In 1987, I bought my 1970 CJ-5 from the original owner. It came with the original Buick V6 225 Odd-Fire engine, which I had rebuilt the same year. Alongside that, the T-14 3-speed was rebuilt, and the original T-18 transfer case stayed in place.
The Jeep originally had 4.88 gears and a true-lock rear end. About three years ago, I rebuilt the Warn overdrive.
The First Year
While the engine was being rebuilt, I went all-in. I pulled the body off the frame, welded any cracks, and replaced the body mounts and bolts. I installed a Rancho 2.5-inch lift kit, new leaf springs, and Rancho 5000 shocks.
Upgrades Over the Years
- Front End: Rebuilt twice in 30 years, most recently with new tie-rod ends, king pins, Ross steering box, and drag link.
- Brakes: Upgraded to front disc brakes with a new master cylinder, which meant my 15-inch rims wouldn’t fit anymore—so I switched to 16-inch rims and 5 Ironman 31-inch tires.
- Interior: New Smittybilt seats (front and back), new console, original spare tire rack in back.
- Body & Glass: New windshield frame and glass, new wiper linkage, steering wheel, and turn signals.
- Lighting: 52-inch LED light bar, 8-inch LED bar, LED headlights, and new lenses all around.
- Performance: Aluminum radiator, Redline 38/38 carburetor, new hoses, battery, dual exhaust, and most recently a new cam, rocker arms, and lifters.
The Paint Job
Three years ago, I had the Jeep stripped to bare metal and repainted its original Sierra Blue. I even put the original-style Renegade stripes back on.
The Roll Bar
It had the original roll bar for years, but I recently installed a full cage again. Up front, it’s got a Smittybilt 3-inch tube bumper, a full top and doors, plus a half-top.
When I bought it at 27 years old, the first thing I pulled off were the steps under the door—I thought they made it look like an “old man’s Jeep.” Well, now I am that old man, and the steps are back on so my wife can get in easier.
Family Ties
This Jeep has been in the family so long, my daughter wasn’t even born when I bought it. Now she has a 7-year-old daughter who “owns” it. My son grew up playing in it with his buddies and has had two Jeeps of his own. The last one was a 2006 WJ, me and the wife liked it so much, I bought a 2005 WJ.
When “Old Blue” was down, I drove my 2005 WJ, so that I still had a Jeep to drive.
Looking Back
It once had an 8,000 lb PTO winch, but I couldn’t find parts, so it’s gone. Over the years, I’ve replaced the clutch three times and fixed more things than I can count.
No more 20-year projects for me—it’s now my daily driver, and when I’m done, the kids can deal with it. Problem solved. Ha!
Thanks
Most of the parts over the years came from the same folks—around Christmas, my birthday, Father’s Day, and every other excuse I could find to order something. You’ve helped me keep this Jeep alive, and I appreciate it.
Willys Jeep Life Story – Mike Goff
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