jeepfan.com blog

Jeep CJ Rear Bumper or Not

2009-05-07T09:06:00.002-05:00

A reader writes us and asks...

Does an 1982 CJ-7 jeep originally have a back bumper ? Need to know for WV inspection sticker. Thanks, John

Well John, the 80's version of the CJ never had an actual rear bumper. Occasionally there were dealer installed bumpers and factory installed "bumperettes" on Laredos and Renegades which were mere metal loops that did essentially nothing.

TH350 Conversion in a CJ

2009-04-23T08:37:00.005-05:00

QUESTION: What do I need to put a TH350 transmission in my 1977 CJ-7 with the 258 I6 and a Dana 20 T-case? Mike D

ANSWER: Several companies offer adapters for this popular conversion. Novak Adapters are probably the best on the market. In this conversion you will need two adapters. The first adapts the TH350 to the AMC engine and the second adapts the TH350 to the Dana 20.

The engine adapter - Novak 437AMC-1 kit is a plate style adapter that is precision laser cut and machined. Included are the crank spacer, flexplate, flexplate spacers, flexplate reinforcement ring and fastening hardware.

The transmission adapter - Novak 103 kit will adapt a TH350 to a Dana 20 utilizing a compact adapter casting, several bearings, and seals.

In general this is a popular conversion that will yield excellent results. The adapters will cost you though. You will be looking at a cost of just under $1000 for both adapters. Plus drive-shafts would most likely need to be lengthened/shortend to accomodate the added length.

Another option that would be less expensive and require no adapters would be to find a Chrysler 999/Dana 300 combo that was already in a Jeep. The 80-86 CJ-7 was available with this transmission/transfer case combo. You would be looking at a near bolt-in job. You could probably find factory drive shafts too.

Which automatic in my CJ-5 - Turbo 350 or 700r4

2009-04-06T08:28:00.002-05:00

QUESTION: I have 72 CJ-5 and I am swapping the AMC 304 with a Chevy 350. I am wondering what would be the best transmission to use? I have a 700r4 but think it will be too long which would only give me about a 6 inch rear drive line. I would like to use an automatic, I am thinking of a turbo 350 with a married up transfer case? Please tell me what you think. Thank you, Jon

ANSWER: An automatic in a CJ-5 is tough. A Turbo 400 will just squeak by but a Turbo 350 will give you better results. The TH350 is several inches shorter and will allow a longer rear drive shaft to avoid vibration from excess angles. Novak and Advance Adapters both make adapters to fit your automatic to your transfer case.

Identify my Jeep - Is it an M38 or CJ-5

2009-04-03T08:14:00.000-05:00

QUESTION: Good evening, a while back I traded into an old Jeep long abandoned. I can't identify whether it is an M38-A1 or CJ-5. The serial plate is long gone, it has a Ford V8 so no correct engine, and no title. Where else on this thing should a valid number to identify it so I can proceed to restore it.

ANSWER: There was minimal differences between the two. The body was one. The M38 had a large opening on the passenger side cowl and a recessed hole in the passenger side near where the Jeep logo would go. Most CJ-5 Jeeps had one piece windshields. The two piece could be special ordered and appear on many import CJ-5's. I'd probably guess you have an M38-A1.

JK Wheels on a TJ

2008-12-02T14:23:00.002-05:00

QUESTION: I am trying to put 32" JK 17" wheels on a 2005 TJ. I have the SpiderTrax adapters ordered, will the tires fit without a lift?

ANSWER: In general I don't think the tires will fit. While they may actually fit on the Jeep they will most likely rub over bumps and turns. 31" tires are about the max on an unlifted TJ. The wheel spacers will move the tires out slightly more and cause more issues with the flares.

An inexpensive 2" lift should solve your problems.

Check out a few of these...Rough Country 2” Suspension Lift – 1997-06 Jeep Wrangler TJ, Skyjacker 2" Budget Boost

GM Generation III Small Block as a Conversion Engine

2008-10-01T19:24:00.003-05:00

I have been reading more and more of how successful a GM Generation III Small Block into a Jeep has been. With growing aftermarket support and parts this conversion is sure to keep on going.

