A friend wants me to look at a '69 CJ-5 he may buy. Besides the obvious (cancer, frame-cracks, etc), what else should I keep an eye out for? Anything querky with this year?

What engine does it have? If it has the 225 the timing chain may be worn out (they eat them about every 50k miles). The transfer case intermediate shaft needs replacing every 30k miles or so but it can be done by just dropping the pan. It should have a dana 44 in back and a 27 up front. These are well built Jeeps and are really easy to work on.
Regards,
Josiah


Hillsboro, OR
1955 Willys CJ5 Buick 225 V6 160HP 270ft-lbs, T90 trans, Warn OD, PTO winch, Spicer 18 T Case, RS9000's, Dana 25F/ 44R,
5.38:1 gears, 11" brakes, Bestop Supertop, Hurculiner

Yep, they are a good jeep. The frame will be an open "C" chennel type, so rust might not be a problem, but look at the rear spring hangers and see if it is cracked. The 225 is a very good engine. The only other this is the steering on it. It is the old Ross steering, which is fine, if you keep it adjusted. There are horro stories about it. I changed mine to saginaw power steering, and will never go back ,but the old steering works fine. The only problem is if you plan to lift the jeep, it will kick the geometry out of whack. I say tell him to get it. Keep the old CJ5's on the road and trail.

Dan Stewart 1963 CJ5 "Caloosa Jeepers" member

OK. Here's the scoop. Buick V-6, 44 rear, 27 front, frame looks good, new paint, rhino lined, new floor boards, pulls HARD right when braking, grease all over tranny and t-case, but no visible leaks (no puddles). The owner is asking $3900, I told my friend to start at $3400 and work up. What do you think?

I'd want to see a picture of it before I laughed out loud.

Sounds like it has had some work done to it, and still needs some. If it were near mint I'd go to $3,400, otherwise I'd start at about $1,500.

JEEPN
Winter Harbor, Maine
'81 CJ-8 Scrambled, It's a Jeep, Chevy, IHC kinda thing!
'88.5 Zuki, 7" Lift, Locked, Swamped, Rolled, and just generally broken in right!

it might not really help if i tell you that here in chile you get those for about us$ 1000-1200,-

of course every market is different, but a price in the 3000 sounds rather high!

alfred

I agree with JEEPN... Get some pics. That price sounds way high, given i am a cheapskate, but most vehicles around my area are much cheaper. If they were that price, they will be real nice, with some flaws. I really depends on the area and what people will pay for a jeep. For that price, there are jeeps that have been 80 percent restored selling for that.

Dan Stewart 1963 CJ5 "Caloosa Jeepers" member

Just remeber how 99% of the Jeeps on here would run if they had a dodge V6.
Great for about a week before they broke somthing, or somthing that was rigged up failed.

I'd just suggest that it would have to look really neat.
If it looks at all fabed up or jerry rigged, i'd prolly pass on it.



Jeep Icon, Raised 2", Lowered 2", 4pt Independant Suspention. (Yes, that is an Oompa Loompa driving it.)

Dodge V6? The 225 V6 is a Buick motor. The 225 slant 6 is a Dodge motor. Damn near indestructable.

Yeah it was a buick V6. They are an excellent engine. Damn things will run forever. They do like timing chains though, but you can beat the heck out of them. The heavy flywheel is great for torque. It is not a glamourous engine, but it will get you there and back.

Dan Stewart 1963 CJ5 "Caloosa Jeepers" member