1971 Kaiser Jeep CJ5

This 1971 Jeep CJ5 is an excellent example of the instantly recognizable American classic. Although it is not in stock trim, the complete frame off restoration completed in 2012 was well thought out in design and execution. This is a practically BRAND NEW 43 year old Jeep. Every component is new or rebuilt. This was one of the last units built by Kaiser Jeep Corporation in 1970 just before AMC’s purchase in January 1971.

Below you will find a detailed description and video of this Jeep CJ5. I have also included a detailed spreadsheet of all components and part numbers. If you have any questions, please feel free to Contact Me.

Chassis

This Jeep rolls on it’s original frame that has been boxed, sealed, and painted body color. A moderate lift was used to maintain on-road drivability. This includes 2.5” lift springs (spring under), Daystar shackles, Pro Comp shocks (painted body color), steering stabilizer, and Polyurethane body mount bushing with billet aluminum body spacers. The tires do not rub.

The steering has been upgraded with a tilt steering column and a reinforced Saginaw steering box. From the pedals to the pads, the braking system is brand new. The front disc brakes and rear drum brakes have been completely rebuilt with new components and a new parking cable has been installed.

The wheels are 15” x 12.5” polished aluminum wheels. They have chrome center caps and have 35” BFG Mud Terrain T/A KM2 tires. Tons of tire tread left. There is a full size spare wheel/tire mounted to the towing receiver that has never seen the road.

The original gas tank was mounted in the rear from the factory. It has been cleaned and painted. It feeds the engine through tubular stainless steel lines.

Drivetrain

Almost 44 years after rolling off the line and this Jeep still has it’s original drivetrain. The engine is the original Buick Dauntless 225 (#991503) cubic inch V6. It has been completely refreshed with a 0.030” overbore and original 9.0:1 compression. A Isky camshaft was added along with new valve springs, hydraulic lifters, timing gear and chain. The Holley 470 Truck Avenger feeds the engine though an old school NOS Offenhauser aluminum dual port intake manifold with matching Offenhauser polished cast aluminum valve covers.

The engine block, heads, front timing cover, and radiator have all been painted black. This makes for a nice contrast against the polished valve covers, chrome air cleaner lid, and bright powdercoated tubular fenderwell headers and side exit exhaust. The original 50+ pound flywheel has been resurfaced and matched with a new clutch from Hays. The clutch linkage has been changed to an upgraded chain setup from Advanced Adaptors.

The transmission is the original and fully rebuilt Dana Spicer T14A 3-speed manual transmission. Behind it is the original and fully rebuilt Dana 20 transfer case. The transfer case has been modified to use a twin sticks. The rear axle is the original and fully rebuilt Dana 44 with a 3.73:1 gear ratio. The front axle has been upgraded to a narrow track Dana 30 with 3.73:1 gears and disc brakes. Both axles have Quadratec cast differential covers.

Paint and Body

After many hours of bodywork and preparation, this Jeep was painted #83 Metal Gray (1998 GM and newer). All body components are steel and the tailgate has been frenched and welded to the body with LED accent lights. The engine bay has been shaved, smoothed, and painted body color. The battery has been relocated behind the glovebox. The underside of the body and the rear wheel wells have been undercoated.

Under the rocker panels, you’ll see a custom built pair of rock sliders. The chrome steps are removable. There are aluminum scuff plates both front and rear. All rubber and chrome are new. Rather than glass, the windshield is a solid piece of lexan.

Interior, Roll Cage, & Top

One of the most noticeable characteristics of this Jeep is the three bucket seats. They are high back racing seats with 5-point harnesses mounted on a steel frame with lockable storage underneath. The inside of the tub has been sprayed with a black undercoating and topped with custom floor mats both front and rear. The floor pans in this body are solid but not original. The existing pans were installed in a previous restoration.

The dash is a single piece of brushed aluminum. It is fitted with all brand new gauges which include: central speedometer (speedometer, water temperature, turn signal indicators, bright light indicator), voltmeter, oil pressure, and tachometer. There is a locking glove box in the factory location and a 12 volt DC power port/cigarette lighter.

The custom built 6-point roll cage is bolted in and can be removed if necessary.The forward points are anchored to the dash/cowl with removable steel plates. A custom black vinyl safari top was made to fit this specific Jeep. It is the only top.

For a detailed spreadsheet of components and part numbers, please click This Link.