Don't Cut It!
Q: I recently purchased a '65 Jeep CJ-5A Tuxedo Park Mark IV edition. I want to do some mods such as a different clutch/brake assembly, a mild lift kit, etc. Who makes hydraulic, swinging-type units, and what can I do to upgrade my steering? My buddies say not to touch it because it's a rare model. How's about your take?
Bill Reed
via e-mail
A: Bill, while I'm fond of making improvements to not-so-rare, older vehicles to make them better drivers and more comfortable for my needs, altering some vehicles from stock sometimes just seems wrong. And at least for me, your Tuxedo Park Mark IV would fall into that category. If the rig was in pieces and you were starting on a rebuild, I might have a different opinion, but as it is, you might want to save the classic for a restoration and buy a cheap, not-so-rare CJ-5 to meet your trail needs. That said, you paid for the rig - it's yours. So feel free to do what you want. Just be prepared to take heat from the purists you may run across in the process. Mind you, less than 2,000 of these vehicles were produced in 1965. If by chance it's a CJ-6A rather than the 5A, just 115 were produced. Should you still elect to modify it, hydraulic clutch conversion components as well as mechanical upgrade components are available from such companies as Advance Adapters and Novak Conversions. Lift kits for early Jeep vehicles are available from Superlift and others. For more information about Tuxedo Park Jeeps, check out www.earlycj5.com.
RocZuk Engine
Q: I just read the article on the RocZuk and I was wondering what engine was being run in it? Is it the stock 1.3L or a Toyota engine?
Cody
via e-mail
A: Cody, the engine in the RocZuk Samurai is the stock Suzuki 1.3L four-cylinder. You'll see more of the RocZuk in an upcoming issue as we install a propane conversion on the 1.3L engine. Thanks for reading.
Blazer Rollcage
Q: I was checking out your website and saw a tech article on a Smittybilt rollcage that had been put in a K5 Blazer. I have a fullsize Blazer that I love to take on local trails and power-line roads. I would really like to put the rollcage in my truck but have been unable to find it available anywhere. Where can I find this? I can't afford to have someone bend one up, but I want the safety of a rollcage - plus, it looks wicked cool. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
Peter
via e-mail
A: Peter, rollcages do look wicked cool, and they can also save your noodle from some pretty gnarly carnage. From what I could find, however, Smittybilt no longer manufactures weld-in rollcage kits for any vehicles. But I did come across a couple of different Blazer rollcage kits from S&W Race Cars [(800)523-3353, www.swracecars.com)]. The kits are offered in eight-point and ten-point configurations, and an eight-point conversion kit is also available. All of the kits require welding for installation. You'll still have to shell out some bucks for installation, but it will certainly take less labor hours than creating a one-off rollcage for your Blazer.
Ford Ranger Lifts
Q: First off, I just want to say that you have a sweet magazine. I have an '86 Ford Ranger and it runs pretty good. I've been trying to find a lift kit for it that does not use lift blocks. I'd also like to know if there are any companies out there that offer off-road bumpers that will support a winch for my Ranger. Do you have any idea where I could get a lift kit or off-road bumper for it? Thanks very much for the help.
Jack
via e-mail