What do I have?

[Rollie]

I bought this Jeep not long ago. It was registered as a 1977 and had a clear title. The number on the VIN plate comes back to a 1977 CJ5 with a AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l and four speed Transmission . So I posted a picture of it here in the introductions forum and immediately got a comment that the wiper housing on the outside indicated that it might not be a 77 windshield frame. So I did some research and I am convinced that I do not have a 1977 CJ5. I read the spotter's guide and I'm pretty sure that it is a 1972-1975 CJ5. The frame is boxed in front of the front axle, but is an open C frame from the front axle back. It has a Dana 20 Transfer Case . It is a three speed. I think that it has an aftermarket body as there is no embossed "Jeep" on the side of the body behind the front fender. It does have a volt meter with a red needle, but an oil pressure gauge with a white needle, so either or both of those could not be original. Any ideas how to figure out exactly what I have?

 

[CJ]

The windshield frame is definitely from an intermediate CJ (72 - 75) but the skid plate and Transmission mount are not 72-75. Can you measure the frame widths front and rear?

 

[Rollie]

The windshield frame is definitely from an intermediate CJ (72 - 75) but the skid plate and trans mount are not 72-75. Can you measure the frame widths front and rear?

Yes I can do that tomorrow. My question now is that if the VIN plate is off of a 1977 CJ5 and this is obviously not a 1977 CJ5, where does that put me legally? I will post those measurements tomorrow afternoon.

 

[CJ]

Can't help you on the legal aspect, but I would not be worried as of yet. It looks to me the the PO put an earlier windshield frame on your CJ.

 

[mtnwhlr]

Yes I can do that tomorrow. My question now is that if the VIN plate is off of a 1977 CJ5 and this is obviously not a 1977 CJ5, where does that put me legally?

I wouldn't worry to much about that it's old enough 99% of they people out there will not know the differince. You were able to get plates for it didn't you? I had a Chevy Luv 4x4 that I rolled it was a '79 I bought a '76 2wd and took the body off and put it on my frame and running gear. When I did I took the vin plates from mine and put them on the new body and never had a problem with it. When I sold it he was able to get plates. You will find with these old jeeps you may have 2 or 3 made into 1 and as long as the title matches the vin nobody is the wiser.

 

[Rollie]

Finally got home. I went to check on a hunting area and used the four wheel drive. It looks like everything is good in that department. As for measurements, it is 29" both front and back. Also I heard somewhere that the VIN is stamped on the frame over the right side rear axle, but I could not find it.

 

[csuengr]

None the less, you got a nice Jeep.

 

[73CJ]

Sure looks like a 72-75.

The frame rails being straight definately makes the frame a 72-75.

My tub had "Jeep" stamped behind the front fender as well.

Seat mounts are different from a 77 too.

Put some more pics on such as axles, interior etc

 

[CJ]

Pics!

Need frame rails, several - show the boxing.

Transmission and engine mounts.

Shock mounts.

How about a pic of the gas tank?

 

[Rollie]

OK, I'll post some more pictures as I can. One thing is that when I bought it I asked the guy if it was a AMC 232 i6 or a AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l . He said that it was a 258. So I got out my trusty manuals and started working on the engine numbers. I have determined that the engine is in fact a 232, not a 258, and that it was manufactured in 1975. So if it is the original engine, that could give us a clue. The number stamped on the right side of the engine was 803 E 12. I interpreted that to be a 232 manufactured on March 12, 1975. Here is a picture of the Transfer Case and Transmission crossmember that I took the other day. I'll post more later.

 

[mylittlecj5]

Finally got home. I went to check on a hunting area and used the four wheel drive. It looks like everything is good in that department. As for measurements, it is 29" both front and back. Also I heard somewhere that the VIN is stamped on the frame over the right side rear axle, but I could not find it.

look at the right FRONT frame top (over the axle)...that is where my VIN is stamped.

 

[Al Lindner]

Frankenjeep! I think its looks like a nice ride and a lot of fun

 

[Rollie]

look at the right FRONT frame top (over the axle)...that is where my VIN is stamped.

Nothing there either. It looks to me like the frame was undercoated at one time, and that could be covering it up. I have been having a lot of trouble finding a Transmission crossmember for it. I pulled the transmission and took it to the shop to have it gone through and the crossmember is pretty badly rusted. I got one that was supposed to fit a 73, thinking that the crossmember would be the same for that time period 72-75. I was wrong, it was not the same. It seems to me that the 1975 is unique. This is the same crossmember mentioned in this post. http://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/f7/75-cj5-transmission-crossmember-13722/

So as of now everything is pointing to a 1975 CJ5 . I really like this Jeep, and trying to figure out what I have is half the fun, plus I'm learning a lot about CJ5s in general. The down side is that it seems like I am ordering parts that don't fit all the time and I either have to send them back or suck it up. That is OK I guess, it is part of the experience. So far though 1975 has been working out pretty well. Hopefully someday I'll learn enough in the process that I can help someone out here.

 

[jeepboy45]

That is OK I guess, it is part of the experience. So far though 1975 has been working out pretty well. Hopefully someday I'll learn enough in the process that I can help someone out here.

GREAT attitude!!! Welcome to the Jeep world!!! Enjoy the process

 

[73CJ]

75 springs are 1.75" wide

76+ are wider