Hey folks! So my son and I acquired a CJ5 in pretty good, but raw condition, from my dad and are starting our rebuild on it. My son (14) is really starting to get into cars is "leading" this project (though let's be honest, he's 14 and struggles with motivation sometimes) and once we are done with the rebuild the CJ5 will be his if he puts time, effort, and money into it.
![Wheel Tire Car Vehicle Motor vehicle]()
Anyway, we are both pretty new to working on cars, I have a '05 TJ that I've fiddled with and done a few mechanical projects, but still feel overwhelmed with this CJ5 project. We are going to take our time on this build both to do the research and to spread the cost out over time, so it may take us a few years. Nevertheless, thought it would be fun to document our project on here, hope some of you can give tips and recommendations on how to approach this right and things to do, and I'll likely be posting a lot on the forum asking questions.
![Wheel Tire Car Vehicle Motor vehicle]()
So the Jeep's chassis and body are in great condition, the body has no rust and is just primer right now, there is no engine, the transmission is there, but I think it's been rained in and water logged, so I plan on doing a complete rebuild of it (especially because we will learn a ton). So my plan is to remove the body completely and build it on the frame. My high level project plan is to work on it in phases, this is what i'm thinking (taken from a recommendation I saw on another thread):
1. Setup: remove body, put on jackstands, etc.
2. Inspect Frame and Chassis and replace/fix elements.
3. Rear Axle, Brakes, and Suspension
4. Front Axle, Brakes and Suspension
5. Brake lines and Chassis Electrical
6. Transfer Case, Transmission, and Cross Member
7. Engine, Clutch and Mounts
8. Body and Wiring
9. Interior
So is this overall a good approach or should I switch things around? (Of course I need to get more detailed in my plan, but this gives me some structure at least).
Anyway, I'm gonna use this thread mostly to update anyone who wants to follow along with pics of our progress.
![Automotive parking light Car Land vehicle Vehicle Motor vehicle]()
![Wheel Tire Vehicle Car Automotive tire]()
Anyway, we are both pretty new to working on cars, I have a '05 TJ that I've fiddled with and done a few mechanical projects, but still feel overwhelmed with this CJ5 project. We are going to take our time on this build both to do the research and to spread the cost out over time, so it may take us a few years. Nevertheless, thought it would be fun to document our project on here, hope some of you can give tips and recommendations on how to approach this right and things to do, and I'll likely be posting a lot on the forum asking questions.
So the Jeep's chassis and body are in great condition, the body has no rust and is just primer right now, there is no engine, the transmission is there, but I think it's been rained in and water logged, so I plan on doing a complete rebuild of it (especially because we will learn a ton). So my plan is to remove the body completely and build it on the frame. My high level project plan is to work on it in phases, this is what i'm thinking (taken from a recommendation I saw on another thread):
1. Setup: remove body, put on jackstands, etc.
2. Inspect Frame and Chassis and replace/fix elements.
3. Rear Axle, Brakes, and Suspension
4. Front Axle, Brakes and Suspension
5. Brake lines and Chassis Electrical
6. Transfer Case, Transmission, and Cross Member
7. Engine, Clutch and Mounts
8. Body and Wiring
9. Interior
So is this overall a good approach or should I switch things around? (Of course I need to get more detailed in my plan, but this gives me some structure at least).
Anyway, I'm gonna use this thread mostly to update anyone who wants to follow along with pics of our progress.
