Improvement = Lower Value?

I have a ‘68 CJ5 that’s pretty much as it came from the factory except that the radio has a couple of extra speakers, and a tach and vacuum gauge have been added.

It has the Dauntless engine, three-speed , D18 and 4.88 axles.

This is from the day I brought it home:



I’m considering switching out the front & rear axles to a flanged D44 rear and D30 open u-joint front. I have three sets of them; two in 3.73 and one in 4.27 ratio. It would get stronger housings and big brakes all around. (The originals are 9”, I think, and pretty weak.) It could also use a Saginaw steering upgrade - of which I have 2.

This Jeep will probably be sold in a year or three, when I finish the intermediate (72 or 74) project, with a 5.3, SM465, D20 and probably the 4.27 axles. (I have a titled ‘72 and a better, untitled ‘74)

Would those upgrades impact the value of an otherwise stock Jeep? If it’s an upward change, great; if negative, perhaps I’ll leave it as it is and just drive it…

Jon B.

 

I would only do the upgrades if you were going to keep the Jeep.
Otherwise, let somebody else spend the time, effort and $$.

 

Are you really likely to be breaking axles, and to need stronger ones?

 

This is a pretty capable combo as is.

 

Given what you have and what you want to do with it, I would opt for an OD and leave the drivetrain alone. This will increase drivability and should increase it's resale value.

 

In my opinion I would leave it like it is and add an OD. The T-14 is the weaker trans but I think they are usually good enough if driven correctly and not abused. Especially with the 4.88 gearing. If I were looking for a used jeep I would also be looking more for stock than modified. Just my 2 cents worth.

 

The 134 had the small 9” brakes
The Dauntless 225 v6 has 10” brakes. With stock size wheels, these brakes are all you need.

 

If you drop the 30 in the front your turning radius will be tighter. Swap the gears to match the rear.
If you do the fanged 44 in the rear swap out transfer case so you don't have the odd angled rear drive-line. Unless you have a 71 D44.
The downside would be the 2-1 low range with the D20

 

If the stock drivetrain is in decent shape I would not go to the trouble of the axle upgrade if I planned to sell the Jeep later on.

Were I building a trail Jeep for my own use I might consider it, but I doubt it would add much to the resale value, and might lower it if someone wants a stock setup.

 

If I was intent on actually wheeling the CJ in moderately difficult terrain, the axle swap would make sense. But for the limited time frame you are looking at, it isn't likely worth the effort. I suspect the resell value is not going to change much either way. You almost definitely will not recover the additional investment. As above, that should have the 10" brakes and those work well.

 

Assuming it's the stock t86? I'd put a t14 in and OD.

 

I agree with the majority leaving the axles, etc. stock, but correcting any rust issues and adding an overdrive. I'd be interested in buying a stocker over a modified... Looks like a sweet CJ though!

 

Can't see spending the $$ for the OD if he's going to sell it....let the buyer do that if he wants to.

 

Dana 30 is such a huge upgrade. Well worth it especially if it has 11" or disc brakes. I have rarely seen "all original" ever be worth more money unless 100 percent perfectly restored. Your Jeep, build what YOU want to drive.

 

I mean, if you're buying these things, expecting that they're an investment, they're no different than any other vehicle. Outside of some real rare exceptions that have caught the deep pocket fools fancy (Hemi-Cuda?) you're rarely, if ever, going to get a good return on investment. On stuff I buy to "flip" I buy it for very specific reasons, knowing I can fix it, and sell it for a profit. On stuff I buy for *me* I don't consider "resale" value, because I don't care, I drive what I like.

 

Sell the d30 and flanged axles separately. They are worth a lot more without a jeep attached.

 

Power steering, disk brakes, Yj Springs, additional fuel, lockers, bigger tires - It does add up to a more fun Jeep.
Do all the Mods you can this winter and we'll see you on the Rubicon in July.

 

I like my 66, 3:73 axels and 10" brakes, the 9" brakes were a little scary at times.