[susie]

Hello Jeffries And welcome to our home...

If you have any questions, the guys know everything. As a group. Individually...well, lets just say they need to stick together because then they know everything.

And dont be afraid to ask. No question too dumb, and trust me, they will answer it.

This is a family friendly environment. That kind of confused me at first, but now I understand. This is a functional family

The first drink is always mine. You get the second... someone had it backward! (I am trying to teach the boys manners. You know, women FIRST!)

Am I forgetting anything? Oh yeah! Have a great time! We do know how to joke around

 

[Jeffries]

Yep, sure did read all of that. Wikipedia is usually my first place. Found the '93/'94 article/write up in the mag, and I guess I shoulda looked up under myself before....ooops! I appreciate the warm welcome too. Reckon now all I have to do is contend with the front end....

If it ever quits raining, I'll get some pics up. Might need a step by step walkthrough on this but so far, I think ya'll can and will help me.

Thanks again!

Doug

 

[CJ]

~~~I appreciate the warm welcome too.~~~I'll get some pics up. Might need a step by step walkthrough on this~~~

Glad to help!

You can see how to post pics here -->> http://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/f16/how-do-i-make-my-gallery-category-348/

 

[Jeffries]

Posted a want ad for a body on Craigslist Thursday night...got an email Friday morning for a '73 CJ5 minus the roll cage and seats....$250!!!

I've been trying to to get a hold of the guy ever since. Naturally the $250 was to go towards some house modifications but...I convinced my wife to let me spend it on a toy. Anyway, does no good 'cause I can't reach the guy. Maybe it's the holiday weekend? Oh well, might get it...just thought I'd share a little frustration.

 

[mylittlecj5]

man I wish I could find a deal like that on a CJ7 body...Good Score if you get hold of him

 

[DJ5D]

Just bought a 1975 DJ5d with the AMC 232 i6 AMC and the 727 torqueflight tranny. Just curious how your original posting is coming along? Any major trouble with yours? Any quirks that you came across. I'm also going to keep mine with 2 wheel drive, might be a fun little commuter vehicle. I had a wrangler at one time, but it had square headlights and so being a true jeep fan starting looking for it's round-eyed grandfathers. From my understanding my dj5d is pretty much a two wheel drive CJ is that correct?

 

[Jeffries]

All and all, I have a pretty good machine. Finally put tags on it yesterday and took it for a lilttle 2 lane trip. I have some wiring issues that are my only gripe. Although my buddy told me it wouldn't pass a state inspection because of shocks - on the other hand, I ain't never trusted what he had to say anyway.

I've got a little Transmission leak - it slips just a little on downshifts but I'll just add some every now and then. The left tail light works until you turn the parking lights on...then it all goes out. The hazard lights (switch) doesn't work and the windshield wipers used to work but went out...came back but have "high" only. Then again, high on this jeep is like a low on any other.

The steering is tight but I might need to pack the front bearings. And the original seat is s.h.o.t.! Reckon I'll put a few more seats in when I go to replace that one.

One thing is for sure, this postal Jeep is mighty fun!

 

[CJ]

Just bought a 1975 DJ5d with the AMC 232 i6 AMC and the 727 torqueflight tranny. Just curious how your original posting is coming along? Any major trouble with yours? Any quirks that you came across. I'm also going to keep mine with 2 wheel drive, might be a fun little commuter vehicle. I had a wrangler at one time, but it had square headlights and so being a true jeep fan starting looking for it's round-eyed grandfathers. From my understanding my dj5d is pretty much a two wheel drive CJ is that correct?

Hello DJ5D and welcome to the site!

These Jeeps are getting more and more popular...

You are correct - the DJ is pretty much a two wheel drive CJ - they can be converted to 4wd. Check out the article MyLittle CJ5 and I posted-->> 1975 Jeep DJ-5D - Four Wheeler Magazine

The wiki is pretty informative also -->> Jeep DJ - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[CJ]

All and all, I have a pretty good machine. Finally put tags on it yesterday and took it for a lilttle 2 lane trip. I have some wiring issues that are my only gripe. Although my buddy told me it wouldn't pass a state inspection because of shocks - on the other hand, I ain't never trusted what he had to say anyway.

I've got a little Transmission leak - it slips just a little on downshifts but I'll just add some every now and then. The left tail light works until you turn the parking lights on...then it all goes out. The hazard lights (switch) doesn't work and the windshield wipers used to work but went out...came back but have "high" only. Then again, high on this jeep is like a low on any other.

The steering is tight but I might need to pack the front bearings. And the original seat is s.h.o.t.! Reckon I'll put a few more seats in when I go to replace that one.

One thing is for sure, this postal Jeep is mighty fun!

Sounds like only minor issues - shouldn't take too long to get them straighten out...

I drove a friends DJ a few times before I moved - they are fun!