1957 cj5

Greetings all! Although this is my 3rd Jeep to own, it is my first Willys and I love it. It is Presidential Red and runs great with the original motor and transmission. The body shows it's age, but no major dents or dings. I am about to replace the shocks and springs since it still has the originals of both (they're a bit tired you might say). The PO added a new Bestop softtop and seats, and put in a smaller steering wheel. But all in all, she's a beauty.

Since I've only owned "modern" Jeeps up to this point, I would love any advice on maintenance/upkeep. I plan on buying an owners manual and service manual, but I'd still love to hear from someone with more experience.

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Originally Posted by CJamieD

Greetings all! Although this is my 3rd Jeep to own, it is my first Willys and I love it. It is Presidential Red and runs great with the original motor and transmission. The body shows it's age, but no major dents or dings. I am about to replace the shocks and springs since it still has the originals of both (they're a bit tired you might say). The PO added a new Bestop softtop and seats, and put in a smaller steering wheel. But all in all, she's a beauty.

Since I've only owned "modern" Jeeps up to this point, I would love any advice on maintenance/upkeep. I plan on buying an owners manual and service manual, but I'd still love to hear from someone with more experience.

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Go buy a grease gun and get the 12" rubber extension. The steering gear itself will have 7 zerks, front and rear driveshaft will have 3 each. On the center floor section on passenger side will be a plate, loosen the bolts and grease the transfer levers. The U-joints when you hear them taking grease stop, it keeps the underneath a little cleaner from the shaft slinging grease.With the steering gear a little over grease is fine. Remember the grease worms work 24 hr's a day. With the age of the Jeep you should change the gear lube, it's cheap compared to a rebuild. Put new steering knuckle seals on and run 90 WT. gear lube in them. They probably have grease in them but I have found that both of them make a good lube for the front axle shaft. Had my first Willys back in 1969. On the vacuum wipers spray some WD-40 in them. They should work pretty good after a few times of that.

Awesome advice, and exactly what I'm looking for! Sounds like I might want to get some gloves and a pair of coveralls as well. But more than anything... sounds like fun. Thanks!

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Originally Posted by CJamieD

Awesome advice, and exactly what I'm looking for! Sounds like I might want to get some gloves and a pair of coveralls as well. But more than anything... sounds like fun. Thanks!

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I also would recommend a Pertronix ignition system. O'Reilys carries them. Been running one with the Flamethrower coil.Haven't touched the ignition system for over 10 years now. It was a good investment . You can set a wider plug gap. I set mine at 50 but I believe they say up to 60 ths. When you change the oil go with a WIX filter. That's what the Military uses. Again O'Reilys carries them also. Fram used to be good until they sold out to a foreign Co. Napa had a commercial on TV with a cut away of a Fram and their filter and what difference. Next choice is Napa.

More great information! Thanks dauntless. Keep it coming, this are exactly the type of things I need to know.

[QUOTE=CJamieD;1951]More great information! Thanks dauntless. Keep it coming, this are exactly the type of things I need to know. Remembered the type plug wires I used. From NAPA, life time guarantee.. , Beldon.

Remembered type plug wires ,from NAPA Beldon-- life time guarantee.