The Novak Conversions company has been making adapters and conversion components for Jeeps since the 60's and is still at it today. Here is what they had to say about the Generation III swaps.

The rise in poularity of the GM Generation III+ Small Block V8's has been meteoric. They feature tremendous power, efficiency, clean-burning, and well supported computer and wiring systems. Like their Small Block predecessors, the Gen. III+ family features availability, outstanding parts interchangeability, compactness and light weight, plus the fact that these engines fit nicely in most Jeeps. We expect them to surpass the Chevrolet Small Block in frequency of conversion before the end of this decade.

The Generation III small block showed up in GM vehicles in 1997 and is a complete redesign of the tried and true Chevy small block.

For more info and available conversion components check out the Novak website...

The Novak Guide to the GM Generation III V8 Engines

What tire size fits a TJ Wrangler?

2008-09-28T19:59:00.002-05:00

QUESTION: What is the largest tire that I can put on my stock 04 TJ. Tim

ANSWER: We answer that question time and again. It's true that there isn't an absolute answer...you could probably stuff a set of 33's on a stock unlifted TJ but they would rub the fenders on bumps in the street. Luckily we put together a "what fits" guide to help. Check it out.

See the article...Jeep Tire Fit Guide - What Fits?

Jeff Daniel's Jeep Show 2008

2008-09-28T08:42:00.003-05:00

Wow what a great show again! These guys really know how to throw a Jeep party that keeps getting bigger and bigger every year.

The 2008 show took up about nine acres and featured almost every Jeep possible from JK's to MB's. Expanding to 20 classes this year the voting was busy. Rausch Creek Off-Road Park was there with several hard-core trail Jeeps showing off their stuff on Jeff Daniel's mini off-road course. Food, fun, and fireworks were on too.

Check out the full article...Jeff Daniel's Jeep Show 2008

Mayonnaise hate mail - again

2008-09-19T10:25:00.003-05:00

So we put a silly article referring to a site that is all about Mayonnaise. Evidently readers believe that we - the jeepfan.com people run/own the site and have something to do with Mayonnaise manufacturing. Here is the most recent message...

How can you possibly let some young kid tattooed all over as your spokesman on TV?
That is the end of my purchases of Hellmans products. Don Graham

Thanks for writing Don but sorry we can't help you.

Check out the World of Mayonnaise yourself!

CJ-5 Hard Top

2008-09-16T20:44:00.002-05:00

QUESTION: Do you guys know of anyone that makes custom hard tops for 1974 CJ-5? Chris Smith

ANSWER: Not anymore. The CJ-5 has been out of production since 82 and manufacturers can't justify producing them anymore. The CJ-5 model has been fading (or rusting) more and more every year. Your best bet is keep an eye on swap meets, eBay, and anywhere else you can find old parts.

Keep in mind that that 72-75 CJ-5 uses a different top than a 76-82. Most fiberglass hard tops were made for the 76-82. By the way you can use a later top if you swap out the windshield.

Going Racing - Someday

2008-09-12T21:04:00.005-05:00

Ever since I was a kid I proclaimed when I am old enough I am going to build a Jeep and take it East Coast 4WD Association Racing. I was going to run a Jeep with a V8 that was loud and sounded cool. I would give the Jeep a name and run paddle tires whenever I could.

30 years laters and still no racing or racer. It's gotta happen.

Here's the plan...Buy a square headlight Wrangler. These babies go pretty cheap now-a-days - $500 to $1500. The 1st generation Wrangler still had leaf springs which do well with the pounding a racer can take. In addition they have a wider and stronger frame than a CJ while still keeping the 94" wheelbase.

My plans would include stripping the Wrangler of near everything but a body and frame. The engine, transmission, and axles would all be replaced with something stronger.

This will be an ongoing project with ideas brewing all along.

To check out EC4WDA Racing visit the jeepfan.com Racing section

Complaining about the big three

2008-09-01T07:37:00.003-05:00

Here's a bit of mail from one of our ex-readers...

