1973 cj5 build (ground up)

[Bryce Mcmahon]

so here is what I have planned. I bought a frame for a 1973 cj5 a month ago and has the front a back axels as well, I have sand blasted and painted the frame. Now here is where I need the help. I'm want to make this jeep a daily driver, capable of moderate 4 wheeling nothing crazy just a summer thing. So Id like to hear some ideas for engine, transmission, and transfer case. I want to buy newish and just be able to drop it in and as painless as possible any ideas?

 

[TerryMason]

Take lots of photos of your build, and post them here!

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

You want your drivetrain as short as possible, so compare the lengths of several options. The shorter the drivetrain, the longer the rear driveshaft for improved ujoint angles with a moderate lift. I believe the Ford v8 might have some short options.

 

[superj]

the 302 is very short. i did that in my yj with a c6 and it was shorter then the 4.2/auto that came in the jeep. since your jeep came with a stick, you can use and adapter or use a ford standard trans and it wil lbe short enough.

and it will be badass because of how short the jeep is. we had a 76 cj5 with a 4.2 and 3 speed trans and it was a blast because it could crawl up and down anything since it was so short and skinny.

 

[69jeepcj]

My opinion if you want drop in and simple, is to stay with a jeep factory set up. engine, trans, and tcase. 6cyl or 8cyl up to you, 3 or 4spd trans up to you, but my vote is a v8 with 4spd. being you have 73 axles your gearing may be 4.27 stock, I believe 3.73 was optional, so you have decent gearing to start with. You should also have a dana 44 flanged rear axle and open knuckle dana 30 drum brake front axle. Rear axle is very very desirable.