1980 Jeep CJ5 Turbo Diesel cj7, cj 5, cj 7

Up for auction is my 1980 Jeep CJ5. I spent over a year doing a total frame off restoration which I completed in May 2014. I started with a rust free frame which I stripped and Urethane rust shield painted. Next were the axles which again were stripped, isassembled, nd rebuilt. They were fitted with 3.54 gears and the rear was upgraded with 1 piece axles and an OX brand selectable locker for the best on and off road performance. The body and fenders are fiberglass so no more rust!!!! The jeep is fitted with 32x11.5x15 mud tires mounted on classic 15x8 hurricane wheels. I increased the ground clearance with a 2” suspension and 1” body lift. I also gave her a tummy tuck with a nearly flat skid plate made from ¼ steel. I clocked the D300 to eliminate that sore thumb sticking down too. Finally topping the jeep off is a new Bestop Supertop that fits perfectly.

Now for the good stuff. This jeep has been fitted with a Mercedes 3 liter Turbo diesel from a 1984 300D backed by a rebuilt t176 4 speed transmission and Dana 300 transfer case. The adapter plate allows you to use the stock jeep flywheel/clutch and pressure plate. These motors are noted for being ridiculously long lasting. When you put one of these in you need to do oil pan modifications so while I had it apart I decided to go ahead and replace the main and connecting rod bearings (replaced but didn’t need) as well as the oil and timing chain tensioners. I also replaced all the injectors with Monarch injectors and installed new glow plugs. The oil pan is a custom tig welded unit that has been modified to be a rear sump instead of the stock front sump Mercedes to better clear the front axle without a massive lift. It took an incredible amount of time and engineering to do but the result is a rear sump engine that won’t starve itself of oil on those steep climbs. This baby is ready for another 300K plus. The throttle is very responsive and it runs great. It performs beautifully in the woods and gets 25 MPG all day long. It’s comfortable cruising around town or doing 65+ on the highway. It tracks straight and true with no unsettling characteristics. It’s truly a pleasure to drive.

I have used this vehicle as a sunny day daily driver for the past 1 ½ years without incident and it is garage kept. I have clocked about 7,500 miles in that time. I have also gone wheeling 3 or 4 times at several 4WD parks. I only ran green and blue trails. The OX locker and short wheelbase are a perfect combination in the woods. I only needed the included 9,500LB winch to help my son and friends clear some obstacles. The diesel has more than enough power to idle over most obstacles. I never wanted a “mall crawler”. I believe that jeeps should be used as they were originally intended—going places that most vehicles can’t. Don’t get me wrong, never abused my jeep. I simply used it to occasionally enjoy the woods. As you can see from the pictures it still looks as good as the day I finished it.

Everything on this jeep works as it should. All gauges, ights, nd indicators function perfectly. Motor, ranny, nd Transfer case are all in excellent working condition. I have restored several vehicles including a 1969 Boss 429, nd believe it or not, get just as much interest if not more with this little jeep. Everyone hears that distinct diesel “rattle” and are drawn to it like a magnet! The motor swap is very clean and many people say it looks “factory”. I smile, ay thanks, nd tell myself that I must have done this one right.

You might be asking—Why sell it? Well, enjoy building jeeps as much if not more than driving them. Immediately after finishing this jeep, sort of fell into my next project, 1980 CJ7 golden eagle that I put a Cummins 4BT into. It now is finished so I don’t need them both. Part of me is torn between the two because the CJ5 doesn’t shake your teeth out while it’s idling but I can’t give up my coveted 4BT. Below is the list of features of my CJ5.

Mercedes Turbo Diesel

T176 4 speed Transmission

Clocked Dana 300

Rear OX selectable locker

1 piece rear axles

¼” steel Custom Skid Plate to maximize clearance and protection

Custom rear bumper w/tire carrier and receiver (tow mounts are pass through welded)

High approach front bumper with 9,500LB winch and weld through tow mounts

Custom rock sliders to protect fiberglass body

Rear seat is easily removable with wing bolts

I highly recommend that everyone who is interested in bidding please come check it out and even go for a test ride. I’m available anytime for questions or to show the jeep.A $500 non refundable deposit is required within 24 Hours. Balance due in cash/money order/cashiers check at time of title transfer. Any shipping is the responsibility of purchaser, ut I will assist in any way I can. Good luck!!!