I am bitterly disappointed that your name is "Jeep fan" but it seems you are more "JK, TJ, & CJ fan". I will never again visit these pages. You guys need to acknowledge that there are other Jeeps than those 3, and some even legendary, like the XJ. Clearly you are bandwagoners, jumping to the latest fad rather than offering a true representation of "Jeep". It's a shame you all choose to forget the rest of us, but I and my friends and NAXJA will certainly forget you.

I guess this does go under the saying you can't please everyone but our ex-reader is partially correct. We do tend to focus on the larger population of Jeep vehicles but being accused of forgetting, bandwagoning, and jumping to the latest fad is completely inaccurate. Are CJ's still a fad? Remember when the TJ first arrived and traditional Jeepers were like - what is this? The TJ turned out to be the most popular and capable Jeep ever - hardly a fad.

Our ex-reader only really seemed interested in the Jeep he or she owned - the XJ. (BTW - The XJ is a very capable and popular Jeep itself. It is a shame the the model was discontinued in 2000 to make way for the Liberty) We actually do have a few XJ's mixed around the site and would gladly add more. Perhaps we should have been reminded about not forgetting other Jeeps too like the J Series trucks, FS Cherokee, Wagoneer, Commando, Liberty, etc. Our ex-reader isn't probably interested in them though.

Anyway, sorry you feel that way.

The club our ex-reader referred to is the North American XJ Association www.naxja.com obviously a club for XJ and MJ owners only.

CJ Engines

2008-07-13T18:43:00.002-05:00

QUESTION: I just got a 1975 CJ-5, however, the VIN is 1974. It's supposed to have a 401 in it, and the VIN says 304. how do i tell if it is a 304 or a 401? Thanks, Jess. By the way...it is freekin' cool!

ANSWER: First off, Jess you didn't send your e-mail with your message so we couldn't respond directly. Anyway, CJ's never came factory with anything larger than a 304 so the VIN is correct. It's possible to exchange engines though and sometimes Jeep dealers would offer special models with alternate engines in which the VIN wouldn't reflect. Identifying the engine - on the side of the engine block near the motor mount is typically an engine size marker cast into the block. The numbers are on both sides and pretty big. That will tell you for sure.

Will gas prices stop you from off-roading?

2008-06-24T20:15:00.002-05:00

We crunch the numbers and see what it really costs you. The answer isn't as bad as it looks.

Using the jeepfan.com JK we tested out what the cost difference really is. During a few trail runs to Rausch Creek we kept track of the total fuel usage and applied it to $2.00/gallon gas vs. $4.00/gallon.

From our home base to Rausch Creek it's about 60 miles one way. We filled the JK and set off for RC.

We wheeled the Jeep all day and drove it back and used less than 1/2 a tank of gas or roughly 9 gallons. Not bad fuel usage for a Jeep.

See the full article Will gas prices stop you from off-roading?

AMC V8 Tech Question

2008-06-07T07:02:00.003-05:00

QUESTION: I have a chance to buy a 1976 CJ-7 with an automatic trans and 304 engine. The body is in great condition but naturally the interior has it's problems, all original.
The 304 seems pretty well used, is a 360 just a bored out 304 or what engine would you suggest for a horse power gain with a minimun amout of trouble? Bob

ANSWER: A 360 is not technically a bored out 304 but will bolt right in place of a 304. All AMC V8 engines since about 1965 share the same outer dimensions and mounting points but vary in bore and stroke to obtain different a CID. A 360 has a wider bore and longer stroke. A few performance modifications can wake up a 304 if the essence of the engine is good. An all stock 360 swap will not bring too much more HP since they only were rated about 30-50 more HP.

Related Articles
AMC 360 Rebuild

OK Auto 2008 Rock Krawl Event - This Weekend

2008-04-21T20:21:00.002-05:00

Get ready for this coming weekend and check out OK Auto's Rock Krawl event.

Sponsored by Warn, OK Auto's Rock Krawl event is back. This 2 day event starts on Saturday with an open house at OK Auto in Stewartsville, NJ followed by a day of trail riding on Sunday at Rausch Creek Off-Road Park...more

Sneaky Dana 20 Transfer Case Tech

2008-04-16T20:12:00.002-05:00

QUESTION: I recently purchased a used dana 20 transfer case,the previous owner said the t case shift pattern is 4H 2H N 2L and 4L is this correct. OZARKJEEPN

ANSWER: Officially the typical pattern in a CJ is 4H 2H N 4L but after time the shift linkage loosens up to allow 2L. The Dana 20 in the jeepfan.com CJ has the pattern you described below even though the shift knob says it the way mentioned above.

