With the tub gone, we yanked the entire 225/T-14a/Spicer 18 combo. Since we were fairly sure the CJ-5 was a runner when it was killed and we weren't sure about the CJ-6, we opted to install the complete drivetrain from the '5 into the '6.
Why "The $13 Jeep"?
Here are our expenditures to date with all our Jeep wheelings and dealings.
Slightly used CJ-5: Free
Sold engine from other Jeep project: $800 (+$800)
Bought CJ-6: $800 ($0)
Registration fees: $93 (-$93)
Sold Spicer 18 T-case: $80 (-$13)
Sold T-14a tranny: $40 (+$27)
Sold Dana 44/4.88 gears from Dana 27: $250 (+$277)
Sold Jeep body/axle/etc. to scrap yard: $12.45 (+$289.45)
Meyers doors and top pieces (didn't sell as of press time): $200
With Jeeps coming out of the woodwork, we dropped the tranny and T-case out of the CJ-6 so we could easily swing in the 225. We were able to keep the shifter on the T-14a by jacking up the CJ-6 a bit on the side and sliding it out.
We contemplated sanding and painting the engine compartment, but then came to our senses. The Ross cam-and-lever steering is in scary condition, with lots of play at the pitman arm. We'll definitely upgrade it later, but for now we'll keep the street driving to a minimum.
The easiest engine swap in the world took all of 15 minutes, including the removal of the grille. As one would expect, the Buick V-6 bolted right to the factory engine brackets. We later removed the fenders and installed the old fenderwell headers that only required cutting out some firewall metal on the driver side.
Naturally, the driveshafts bolted right up, as did the crossmember. The CJ-5's Spicer 18 still had the drum brake on the back, complete with a later-model e-brake lever. The amazing part is how well it still works.
Here's a sneak peek of Part II. We've already removed the hardtop and put it up for sale. We traded the windshield frame to 4-Wheel & Off-Road's Rick Pw for the shiny under-seat gas tank. Dig the factory dash plaques and stickers. This thing has never been repainted. We're still debating if we want to keep the original mint-bluish-green hue. We'll let you know.