New Jeep, What Am I In For

Guy said it’s a 71 but I think it might be older.

 

71 is pretty obvious. Offset flanged axle in the back. One piece bellhousing without adapter. Best year of the early CJ5.

 

I agree,but then I am biased just a little.

 

Can't see pics

 

How bout now???

 

Pictures good now.

'71 by the Data Plate, if that is original.

 

I can see them.

 

Sorry I was exhausted last night and couldn’t figure it out! So last cj5 I had was the 74 half cab. This one is obviously different. I’m not familiar with the steering configuration or the clutch mechanism. Also this is the first Buick engine I’ve had my hands on. The top and body are “crusty” I would say. I’m not worried too much as I want a trail rig.

 

Ok thank you, I guess I just didn’t realize there was that much difference between 71-74. Anything i should pay special attention to as I’m shakimg it down?

 

Very nice starting point!!

 

The major change from the "Kaiser-Willys" style to the AMC intermediate style occurred in 1972. Sometimes parts counter folks will get confused because technically AMC took ownership of Jeep in the middle of 1970. They just continued the early style up through 71 with just some minor changes.

The steering mechanism you see is Ross steering. IMO it is the Achilles heel of the Early's. AMC changed it to Saginaw (GM) steering in 72. Your 74 would have had the Saginaw, a much better system.

A book can be written on the differences between the 55-71 versus the 72-75. You've got lots of learning to do. Fortunately your professors are the folks on this forum.

 

Nice looking Jeep. Seems to be in good shape. Good luck with it.

 

A photo showing the front axle/tie rod area will show if any modifications or improvements have been made to the steering system. Stock, it should have a bellcrank on the front crossmember, with two short tie rods to each steering knuckle. This system usually needs to be improved.
Your new purchase looks like a solid vehicle to use as you make improvements.
The biggest difference between your '71 Kaiser Jeep and the later (intermediate) AMC Jeeps is the length of the hood and front fenders. The Kaiser (and earlier Willys) Jeeps have the seam where the fenders bolt to the main body immediately at the rear edge of the front wheel well opening. There is about 4" of extended "rocker panel" before the seam on the AMC Jeeps, making the whole nose longer.
-Donny

 

Expanding a bit on what Donny wrote, the wheelbase on a '72 is also longer by 3", and the front of the frame changes a lot. The front clip is 5" longer than '71 and earlier. This provides enough room for the AMC inline 6s. Most of the rest of the changes involve new components, like engines, steering, brakes, etc. This topic has been discussed a lot - I think we must have a tech article somewhere that describes the differences year-to-year.

 

one real give away is the one piece bell housing used with the v6 and 3 speed (71)
shifter in picture looks like it's a T86 not a T14 but someone could have bent it over the years