Kaiser CJ-5s

[360CJ]

I'm taking a look at a 65 CJ-5 Sat. Anyone know of any problems or trouble spots I should keep an eye out for?

[lynn]

Where should I start? I love the older 5s, but there are so many problem areas. Be prepared to work long and have deep pockets to make this a safe street and trail machine.
Stock steering is dangerous. Swap to a saginaw set up.
Stock brakes are weak. Swap to 11" drums at a minimum or do a model 30 with front disc swap.
Fuel tank is under drivers seat, and usually leaks. Bad spot if you happen to flop it over.
There is a tool box under the passenger seat, built into the floor. Usually rusted out. Some of the supports have wood cores (in the u channels, as stiffeners) These usually rust out pretty bad, on the drivers floor and on the rear quarter panel.
I think the '65s only had the 134 4 cyl. I'd hold out for a 226 V6 (optional in CJs from 66 - 71), unless some engine swap has already been done.

Come over to Sparky's Early CJ5 page, you might get some more responses. Go to the Bulletin Board for the discussion forum:

http://incolor.inetnebr.com/asparks/


Good Luck, keep us posted!

[Anthony]

Everything Lynn said. Rear axle will likely be a Dana 44 but look for a flanged axle setup instead of the 2 piece axles. Front will probably be a Dana 27. Junk that axle for something else. It will have a 3 speed, just not sure which one. I don't even know which one mine has yet. Mine's a 69, rust isn't terrible but I've seen some that have no frame left. Definitely replace or replace and relocate the gas tank. I like the Dauntless V6 but they can be difficult to find things like distributors for.

[360CJ]

Thanks guys. Sorry I was so vague on that post.
65 Cj-5 fresh 4cyl. fresh paint original color, solid frame with POR-15. electric wipers, dealer hardtop, Hy-lo jeep manual angle plow.
T-90, spicer-18, dana 25, dana 44, 5.38 rear
This will be a stock street/light trail Jeep. I'll use my CJ-7 for the bigger trails
Thanks

[sparky]

Sounds good, put a Solex on it and get rid of the YF, mine's puking gas down the side of the F-head occasionally for good measure.

Like Lynn said change the steering over to Saginaw, get rid of the Ross setup.

Dana 44 2 piece is fine for an F-head, especially if you're not wheeling it hard.

225's aren't too bad to find parts for you just gotta know where to look. I just had a 225 distributor offered to me today. ;)

F-heads aren't hard to find parts for either. Tons of the engines out there and the drivetrain is the same one as in 3B's and for the most part 2A's and 3B's.

Go for it!