Model Years Covered:
1955, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975
Vehicle Class:
Compact Utility Vehicle / Off-Road Vehicle
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, collectors, owners performing their own maintenance and repairs, restorers.
Historical Competitors:
Willys CJ series, Land Rover Series I/II, early Toyota Land Cruiser models.
Vehicle Design Philosophy:
Rugged, utilitarian, go-anywhere capability, simple and robust construction.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides essential, factory-authorized information for maintaining and repairing the iconic Jeep CJ-6.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, cooling system, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, transmission (manual & automatic), transfer case, driveline, axles, differentials.
Chassis:
Steering system, suspension system (front & rear), brake system (hydraulic, parking), wheels and tires.
Electrical:
Charging system, starting system, lighting system, instruments and gauges, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, accessories.
Body:
Body construction, interior trim, exterior trim, doors, windows, seats, convertible top, chassis components.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, lubrication, fluid changes, filter replacement, inspections.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, symptom-based troubleshooting, fault code interpretation (where applicable).
Repair And Rebuild:
Component disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly for all major vehicle systems.
Adjustments:
Carburetor adjustments, ignition timing, brake adjustments, clutch adjustments, steering linkage adjustments.
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Detailed diagnostic charts, specifications for testing components, troubleshooting flowcharts.
Rebuild Instructions:
Complete step-by-step instructions for engine, transmission, and axle rebuilds, including torque specifications and clearances.
Technical Specifications:
All necessary specifications, tolerances, clearances, fluid types, capacities, and torque values for repairs and adjustments.
Engine Type Early:
Inline-4 Cylinder, OHV, L-Head ('Hurricane' F-Head engine variations also common)
Engine Type Later:
Inline-6 Cylinder, OHV ('Dauntless' V6 introduced later in CJ series, but early CJ-6 models primarily used Jeep's own 4-cyl and 6-cyl variants).
Displacement Early 4Cyl:
Approx. 134 cubic inches (2.2 Liters)
Displacement Later 6Cyl:
Approx. 230 cubic inches (3.8 Liters) for Super Hurricane / Hurricane F-Head variants
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 75-130 HP depending on engine variant and year.
Torque Range:
Approximately 114-200 lb-ft depending on engine variant and year.
Carburetor Type:
Single-barrel carburetor (e.g., Carter, Rochester) common on 4-cyl engines; 2-barrel on some 6-cyl variants.
Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded Gasoline
Transmission Type Standard:
3-speed manual transmission
Transmission Type Optional:
4-speed manual transmission (later models/options)
Transfer Case:
2-speed Spicer 18 or Dana 18 transfer case with selectable 4WD.
Clutch:
Dry single-plate clutch (manual transmission)
Wheelbase:
104 inches (2641.6 mm)
Overall Length:
Approx. 160-170 inches (4064-4318 mm) depending on body style and bumper variations.
Overall Width:
Approx. 69 inches (1752.6 mm)
Overall Height:
Approx. 60-70 inches (1524-1778 mm) depending on top and tire size.
Curb Weight:
Approximately 2,800 - 3,300 lbs (1270 - 1497 kg)
Payload Capacity:
Typically around 1,000 lbs (454 kg)
Cargo Volume:
Significant open cargo area behind front seats, expandable with folding rear seat (if equipped).
Crash Test Data:
Limited formal crash testing by modern standards due to era of manufacture. Emphasis on robust frame and body construction.
Braking System:
Hydraulic drum brakes on all four wheels; manual parking brake.
Seat Belts:
Lap belts typically standard; shoulder belts optional or added later.
Body Construction:
Body-on-frame construction for durability and off-road resilience.
Infotainment System:
Basic AM radio (optional), analog gauges for speed, fuel, temperature, oil pressure.
Driver Assistance Features:
None by modern standards. Focus is on mechanical systems and driver control.
Connectivity Options:
None.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000 miles or 6 months, though the manual will specify for each engine variant.
Tune Up Interval:
Periodic checks of ignition components (spark plugs, points, condenser) and carburetor adjustment every 10,000-20,000 miles.
Engine Oil Type:
Viscosity typically 10W-30 or 10W-40, depending on climate and specific engine (manual will confirm exact spec).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Transmission Fluid Type:
Gear oil for manual transmissions (GL-4 rated, e.g., 80W-90); Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) for automatic gearboxes (if equipped).
Differential Fluid Type:
Gear oil (e.g., 80W-90 or 90W) for front and rear differentials.
Common Wear Items:
Brake components (drums, shoes, wheel cylinders), clutch wear, suspension bushings, leaf springs, exhaust system, carburetor tuning, ignition points/condenser, cooling system hoses.
Body Corrosion:
Rust is a common concern, particularly on floor pans, rocker panels, and around wheel wells. Manual provides body repair guidance.
Engine Carburetion:
Carburetors can require frequent adjustment and maintenance due to age and fuel variations. Manual details proper tuning.
Jeep Legacy:
Direct descendant of WWII Willys MB military Jeep, known for its off-road prowess and reliability.
Cj Lineage:
Part of the Civilian Jeep (CJ) line, evolving from the CJ-3, and a predecessor to the CJ-7 and later Wrangler.
Cj 6 Distinction:
The CJ-6 was a longer-wheelbase version of the CJ-5, offering increased cargo and passenger space.
Manufacturing Era:
Produced from 1955 through 1975, covering a significant span of Jeep's civilian market development.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured by Willys-Overland (later Kaiser-Jeep, then AMC).
Off Road Accolades:
Renowned for exceptional off-road capability, making it a favorite for enthusiasts and utility purposes. Its design principles have influenced off-road vehicles for decades.
Reliability Reputation:
Generally considered robust and reliable when properly maintained, a testament to its simple, durable design.
Manual Certification:
Official Factory Service Manual - implies adherence to manufacturer's service standards and procedures.
