🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

CJ-5

Generation Designation:

CJ-5 (Willys CJ-5 / Jeep CJ-5)

Generation Years:

1954-1983

Chassis Code:

CJ-5 (pre-1971 often referred to by engine or chassis type, post-1971 generally CJ-5)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact, light utility vehicle (LUV) / SUV precursor. Iconic off-road vehicle.

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts, owners, mechanics, restorers of Jeep CJ-5 vehicles.

Competitors Era:

Land Rover Series, International Harvester Scout, Ford Bronco (later years).

Vehicle Philosophy:

Rugged, utilitarian, go-anywhere capability, simple mechanicals.

Manual Value:

Indispensable resource for maintaining and repairing a classic vehicle with a long production run and significant mechanical variations.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Years:

1954, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983

Estimated Page Count:

Varies by specific edition; typically 700-1500+ pages for comprehensive workshop manuals covering this long span.

Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine overhaul, tuning, fuel system (carburetor and injection), cooling system, lubrication system, ignition system, exhaust system.

Transmission Drivetrain:

Manual transmissions (T-90, T-86, T-98, T-14, T-15, T-18, T-98A, SR4, T-4, T-5), automatic transmissions (TorqueFlite A999, 727, 904), transfer cases (Dana 18, Dana 20, Dana 300), axles (Dana 25, Dana 27, Dana 30, Dana 44), driveshafts, CV joints.

Chassis Suspension Steering:

Front and rear suspension (leaf springs, shocks), steering system (steering gearbox, tie rods, drag links), wheel alignment specifications.

Braking System:

Front and rear drum brakes, front disc brake conversions, hydraulic system, parking brake.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, battery, starter, alternator/generator, lighting, ignition switch, instrument cluster, fuses, relays.

Body Chassis:

Body panel removal and installation, frame repair, interior trim, seats, doors, windshield, convertible top mechanisms, bumpers.

Maintenance Procedures:

Routine maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, lubrication), tune-ups, fluid level checks, belt adjustments.

Repair Overhaul Procedures:

Complete engine rebuilds, transmission overhaul, differential rebuilds, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair.

Troubleshooting Diagnostics:

Diagnostic charts for common problems, electrical system troubleshooting, engine performance issues, brake system malfunctions.

Special Tools Jigs:

Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repair procedures.

Depth:

Comprehensive. Covers everything from basic fluid checks and filter changes to complete engine, transmission, and axle overhauls. Includes detailed diagnostic procedures and specifications for all major systems.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Quality:

High-resolution digital scans of original factory manuals, ensuring clarity of text and diagrams. Searchable text capabilities may be present.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Type:

Willys Hurricane I-Head (F-Head) Inline-4

Engine 1 Displacement:

2.2 L (134 cu in)

Engine 1 Horsepower:

Approx. 75 hp @ 3,600 rpm

Engine 1 Torque:

Approx. 114 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm

Engine 2 Type:

Willys Tornado Inline-6 (OHC)

Engine 2 Displacement:

3.7 L (226 cu in)

Engine 2 Horsepower:

Approx. 140 hp @ 4,000 rpm

Engine 2 Torque:

Approx. 200 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm

Engine 3 Type:

V8 - AMC 304, 360, 401

Engine 3 Displacement:

5.0 L (304 cu in) to 6.6 L (401 cu in)

Engine 3 Horsepower:

Approx. 170 hp to 210 hp

Engine 3 Torque:

Approx. 250 lb-ft to 320 lb-ft

Engine 4 Type:

Inline-4, Inline-6, V8 - Kaiser/Jeep Dauntless V6

Engine 4 Displacement:

3.7 L (225 cu in)

Engine 4 Horsepower:

Approx. 130-155 hp @ 4,000 rpm

Engine 4 Torque:

Approx. 205-230 lb-ft @ 2,400 rpm

Fuel Type:

Gasoline (Leaded and Unleaded depending on year and engine)

Carburetor Types:

Carter, Rochester, Motorcraft (single and two barrel carburetors common)

Fuel Injection Systems:

Rare, primarily aftermarket or very late model specific (less common for CJ-5).

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission Early:

3-speed manual (e.g., T-90, T-86)

Standard Transmission Mid Late:

4-speed manual (e.g., T-14, T-15, SR4, T-4, T-5)

Optional Transmission Early:

4-speed manual (e.g., T-98, T-98A - overdrive)

Optional Transmission Mid Late:

3-speed automatic (e.g., TorqueFlite A999, 727, 904)

Transfer Case:

2-speed transfer case (Dana 18, Dana 20, Dana 300 typical) providing 4WD low range.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Early:

80 inches (1955-1971)

Wheelbase Later:

84 inches (1972-1983)

Length:

Varies by year and configuration, approx. 150-160 inches

Width:

Varies by year and configuration, approx. 65-70 inches

Height:

Varies by year and configuration, approx. 60-70 inches (top up)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 2,500 - 3,200 lbs

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 4,200 - 4,500 lbs

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Ratings:

No standardized crash test ratings comparable to modern vehicles for early models. Later models received minimal safety features.

Braking System:

Drum brakes all around initially, with optional front disc brakes becoming more common from the 1970s onwards.

Steering:

Manual steering standard. Power steering optional on later models.

Seatbelts:

Lap belts standard in early models; shoulder belts introduced later and became more common.

Rollover Protection:

Minimal factory rollover protection. Many aftermarket roll cages were available and recommended.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Basic AM radio standard. Aftermarket stereo systems common.

Advanced Features:

Minimal to none. Focus is on mechanical simplicity and off-road capability.

Integration:

N/A (pre-digital era vehicle).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000 miles or 3 months, but check manual for specific engine.

Tune Up Interval:

Every 12,000 - 24,000 miles, depending on engine and component wear.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 24,000 - 36,000 miles, or as recommended for specific transmission type.

Engine Oil Type:

API SG or earlier, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 common (check manual for specific engine requirements, including leaded vs. unleaded fuel considerations).

Transmission Fluid Type:

Manual: GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil (e.g., 80W-90). Automatic: DEXRON®-III or equivalent.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Consult manual for specific type.

Common Problems Engine:

Oil leaks, carburetor issues, cooling system overheating, valve seat wear (especially on unleaded fuel conversions without hardened seats).

Common Problems Drivetrain:

U-joint wear, transfer case chain stretch, clutch wear, transmission synchro issues (manuals).

Common Problems Chassis:

Frame rust and corrosion, leaf spring fatigue, shock absorber wear, steering looseness.

Common Problems Electrical:

Wiring harness deterioration, corrosion in connectors, generator/alternator failure, voltage regulator issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Jeep Legacy:

Built on the legendary WWII Willys MB Jeep platform, inheriting its off-road prowess and ruggedness.

Willys To Jeep:

Introduced by Willys-Overland in 1954 as a successor to the CJ-3B, evolving through ownership changes to Kaiser Jeep, American Motors Corporation (AMC), and Chrysler.

Design Changes:

Significant changes included the introduction of the CJ-5 with a more rounded, civilian-oriented body style, wheelbase stretch in 1971, updated engines (including V8s andOHC-6), and improved braking systems.

Production Period:

1954-1983

Manufacturing Locations:

United States (primarily Toledo, Ohio).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Off Road Acclaim:

Consistently recognized as an iconic and capable off-road vehicle, a staple in off-roading communities for decades.

Cultural Impact:

Appears in numerous films and television shows, cementing its status as a cultural icon of adventure and utility.