data on Kaiser

[Cowboy]

I'm thinking about selling my 73 J4000 and buying a 65? Kaiser. Anybody have info on these sweet looking things. It would need a new transmission or clutch. How hard is it to find parts?

[J20 project]

It depends on which engine it has, The 230 tornado six or 327 v8 are getting pretty tough to find parts for but hey it's a jeep, swap something over into it. The four speeds were typically t98's which shouldn't be tough to get stuff for, clutches no problem, not sure about the three speeds, t90 I think. Axles will be D44's or a D53 rear. D53's are not really a dime a dozen. I have the best suggestion tho, buy it and keep your J4000. I've got three. J20,3000, and 4000. J20 project

[joe]

As mentioned above either motor in a 65 whether it's the 230 OHC or 327 V8 will be hard to get parts for but some parts are avail at a price.
If it's a truck you're buying it'll be a D44 front or D27 if it's a Wag. If it's a truck w/D53 rear there are no new parts for those axles. Trans/x-case parts are still around as new though.

[Cowboy]

thanks for the info guys and yeah it is a pickup it has a snow plow on it. Was that an option on those pickups?

[LRRH]

yes...i belive that kaiser offered factory plows until 1970. i have sales literature at home about the 1970 snow plow models.

[LRRH]

PS---why would you sell the 73 J4000????

The ONLY thing better than 1 jeep is 2 :D :D

[Cowboy]

I'm a poor college student. I already have to many vechicles. Have to sell it to get money to buy the kaiser.

[chrislm]

if i was you, i'd keep the j4k and find a rhino chaser for it. the parts availability, not to mention the scarcity of knowledge in those years absolutely stinks. trust me.

[Mike D]

the parts for either motor are easyer to get than you think...i found a source for parts.....every thing i need for my 230 Tornado......NEW.

[Mike D]

Ever try this site????

http://www.kaiserwillys.com/

Its where iv goten most of my parts from...besides the local CarQuest.

[Daniel Fischer]

Cowboy, I have a 64 Kaiser and I love it.
Here, in Argentina, you have a lot of parts for the 230 OHC.

[letank]

Daniel,
what is protex? like rhino liner.....
cool site

As parts for the 327 or 258 ... it is a hassle to deal with..... Be ready to check the electrical as well

Michel
74 wag

[Green Giant]

Cowboy.....when you say Kaiser, are you talking about a J-2000/3000 or a M-715? They look alot alike but don't share much but some sheetmetal.

[Cowboy]

i was unable to possitivly identify it but by looking at other pics on the internet i figured it to be around a 65 M-715. On the inside of the door frame it said it was a 1-1/4 ton. I don't know if that helps identify it or not. The battery was also inside the cab.

[Daniel Fischer]

Thanks Michel.
Yes, Protex is like Rhino Liner. Protex is an asphalt paint.

[joe]

Originally posted by Cowboy:
i figured it to be around a 65 M-715. It's prolly a moot point but the M715's were only built from 67-69 and there weren't any differences in the years. I don't know if the mil rigs had any build date codes on them or not. The Kaiser era civilian trucks didn't nor did the 230 motor.

[FSJeeper]

The M715 has a flat fold down windshield, canvas top, military bed, and front fenders with 40" round wheel openings. The only FSJ ever made with the batteries in the cab is the M715 and that coupled with the data tag saying 1.25 tons, I would say it is a safe bet it is an M715.

One thing for sure, the M715 is the best looking 4x4 ever made and its attraction has lured many a buyer into the trap.

In short, the M715 in pure stock military trim to be used on highways as well as off road has very little to offer other than you will get more thumbs up from other drivers than if you were driving a Ferrari.

For the guys who have built a serious M715, virtually all of them end up keeping just the frame and body and change or upgrade everything else. Definitely not a weekend project.

The M715 requires a very serious committement in time and money to make it road worthy and trail worthy by modern standards. The OHC 6 just does not have the guts for the M715 and has a terrible maintenance reputation according to US Govt. motor pool statistics.

If you are needing something quick for a daily driver and you are on a budget, I would seriously consider passing on it and keep your civy J truck instead.

[Cowboy]

if i were to buy it i would change the motor and tranny. It was a military jeep, canvas top, the whole nine yards. I would probably make it a summer project after work. As for a daily driver i have other vechicles to take the jeep's place.