Which one Cj-5 or Cj-7

[moabjeeper]

I am looking to get a new jeepin machine. I am wondering what is the better choice the CJ-5 or the CJ-7. What are the cons and pros about each other. I was plannning on getting a Cj-5 but cant decide if its to little for rockcrawling. I dont need to pack anything around so space isnt a problem. what is everyone thoughts on them.

['76CJ5]

I have a CJ-5 and everytime I want to add some modification I wish it was a CJ-7. Your realy limited to drive train modifications and you have a real short drivehaft to begin with and any lift realy increases your driveshaft angle. All these problems can be over come but some you wouldn't have o do if it was a CJ-7

Parts are hard to find and of limited selection. Have to custom make just about everything myself. Also I'm 6'3" and could use a little more kush in the seat. :)

[b1pig]

Ditto what '76 CJ5 said.

Wheelbase is the deciding factor here. '71-'75 CJ5's had a slightly shorter wheelbase than the '76-up CJ5. Narrow track axles up to '82 I believe on both. CJ7 has the longer wheelbase which is an asset when considering auto tranny and big lift. The driveshaft on my '73 is longer than most due to the 3 speed (T-14)tranny, but I don't get much of a crawl ratio.....

Also, there aren't many things available for the pre '76 CJ's. The springs are narrow (like 1 3/4" wide) and the standard '76-up CJ springs are much wider. YJ springs wider that that. You can get almost anything you want for the later CJ's though. I love my '73... Dana44 came standard up to '75. ;)