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New to me 81 CJ5

New to me 81 CJ5

Sieldan

Jeeper
Posts
70
Thanks
0
Location
Alabama
Vehicle(s)
1981 CJ-5 AMC V8
Hi all. Just wanted to share. I've purchased a 1981 CJ5 . My first Jeep. First up was to get her home with a flaky SR4 tranny behind a AMC 304 . She made it, but just. Found a T-176 and I'm in the process of swapping it in. fdd69de0a95890f506df69258e885aa0.webp

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Thanks. Got a long way to go, but I'm looking forward to the journey. Once I get the drive train squared away, I plan on a firewall forward wiring clean up. Then firewall back.

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:ww: You should start a build thread. :drool: Just make sure you include lots of pictures! :popcorn: Most of use read the comics over the front page, so pictures are fun! :banana: I would suggest getting a photobucket account, it makes loading pictures easy and the pictures are large not small thumbnails. :D Good luck and have fun! :grinjeep:
 
Nice lookin' CJ5 . I love a good CJ5 .

Add to your list of projects replacing your exhaust to one that dumps behind the rear wheel. Yes, I know this one looks cool and works, but it will make you sick or at least stink like vehicle exhaust.

I wonder who decided to combine a AMC 304 and a Transmission that isn't suited for about anything other than a boat anchor.
 
Oh, yes. That exhaust is going to go. It's low priority tho. While not ideal, it's functional. Drive train, steering, tires, then exhaust. Lol.

And yes, as soon as I figured out what Transmission I had, I just shook my head and started researching my options.

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Good luck with the CJ! Looks like you got a good one to start a project with.

What part of Bama are you in? I'm just over the line in GA, just east of Randolph County, AL.
 
First up was to get her home with a flaky SR4 tranny behind a AMC 304 . She made it, but just. Found a T-176 and I'm in the process of swapping it in.
Good looking CJ5 . Just as a note, AMC didn't put the SR4 behind the 305 V8 OEM. It would have been the T-176 . So you are returning it to 'stock' by swapping that in (back). Much better Transmission , IMHO.
 
A bit of an update.

The SR4 is gone, replaced with a T-176 . Rear drive shift still fit, front is going to have to be modified.

A bunch of crapping PO wiring has been rooted out. Still a bunch to go on that front.

Floor mounted hi/Lo dimmer switch disintegrated. It has been replaced with a relay operated by a dash toggle switch.

Parts are on the way to install power-steering, replace drivers seat(recline was broken and seat back held by 2x4), and to do the headlight direct wire dual relay upgrade.

High on the list to do is wiper motor and hardware. Followed by top and doors. All the while working through the electrical system fixing rot and PO induced :dung:.

Still having fun working on this pig. :) Can't wait to be able to drive her without much worry of discombobulation.

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Best of luck. :chug:
LG
 
Cool looking Cj!


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Finally got my girl out on the road. Still lots to do tho.

73186f2bbcc27d0fcef43bfb2c58415f.jpg


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Sweet :chug: I bet those rims would look real good if you hit em with some metal polish :chug: I am buying the Mickey Thompson Classic III for mine. Just something right about the way they look on a CJ :chug:
 
Sweet :chug: I bet those rims would look real good if you hit em with some metal polish :chug: I am buying the Mickey Thompson Classic III for mine. Just something right about the way they look on a CJ :chug:
Lol gert! Prettification will come. Right now there are more pressing things. Working on drivability and reliability first.

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Well, one small step forward, and a big step backwards. Got power steering installed and working. Tho I'm not real happy with the hose routing. The pressure hose is run behind/thru the exhaust header. I'm worried about heat. Will watch it and see. Maybe header wrap on both the hose and headers?

The step back? I think my fuel pump died. While installing the ps pump, I noted a bit of moisture on the fuel pump. And while test driving, the engine died and won't refire. Ran out of time and not able to do any diagnostics. I did have to 'clock' the distributer to clear the vacuum advance and PS belt. But the engine fired up and ran nicely afterwards so I don't think that is the issue.

So next on the list is fuel pump issues, then on to taming the wandering steering. It's better with power steering, but it's still there. Haven't done anything other than rebuild the lower end of the steering column.

Always something isn't it. Lol.

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Get that PS hose as far away from the header, as you can.
Are you SURE there's plenty of fuel in the tank?
LG
 

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