Found a CJ for sale, need some advice

TheZenTree

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 20, 2005
Location
Central KY
I know Jack Schitt about CJs. The plate on the dash says it's a 72, so I'm guessing it's a CJ-5. It's got a V8 (304?), manual trans, what I think is a D300, and 30/44 combo. It's also got a fiberglass body on it. I would imagine that's not so good for a trail rig that sees rocks.

Anyway, if anyone could tell me what kinda tranny this thing most likely has or could tell me a thing or two to look for when I go look at it in the daylight tomorrow, that'd be much appreciated.

Oh, and supposedly the guy wants $750. His ex-roommate told me it needs some motor work and that the wiring in it is shot, but for $750 if it's minor motor work and the rest of the drivetrain is solid, that's gotta be a steal.

Thanks y'all.
 
'72 was the first year for AMC v-8's in the CJ's,, if it was a 3 speed then it would have had a t-15 and a dana 20 transfercase. A 4 speed would be a close ratio t-18 (4 to 1 ist gear). T15 are not noted for their strength. The frames on these have a reputation for weakness and they use narrow 1 3/4" wide springs front and back IIRC. Dana 44 Rear w/flanged axles and Drum brake Dana 30 front.
Any of the above could have been changed.
 
Since it has a fiberglass tub, other things may have been changed too. With the FG tub a lot of changes are nessasary due to ground points. The factory wiring wasn't much on a 72 anyway. The axles are OK unless you plan on big tires. Drums , same there unless you want big tires. Unless changed, it has manual steering. If it does have the D300 in it, it has been changed. If it is a 4 speed with granny low, it's a t-18 if it is a 4 speed and isn't a granny low one, look for the shifter, if it's straight, it's a t-176 or 177, decent tranny, if it is a four or five speed and has a bent shifter, it's a t-4 or t-5, not too strong. If it has factory seats, they are low back, not the safest in the world. All in all hard to say with out seeing it, or at least some good pics if it is a
steal" or not. Could be a major money pit, but then again, a little known factoid,.....JEEP, stands for Just Empty Every Pocket
 
I went and talked to the guy, he said the 304 ran well when he parked it, and that it just needs some wiring to be ready to go. The frame looks fine, and the body is in real good condition.

The tranny shifter is straight, except for a bend right at the top of the trans case, no bends other than that. And as for the t-case, does a T-18 look sorta like a D300? And it is indeed manual steering, but the steering box looks and feels like it's in decent shape, and besides, 32s or 33s are as big as I plan on going for a while.

Overall I think it's in decent shape, and with a little TLC it'll be a fun little weekend warrior. I'm thinking a body-off restomod might be in order, or at least just to clean it up and start from the beginning. Regardless, I'm gonna make an offer in the next few days.

Thanks for the help yall.
 
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