1956 CJ5 Build

[Ia2003]

I've had the old CJ5 for about a year. I've been driving it but multiple problems have added up and I've decided to do a total restoration. It has the original "Hurricane 4" engine with 3 speed T-90. The body has a bunch of bondo and will surely need a lot of work. This weekend I took the body off the frame and dropped it off at my friends body shop. In the coming weeks I'll be pulling everything off the frame to prep for sandblasting and paint. I had a lot of trouble getting the steering wheel off so removed the steering box with shaft altogether. In the process the teeth on the steering wheel end of the shaft were damaged. Any ideas on how to salvage the shaft and still get the wheel off?

 

[ramiromtz]

Awesome project please keep us updated!

Sent from my iPhone using Jeepz

 

[54cj3b]

Nice keep photos of build coming

 

[Ia2003]

I made further progress yesterday on the disassembly. I removed the following items.
Both drive shafts
Brake master cylinder
Brake lines
Shocks
Wheels
Clutch
Exhaust manifold
Steering components

I unbolted the transfer case and transmission from the engine but am unable to pull them apart. There is nothing bolting them to each other or to the frame. Any ideas why they won't come apart?

 

[54cj3b]

http://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp303/40cherokee/20-3-2.jpg

 

[jps4jeep]

wish I could find jeeps that old, that nice around here in the rust belt.

Good luck

 

[Ia2003]

"54 CJ3B", I attempted to remove that bolt holding the transfer case to the transmission but it rotates freely. Also, any ideas on how to remove the transmission from the bell housing of the engine? The original service manual tells me to "push the transmission to the right to dislodge the gears" once all the bolts are removed. So far no luck

 

[54cj3b]

put trans in gear and lock in transfer case to keep shaft from spinning

make sure you remove the cotter pin in shaft almost forgot about that



that nut is a ball buster I know I fiddled with mine a week till I broke down and bought a electric impact gun harbor freight sells a cheap one for like $30.

you said trans and transfer case are out right bring it to a local shop see if they'll bust it loose for you just slip the guy a few bucks
out here in Colorado that's our common practice shops doing such favors in long run brings you and your business back it s a win win

 

[Ia2003]

So today I removed the engine, axles, suspension and am now down to the bare frame. I'm having extreme difficulty removing the transmission from the engine. I've followed the steps in the service manual but it is still hung up on something. Then transmission rotates freely at the bell housing. I'm thinking the bell housing may stay in place and the transmission comes off from the bell housing. Either way, there is a large nut holding the shaft in place. It will not budge, even with an impact wrench. :-(

 

[Ia2003]

54CJ3B, is the nut in the diagram you provided required to remove to get the transmission clear of the engine?

 

[54cj3b]

wish I could find jeeps that old, that nice around here in the rust belt.

Good luck

there's one down the road from me for sale
nice clean Ill get some picts tomorrow
Only thing its here in Colorado

 

[54cj3b]

54CJ3B, is the nut in the diagram you provided required to remove to get the transmission clear of the engine?

No you can remove trans and transfer case as one unit
that nut is to remove the gear and should slid apart the case from the trans
let me see if I can find a better illustration

 

[Ia2003]

Ok so if they can come off as one unit I have no idea why they will not pull free of the engine. Every nut and bolt has been removed. Very frustrating

 

[54cj3b]

Ok so if they can come off as one unit I have no idea why they will not pull free of the engine. Every nut and bolt has been removed. Very frustrating

When I separated mine it was no walk in the park
I used 4 pry bars to separate , don't forget the hidden bolt under where the starter lip that covers the bolt that's probably whats holding you back



as separating trans and transfer case here is a better illustration

 

[Ia2003]

Thanks for the diagram! I will make another attempt tomorrow.

 

[Ia2003]

"54CJ3B" , thanks for all your help! The below pictures show my success today. The transmission slipped right off the engine with the help of a crow bar. I didn't even need to remove the transfer case from the transmission. While separating the transmission from the transfer case, all the gears and small parts spilled out onto the garage floor. What nightmare! Sandblasting the frame is next.

 

[54cj3b]

well your making fast progress just be sure to take notes as to where everything goes
makes reassembly go smoother and faster

meant to ask are you rebuilding the f head or putting in a bigger eng

 

[Ia2003]

I have been taking pictures every step of the way and putting all parts in labeled zip lock bags so I remember where they go. I also have the original parts catalog and service manual. They have pretty good diagrams and instructions so hopefully that will facilitate the reassembly. In regards to the engine, I plan on rebuilding the F head. It would be a crime to not keep such an old jeep original. I will be doing my best to keep everything original looking.

 

[54cj3b]

I was going all stock then 1/2 way thru I changed coarse
went with chevy 4.3 tbi V6 mated to a sm465 trans mated to a dana 18 transfer case with dana 20 main gear in transfer case
5:38 in front and rear
33 inch tires going 34 inch

if you need help on rebuild on f head I have a bunch diagrams

heres my build

http://www.jeepz.com/forum/jeep-builds/30915-54-cj3b-4-3-sm465-build.html

keep up the good progress and it will be done in no time

 

[Ia2003]

I love the 3B. You did a great job on it! What kind of paint did you use on the frame? I made a little progress yesterday but am officially complete with the disassembly process. I removed the front and rear bumpers that were in terrible shape. Willys used rivets back in the 50's to attached these bumpers. What a pain in the ass to remove. I used an angle grinder to grind off the top of the rivet then had to hammer them out. Each rivet took 10-15 minutes each. I am now ready for sandblasting of the frame.