Custom Jeep CJ-5 Has Been With the Same Family Since 1962: Throwback Thursday Presented by the All-New Nitto Recon Grappler™ A/T
Classic 1960 custom Jeep CJ-5 rides on 35-inch tires and is powered by a 4.3L Chevy V6. But that is just the beginning of this special build.
For a lot of folks, when you say the word Jeep, they immediately think of the CJ-5. Everyone loves the CJ-5 generation. Another thing that everyone loves is custom Jeep builds. Well, this 1960 custom Jeep CJ-5 combines both favorites into one spectacular package. We will get into the build details in a bit. But as is often the case with a Jeep the story goes beyond just hubs and gears. The story is a little more personal. On a personal level, this little CJ-5 has been in the same family since 1962. Four generations of the same family have been in this Jeep. The youngest generation is learning how to drive stick in this Jeep. This Jeep is as much a family heirloom as it is a vehicle.
This week’s “Throwback Thursday” Presented by Nitto is all about this custom Jeep CJ-5. It was purchased back in 1962. An old flat fender Jeep was traded in to get it. Over the years the Jeep had several engine swaps and rebuilds. But in its current state, it is one of our favorite CJ-5 builds. And we think you will agree. A walkaround video was recently uploaded to the WFO Concepts YouTube channel. In this video you will learn all about this Jeep and the special connection it has to the owner.
A Peek Under the Hood
Not only is the original engine gone, but the engines that replaced the original are also gone. As it sits now a 4.3L TBI Chevy V6 lays under the hood. It looks neat and tidy under there, but there is more than just a Chevy engine lurking about. There is a York air compressor bolted onto the 4.3. The ARB front and rear lockers that are also installed run directly off of this compressor. Another interesting touch under the hood is the radio antenna. It is mounted to the firewall just above the battery and supposedly the radio still sounds great.
Suspension and Other Mods
This custom Jeep CJ-5 is riding on 2.5-inch BDS springs. That helps make room for the 35-inch tires on 15-inch wheels that the Jeep rolls on. Other modifications include an extended frame. This allows the steering box to be pushed into the extended frame to improve the steering geometry. Who said you would never use geometry again after high school? Other hardware upgrades include a Dana 18 transfer case with Tera Low 3.125 ratio gears, model 30 front axle. Upfront there is a full floating 30 spline Dana 44 rear axle with 4.56 gears. Also, upfront there is a Warn 8274 winch. On the side and rear of the Jeep is some quarter inch diamond plate for extra protection. Continuing with the protection theme there is a full roll cage, and the fuel tank is covered in quarter inch steel.
Step Inside
A CJ-5 is a tight fit so a must-have upgrade is the tilt steering column for easier ingress and egress. This particular CJ-5 also had the body cut so the front seats could be moved back and down a bit to offer more space. Swing pedals and a laid-back dash also contribute to the feeling of a CJ-5 that is actually roomy. As if that was not spoiling you enough, this CJ-5 even has heated seats! The dash has a clean look with toggle switches that are carried over to the center console. Another cool touch is the rear tailgate has been eliminated. It is welded shut and allows for the spare tire to be mounted directly to the back without the need for a swinging tire rack.
See It for Yourself
The is a lovely custom Jeep CJ-5 build that you have to see to appreciate. Checkout the video below to see all the details. This is a Jeep that will likely stay with the family for at least four more generations.
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