Cj5 with 5.3L rear driveshaft?

[Dexter904]

Hello all,

I’m new to this and looking into my first CJ. Someone is selling a new build 1976 CJ5 frame with a SS Monte Carlo 5.3L in it. The Jeep has 33” BFG’s on it, a 3 speed manual, and eventually a 4” lift on it. 3.73 gears.

My question: what’s my best move for a rear driveshaft (front driveshaft is in) but not rear)? Hard to find a good fit? Easy? Get a custom one? What kind of costs might I be looking at. Thanks for the support.

 

[HackFabrication]

Short Answer: Tom Woods. Check out his website. I run front/rear TW driveshafts on my 76 CJ5.

Longish answer: Unless you plan on stuffing the 33's (heavy trails, rock crawling, etc.), I'd run a smaller lift. 2.5-3 inches looks and rides good on a CJ5, IMHO. With any lift, I'd be looking at running a double Carden rear drive shaft, as there isn't a lot of length available in a CJ5 to ease the operating angles. And a 4" lift is going to increase the operating angles.

BTW: Welcome!

 

[Dexter904]

Thanks for the prompt response Hack, I might be looking at this build tomorrow. That eases some of my concern. I'm glad you feel that way too because it actually comes with an uninstalled 2" lift that I was considering using.

Also, just through google searching I found Tom Wood's and was leaning that way! So in this case I imagine I would just have to send measurements to them and get a custom one? And it looks like the 2-joint top of the line shaft runs at about $300, which I could live with.

The build is at this link. What do you think about it? Apparently all new parts, with a SS Monte Carlo 5.3L with 60,000 miles. 3 Speed tranny, 33" BFG's, $800 clutch etc. Seems like a reasonable deal but like I said, I'm new to CJ's.

https://maine.craigslist.org/cto/d/76-jeep-cj5-chassy/6542529961.html

 

[Torxhead]

Good luck with your project. A driveshaft upgrade would be a good bet. With that engine and the transfer case low range would put quite a load on the drivetrain. With a 4" lift you will probably be going with a double cardian u-joint also.

 

[HackFabrication]

The build is at this link. What do you think about it? Apparently all new parts, with a SS Monte Carlo 5.3L with 60,000 miles. 3 Speed tranny, 33" BFG's, $800 clutch etc. Seems like a reasonable deal but like I said, I'm new to CJ's.

https://maine.craigslist.org/cto/d/76-jeep-cj5-chassy/6542529961.html

IMO, seems like a lot of money for an incomplete chassis. But I don't know what the local pricing is in your area for 'stuff' like this. Not to dissuade you, but I see a lot money to get that CJ on the road.

In my area, I would be thinking $1000 - $1500, depending on what sort of work has been done, and what boxes of stuff is going with it. And I won't even begin to comment about (what appears to be) a 3" body lift kit that is the pics...

 

[jp360cj]

Thanks for the prompt response Hack, I might be looking at this build tomorrow. That eases some of my concern. I'm glad you feel that way too because it actually comes with an uninstalled 2" lift that I was considering using.

Also, just through google searching I found Tom Wood's and was leaning that way! So in this case I imagine I would just have to send measurements to them and get a custom one? And it looks like the 2-joint top of the line shaft runs at about $300, which I could live with.

The build is at this link. What do you think about it? Apparently all new parts, with a SS Monte Carlo 5.3L with 60,000 miles. 3 Speed tranny, 33" BFG's, $800 clutch etc. Seems like a reasonable deal but like I said, I'm new to CJ's.

https://maine.craigslist.org/cto/d/76-jeep-cj5-chassy/6542529961.html

Did you end up getting it? If so, post some pictures! (the CL link is down).

Sounds like you are buying (or bought) a project with no rear driveshaft. I wouldn't do anything about a rear shaft until it's mostly complete, at least at final ride height. You'll need to determine if you need a double cardan shaft or not. And that's going to depend on which transmission, transfer case, and lift height you use.