Consider it a bonus with age!

New tires and wheels

2008-03-22T09:12:00.002-05:00

We just added a set of the new BF Goodrich Mud Terrain tires mounted to a set of AEV Pintler wheels to the jeepfan.com JK. Looks great and rides/handles great too. Check them out.

BF Goodrich Mud Terrain KM2 tires and AEV Pintler Wheels

Wrangler JK Power Locks

2008-03-17T11:52:00.004-05:00

QUESTION: I've got an 08 Unlimted X and have a question about the power locks. I want to get an "add-a-trunk" and most of those are lockable based on the tailgate being locked. Problem is, if the top is off, the power lock switch is accessable on the door and switching it unlocks the tailgate. Any thoughts or instructs on how to bypass the power lock on the tailgate? Chad

ANSWER: Great question with a good answer. The Jeep designers thought ahead here and designed the power lock switches to deactivate when the Jeep is locked with the remote. So, if you park your Jeep, get out, lock it with the remote, the internal switches will no longer work. Furthermore if someone would climb into the Jeep and try to open a door the alarm will go off. The rear gate cannot be unlocked from the inside. Your stuff in the add-a-trunk should be as safe as possiible.

UPDATE: You need to wait about 20 seconds for the lock switches to deactivate. Thanks for doing some further testing Chad.

See Jeep interior products and reviews

Converting a Jeep from a 6 cyl to a V8

2008-03-15T11:30:00.002-05:00

QUESTION: So I have a 79 CJ-5 that the original 258 motor is blown, that's a story in itself. I found a 360 out of an 85 Wagoneer for cheap, so I said why not put this in my CJ-5. Yeah right, now that I have it apart and in a million pieces I found out the hard way why you just can't put a V-8 in a Jeep. So here is my list of questions for you...

ANSWER: Yes, it's is not just a pop it in swap but it is one of the easiest conversions since you can use all OEM stuff.

1. What motor mounts do you use? I have the actual motor mounts that are made of rubber. I also have a set of frame mounts from a CJ-5 that originally had a 304, will these work? I am having a hard time trying to get it to sit INSIDE the frame. So, do I need different motor brackets (it still has the original wagoneer brackets on the motor, or do I just finesse it a little? If it does where do I get them?

ANSWER: You will have the easiest time using a set of motor mounts from a V8 equipped CJ. If you want to upgrade MORE makes complete "bomb proof" mounts. OEM style mounts can be found from OMIX. See links below about contacting these companies. Your Jeep may have a T-18 if it has a 4 speed. The T-176 wasn't really used until the 80's. If your Jeep is a 3 speed it's a T-150. Installation tip: You should free the transmission of the skid plate since the V8 may cause the transmission mount to change a bit, this depends. Basically mount the engine to the frame and then figure out the skid plate/transmission mount. It probably won't change.

2. How in the world do you go from an automatic tranny to a 4 speed T-176, (that is what tranny I currently have, I think?) I cannot find anyone with the right answers, or any answers for that matter.

ANSWER: You would need a flywheel from an AMC V8 and the proper clutch disc/pressure plate. Go with new stuff here since it's not the easiest place to get to. Get the flywheel turned. The Centerforce clutches are real nice in a Jeep. Since your Jeep year was available with the V8 just order a clutch disc/pressure plate for that year Jeep with a V8.

ANYTHING you can help me with would GREATLY be appreciated. Oh, by the way, your 78 looks AWESOME I bet it tries to outrun those tires. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, Tony "The lost Jeeper" Jones

Thanks for the great question and with some patience and attention to detail you should come out OK. Send us some pictures!

Resources:
OK Auto - They can get you the proper parts you need from MORE and Omix. Give them a shout.
jeepfan.com 1978 CJ-5

New BDS 3" Lift for the JK

2008-02-28T09:19:00.003-05:00

Just installed the new 3" BDS lift and it's nice. Ride quality is actually better than before. Very smooth but yet firm and solid when it counts. Probably due to the variable rate shocks. Need to do some tweaking and get an alignment still.

