CJ5 Jeeps Review

by Wilson Snyder
CJ5 jeeps debuted in 1955, and jeep fans know that it is this very jeep that encouraged consumers to turn their attention to off-the-road driving. For Jeep fans who are looking to restore older CJ 5 jeeps really need to know what they are looking for before buying, since not all CJ5 jeeps were created with the same quality. Let's take a look at how some of the CJ 5 jeeps differ from one another, so that restoration hobbyists can draw an understanding of some of the unique differences in CJ5 models.

In the year 1966, CJ5 jeeps were beginning to be manufactured with a V6 motor so that the jeeps could better compete with other, more power packed vehicles on the market. If the hobbyist ventures for a 1966 model or after, he or she may encounter CJ 5 jeeps that have a V6, Buick, Dauntless motor under the hood. In fact, nearly three quarters of CJ 5 jeeps manufactured between 1966 and 1978 have that V6 engine. It will be necessary to seek out parts for the V6 motor, if the motor is to be restored properly. Searching for available parts is therefore recommended before making any CJ5 jeeps purchase.

Dating CJ5 Jeeps visually isn't too difficult if you knows what to look for. Checking the engine can help you get a date range for the CJ5 jeep in question. From 1955 to 1971, these jeeps held the 72 horsepower Hurricane F-head 1-4 beneath the hood. From 1961 to 1965, the engine was offered as a 62 horsepower Perkins diesel motor, and from 1966 to 1970, the V-6 Dauntless mentioned earlier was used: this is seemingly the most preferred engine.

CJ5 jeeps are identifiable by the rounded fenders on the body, and some 603,000+ of these models were manufactured until the early 1980s. The rounded fends softened the body of the vehicles and made them more appealing to civilians who were seeking vehicles with smoother, sleeker trims. The hood of the CJ5 was also lengthened in order to accommodate the newer, rounder, fenders too.

CJ5 jeeps came with a range of different windshields as well, and not every windshield is suitable for every CJ5 model. One will notice that there are windshields available with top-mounted windshield wipers, split windshields, windshields with bottom-mounted windshield wipers, and in 1969 a wider windshield was developed for some models. These differences must also be considered when you looking for CJ 5 Jeeps.

About the Author

Wilson Snyder is a freelance writer. Learn more about "CJ5 Jeeps Review" at JeepMax.com.