Hi guys...newb to the forum...I'm picking up a converted DJ5 on Sunday, i used to own an 06 sport, but wrecked it in an ice storm .... But just picked up a 76Dj5 with a CJ5 tub, rebuilt straight 6 and original 727transmission, 2x4 right now. Grabbed it for $300 so couldn't refuse. So long story short just curious if any and what parts will fit from a cj5... Modification is fine, I do have good mechanical skills and can weld n cut n grind with out a problem....any help or suggestions would be great....
Few ?'s about CJ5 parts fitting a DJ5....
- Thread starter Kshorey
- Start date
greg92jeepxj
Official Supporter
This post really struck my interest and the. Light bulb just lit above my head ! If I can locate a DJ5 somewhere local , I can do the same build ! Really appreciate this post as it is most valuable to me as well and would like to thank all for their input . Thanks again and best of luck to all future builds !
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There were a few different frames under the CJ5's right off the top of my head I know some were boxed some not, Then there were the short nose 5's and long nose 5's (72 up). Did the DJ's follow with the same changes year to year?
I've seen a couple of DJ's at the local pull a part, I've wondered what all would swap to my CJ5.
I've seen a couple of DJ's at the local pull a part, I've wondered what all would swap to my CJ5.
greg92jeepxj
Official Supporter
Thank you for your reply . Your thoughts regarding a DJ's chassis being able to mate up to a CJ body is my thoughts exact !
I have always looked for an affordable CJ5 in good condition (straight and sturdy frame , body fair to good , etc. ) but I believe
The odds of finding one (affordable) are slimmer every year gone by . Last one I saw , looked like a resto , was NOT for sale .
Then , after joining our forum , was this post . It gave me the idea that if I cannot find one (CJ5) , maybe I can build one ! Thinking that when USPS stopped using the dispatcher for delivery , maybe one can be found cheap . Well , we know there is no cheap jeep (in good shape) but the dispatcher is less desirable than the CJ5 . That should make it cheaper. I would hope that the chassis's would be in good shape for a build too , but don't know the odds of that either . But I think everyone sees my point that if one can score a DJ5 cheap , they've got a (hopefully) good chassis to start with and the big money can go toward a tub or complete body and fender with grille , etc. purchase from a new manufacture and build one themselves . That's my plan if I can pull it off .
Then a 4.0 H.O. I6 or a good 258 if one can be found locally . At least the choice is yours at build up . Not ever having had the opportunity to examine one close and comparing it to a CJ5 , I thought I would ask the forum . It sounds doable and yes , a replacement chassis is always good , should we need . There had to be thousands at least around the U.S. (and Canada ?)
so there should be plenty to fuel our jeep habits , we hope . Well , you guys got me going on this , hope there is an abundance of them available for our consumption . My thoughts are yours too . Thank you sir for your reply . Lets all hope we can keep the beloved CJ5 alive . Thanks again and best regards , Greg .
69jeepcj
New member
the cj 5 and 7 Long nose and short nose is from when they switched from the 232 to the 258 straight 6, the straight 6 was longer and they had to make more room up front. The result was 3" longer front fenders. In 76 the frames got boxed.
this is the long.
this is the short one. if you look at the space between the wheel opening and where the fender bolts to the tub, you should see the 3" diff.
this is the long.
this is the short one. if you look at the space between the wheel opening and where the fender bolts to the tub, you should see the 3" diff.
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greg92jeepxj
Official Supporter
Thank you for this reply . This information will be helpful when buying body parts as apparently there are different size fenders (and hoods?) for different length chassis for different engines. I was thinking that a short 5 chassis was for a four cyl. And a long 5 chassis for an I6 . Really want to thank you guys for this info as it will be helpful to all who are planning or starting a build .
Would I be correct to say a short 5 chassis would handle a V6 ? I remember a CJ5 with what I believed to be a factory installed Buick V6 (225?) 60's era , or are short 5's only four cyl. ? I ask because , if I remember right , the dispatcher jeeps only had four cyl. Engines so now I wonder were all their chassis's short ? Sorry to make you guys work so hard , was just hoping to gather all facts for planning as anyone who finds a nice DJ chassis will need to be informed this or you can imagine the surprise an inexperienced person in the middle of a swap will wake to when they find motor to firewall , trans to crossmember , radiator support clearance , etc. is not working as thought . Don't want to over tech this question , hoping it is a simple answer . Again , appreciate any help given and us junior members always need advice from someone who has been there before . Thanks again and appreciate the question being asked from the original members post as I'm sure this all is very helpful ! Thanks guys !
