166: Richard Cloutier’s 1970 CJ-5 Jeep
This is the last year of the Kaiser Jeeps before AMC bought the name. The Jeep is mounted on big 7.50 x 16 snow tires. Too big for it really. The 4-134 strains a lot when cruising in third gear. It works fine in 4×4 though. I believe the half cab is from the Meyers company and it is in great condition. Those tops are hard to find. When in 4×4 mode, the transfer case is locked in the ‘low’ position. So, it is either ‘in’ or ‘out’. The previous owner eliminated the high range lever. I never got around to correct it because I’d rather have the option of having a choice. So, I use it as is. It is basically a utility vehicle. We use it as a tractor, we pull a trailer with it, we take it down to the river in the summer, and haul fire wood in the winter. It is not restored but it is well maintained. I give it a coat of fresh paint when needed to keep the rust out. The engine runs like a sewing machine and doesn’t even burn oil. It never misses a lick. With those big tires, this CJ-5 Jeep is quite a brute when going through mud in low gear.
– Richard Cloutier
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Looks like you have it out on the road to sell?
Looks like you have it out on the road to sell?
About the transfer case lever, Was it a model 18 or 20 transfer case? If it was an 18 you should be able to get underneath and shift the shift fork shafts with a big screw driver or pry bar. The model 18 also had an interlock poppet between the shafts inside the transfer case front housing that would not allow 2 wheel drive low range. I removed mine so I could back up trailers slowly. You just had to be careful of how much throttle you used as it put a heavy strain on the rear axle.
About the transfer case lever, Was it a model 18 or 20 transfer case? If it was an 18 you should be able to get underneath and shift the shift fork shafts with a big screw driver or pry bar. The model 18 also had an interlock poppet between the shafts inside the transfer case front housing that would not allow 2 wheel drive low range. I removed mine so I could back up trailers slowly. You just had to be careful of how much throttle you used as it put a heavy strain on the rear axle.
I need a top like that for my 1963 CJ-5…Your 70 looks good also !!!
I need a top like that for my 1963 CJ-5…Your 70 looks good also !!!
Even in high range it will only go 45 to 50 mph with the standard axels. The taller tires will make it go a little faster, but I would not push it too hard. Rick
Even in high range it will only go 45 to 50 mph with the standard axels. The taller tires will make it go a little faster, but I would not push it too hard. Rick
Nice CJ-5, i use to own one that i bought from an AMC dealer back in 1970 with a V6 engine. We love it and later traded it for a J4000 pic-up. We need a pick-up with slide on camper.
Nice CJ-5, i use to own one that i bought from an AMC dealer back in 1970 with a V6 engine. We love it and later traded it for a J4000 pic-up. We need a pick-up with slide on camper.