General pre 76 cj question

[asphaltaddict]

Ive been trying to find the info but not having a ton of luck. I have a 73 CJ5 and it seems parts are everywhere for 76 and later so it leaves me wondering. What are some of the major differences? Since I also have a 78 CJ7 parts jeep, I'm curious what will fit and what is sellable. My 78 have power steering and front disc brakes. Well either of those fit my 73? For the record I want to say that this project has ruined my life! lol. My girlfriend now thinks I'm cheating on her with someone that smells of burnt motor oil, my friends and family are ready to file missing person reports all the time because i disapper underneath this thing and I suddenly seem to have much less in my bank account! Is there a recovery group for CJ owners or am i just doomed for life now?

 

[73CJ]

The axle will swap out. Use the master cylinder too. Make sure the gear ratio is the same. If not check the style of caliper mounts 76-77 had a 6 bolt pattern that went on top of the spindle studs. Then some 77-up used a 2 bolt mount that bolted to the knuckle. Just use the 78 knuckle then. It's not that big a job. You will wonder why you waited so long to upgrade to discs.

The springs went wider and the rear of the frame went wider too. The front clip is the same. Transfer Case is the same, but has a different input gear.

The PS should swap on, but you may need to use all the brackets and relocate the alternator to the 78 location. Use the CDI ignition if you're still running points.

Good luck! You've got a super upgrade parts Jeep. Sell the rest on eBay to fund other upgrades as well.

 

[BajaEdition]

cjs are usually dividede into 3 groups, early is all jeeps 71 and earlier, intermediate is all jeeps 72 to 76, and late is all jeeps from 76 till the line ended. your CJ5 runs into the middle group and 78 the end, Major changes happened in 72 and 76 but the biggest were in 72 as the drivetrain changed dramaticly and the front clip was stretched 3 inches.
As far as a support group, we are it as we all belong.
Jeep means just empty every pocket.

 

[asphaltaddict]

i'm finding that out but oh well. cant take it with me lol. i'll be swapping over the brakes hopefully wednesday. carb is supposed to be here next week so that should at least get me running again! Once i see how it runs, I'll prob be doing my ignition upgrade next.

 

[73CJ]

Jeep means just empty every pocket.

Love it! lol Isn't that the truth though?

 

[IOPort51]

that this project has ruined my life! lol. My girlfriend now thinks I'm cheating on her with someone that smells of burnt motor oil, my friends and family are ready to file missing person reports all the time because i disapper underneath this thing and I suddenly seem to have much less in my bank account! Is there a recovery group for CJ owners or am i just doomed for life now?



This is the way life is supposed to be, just ask anyone here, they will confirm it.
​

 

[asphaltaddict]

that explains the peace I feel when i'm covered elbow deep in grease and knuckle blood as she calls over and over lol.

 

[IOPort51]

It's not too bad for you yet she is just calling. I will give you one guess who it was that decided that orange seats would go great with my yellow jeep? And I now have to have a step on the side or I will have to carry a milk crate for her to stand on to get in.

that explains the peace I feel when i'm covered elbow deep in grease and knuckle blood as she calls over and over lol.

 

[asphaltaddict]

oh no she gets no say in the colors! It will be a cold day before i ever paint mine purple and out dragons all over it lol. I'm still up in the air bout colors. Im between blue, burnt orange or black