69jeepcj
New member
Any of the jeep frames will take the 4cyl, v6 (they are shorter). The staright 6 (258) was longer, so puting it into a 60,s era short cj5 would be a little more dificult although doable. I think the 258 started going into cj,s around 72??? And yes, the hood would be longer as well.
greg92jeepxj
Official Supporter
Thank again for your reply . Well , that should broaden the options for a build . I think a good option would be a Chevy 4.3 should I get so advanced , but any 2.5 would go well to keep it simple and hp/torque won't be an issue either . It sounds like not too much fabrication at all too as just relocating fuel line and wiring is all . This should help anyone who is considering such a build as either way , V6, I6 or I4 has options and should all work . I hope this sparks a trend and jeep builders in our forum will seek to build themselves a fresh CJ5 from surplus USPS vehicles and can enjoy a custom built jeep tailored to their specifications (engine, trans. , t-case , axles etc. ) . Hope this helps all as it is helping me to plan . Thanks again and hope to start a project in the near future ! Thanks for all and any info on this subject is welcome ! Thanks again and hope this helps the original post member too . Greg92jeepxj .
It may be hard to find a decient CJ5 in your area, I know it depends on where you are. In my area if you really look you can find a good one, and yes you'll usually pay more for it. I sold a great builder last summer, a guy came all the way from Alabama to get it. It had a little rust started in the quarters but solid floor, perfect frame and fair front clip. I sold it for $500, the engine and tailgate, trans and tailgate were missing. I should have kept it but I have my CJ5, and a Scrambler plus several other vehicles. You could take a road trip down south and haul one back.
greg92jeepxj
Official Supporter
Wow !!!!!! That's what I get for joining jeepz.com TOO LATE !!!!!! I would have snatched that bad boy up ! Your right though , It is a little hard to find a CJ5 for sale up here ,much less a clean one of any year . I would prefer one 1969 and older because I like them , but I can't be choosy , would take one 70's to 80's if it were the case . Good chassis a must , clean floors if can be had . Motor , trans , t-case no big deal , can always get something for one , no problem there . Axles no big deal either , got to have a good chassis , good body a plus , but a guy has got to have a good chassis to build on , I think , right ? Besides , can't even register it unless you got a roll cage , or at least a roll bar . We know that . So to do it right , got to go down to the frame to weld because if you bolt it on to the floor , not a true off roader , only for show , Right ? Short wheel base , we know they can flip , got to take it easy in the turns as we know too . Years ago , my friend wore out second and third and brakes like crazy just from turns . Common I guess on wranglers . City driving not partial to jeeps . I offered to help him pull the box and rebuild it with him , he gave it to his brother in law and that was that . I don't care too much for the YJ , but there a good rig anyway . Always liked the CJ5 , would take a 7 , but like the 5 ! Man , $500 ! Story of my life , always miss the good deals . Boy , your jeep was a great starter for a build ! Couple of grand would have put her back on the road ( or off the road , LOL ) real quick ! I could have got a AX15 last summer , but I couldn't make up my mind should i convert my 92xj over to stick as my aw4 is not slipping with 166,000 + miles but now kicking my self for not grabbing parts for a build . Ahhh , youth is wasted on the young , but at 50 , I should know .
I really appreciate you letting me know , it may come to that some day , road trip down south to collect one from someone , probably cry when they see it roll off for the last time . I remember when I was 16 working in a junkyard and a 65 or 66 ? Came in , I ran to the office and said " I WANT IT !" They said no , it's sold . Fair to good body , Buick v6 ( factory ? ) three speed w/Dana 20 . They wouldn't even let me get it running ! They knew I would have drove it . Probably knew I would have ran off with it ! They made sure I didn't get ten feet of it ! That was the best deal I could ever have had ! Saw,one last year on the street , of course not for sale but I never see them around here . If any are upstate from me , probably rotted . Looked at a IHC scout once , almost no floors . Rather change a jeep body anyway . Well , I'll keep my eyes open and thanks again for thinking of me !
Best regards , greg92jeepxj
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