See the whole install. BDS 3" Lift Install

Wrangler JK Front Track Bar

2008-02-25T20:50:00.003-05:00

QUESTION: Your tech article about the rear BDS track bar bracket for the JK makes sense and was very informitive, but what about the front of the JK after a 2.5" Tera Flex lift. Why wouldn't there need to be an adjustment to the front axle? Howie

ANSWER: The front track bar angle seems to affect the Jeep less than the rear. A bigger component in the front is the steering drag link. That's the rod that goes from the steering box to the passenger side axle knuckle. If the track bar and drag link are at different angles the Jeep will experience bad bump steer. Using a track bar bracket in the front requires using a drop pitman arm of the same size. Recently we upgraded the jeepfan.com to a full BDS 3" lift in which we installed an adjustable track bar. This bar doesn't change the angle but allows the front axle to be centered after the lift causes the axle to shift slightly to one side.

Related articles:
BDS 3" Lift for Wrangler JK Rubicon
jeepfan.com 2007 JK Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon
BDS JK Rear Track Bar Drop Bracket Install
TeraFlex 2.5" Budget Boost JK Lift Kit Install

CJ-5 Hardtop

2008-02-08T21:06:00.000-05:00

QUESTION: I own a 1978 CJ-5, & i would like to purchase a hardtop for it. I know that the 78 didn\'t have a hardtop. My question is; Is there a later model year hardtop that would fit it? Ruben

ANSWER: There never was a factory hardtop available for the CJ-5 but there were several aftermarket companies that made them. I have seen ones made of steel, aluminum, and fiberglass. The fiberglass were most common and looked the best. Acme was probably the most popular hardtop manufacturer back in the day but as far as I know there isn't any companies making CJ-5 hardtops anymore since the ol' 5's are dwindling.

A hardtop from a CJ-7 will not fit a CJ-5. The 5 was 10 inches shorter and the tub sides are lower. In addition the CJ-7 door openings were much larger and shaped completely different.

You are pretty much left with finding an old used one somewhere hopefully in useable shape. If you do find one make sure it will fit the 76-82 CJ-5...the pre-76 CJ-5 used a different windshield making the tops in compatible.

Frame Replacement Question

2008-01-27T18:32:00.000-05:00

QUESTION: I was reading your frame replacement on your 78 CJ-5 with interest. I have a 79 CJ-5. I have a bolt on tire carrier. It's mounted to the rear cross member. Appears as if it's a little too heavy, as cracks have appeared in the cross member where the bumper/carrier is mounted. Question: It looks like the cross member is welded to the frame in a few locations. Yes/No? Can I simply unbolt the cross-member and replace, or is there more involved? I plan on replacing the cross member, and reinforcing the area where the bumper/tire carrier mounts. I don't weld, but have a place near by that can do it for me. (This Jeep is a family heirloom...it's been to Italy and back with us, and I learned to drive in it.) James Walker

ANSWER: The crossmember is fully welded to the frame and would need to be cut off to be replaced. There are factory replacement cross members available. Contact OK Auto for more info on a replacement. In our frame replacement article we replaced the rear cross member with a piece of 3/16" "C" channel. The channel is much cleaner looking and stronger. The new cross member is welded in place and the rear bumper is bolted to the cross member backed with reinforcement plates the bolt to the frame as well.

With the body on the Jeep cutting the old member off will not be easy.

Related article: CJ-5 Frame Replacement

Jeep Renegade Concept - More of the frog look

2008-01-19T20:51:00.000-05:00

Jeep is unveiling its new concept vehicle the Jeep Renegade. Continuing the frog look but still kinda cool. Perhaps a glimpse into the future of Jeep vehicles.

While I am content to not really see this thing on the dealer lot I still enjoy seeing what the creative minds are coming up with in Toledo.

A hybrid backed by a small diesel engine this Jeep is capable of 110 MPG and 40 miles on a single battery charge.

See the full article

Chrysler reveals Jeep Renegade Concept