Jeep DJ

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Jeep DJ
Jeep-dj5.jpg
Overview
Manufacturer Willys Motors (1955-1962)
Kaiser Jeep (1963-1970)
American Motors (1970)
AM General (1971-1984)
Also called Mail Jeep
Production 1955-1984
Body and chassis
Class Truck
Body style 3-door commercial vehicle
Layout FR layout
Platform Jeep CJ
Related Jeep CJ
Powertrain
Engine Various
Transmission Various manual and automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 80 in (2,032 mm) - Most
Curb weight 3,400 lb (1,542 kg)
1965 Surrey Gala
1964 Surrey Gala

The Dispatcher Jeep, or DJ, was a two-wheel-drive variant of the CJ series. Production started in 1955 by Willys which was renamed Kaiser Jeep in 1963. In 1970, American Motors (AMC) purchased Kaiser’s money-losing Jeep operations establishing AM General, a wholly owned subsidiary, that built this model through 1983. It was also the final light duty automobile to have front drum brakes.

DJ-3A

The DJ-3A was introduced in 1955. It used the body style of the older CJ-3A, along with the L-134 engine. Unlike the CJ-3A, it came with either a column shift or floor shift three-speed Borg-Warner T-96 manual transmission. It was offered with many different body options including a soft top, hard top, or even a full van body. One model was a postal delivery vehicle with the driver's position on the right side for mail box delivery[1]

In early 1959, Willys introduced the Jeep Gala to the export markets and uses desiring the nimble size and open bodywork, but no need for four wheel-drive.[2] This model gained popularity as a "fun car" at resorts in Hawaii, Mexico, and islands in the Caribbean area. It was finished in pink, green, or blue and trimmed with matching white striped fabric, as well as with fringe on its top.[2]

In fall of 1959, a similar model called the Jeep Surrey was introduced in the US market. The primary target market were resort hotels and vacation centers.[3] It also served as a low-cost rental vehicle for their guests. The Surrey came with a standard striped fabric top, as well as a matching fabric cover for what was advertised as a "Continental tire mount."[4]

DJ-5 and DJ-6

The DJ-3A was replaced by the right hand drive DJ-5 Dispatcher 100 in 1965. It was based on the CJ-5 and used the Hurricane and Dauntless engines. A 20-inch (508 mm) longer wheelbase DJ-6 model was built from 1965 to 1973 alongside the CJ-6.

DJ-5A through DJ-5M

The DJ-5A was introduced in 1967, beginning the lettering system indicating changes within the series.

The DJ-5A (Kaiser Co.) used a standard CJ front end, with a four-cylinder Chevrolet Nova 153 cu in (2.5 L) engine and two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission. In 1971, this was changed to a unique five-slot grille without turn signals that was used only on postal Jeeps. The 1971 model actually has the grille extend past the front of the hood edge. This allowed more room for the AMC Straight-6 engine and radiator. While resembling the CJ series, these were built as a completely enclosed, rear-wheel drive vehicle, with sliding doors (which could be opened while driving), and a swinging rear door. Most models only had the driver's seat and a mail tray where the second seat would normally be located. One improvement over earlier Jeeps was mounting the rear springs outside of the frame rails, thus providing greater stability for the vehicle with its top-heavy enclosed cargo area, especially at highway speeds. Most models were also equipped with a limited slip differential and a heavy-duty steering gearbox.

AM General used a variety of powerplants during production. DJ production was ended in 1984 with the DJ-5M, which used the 150 cu in (2.5 L) AMC Straight-4 engine.

DJ-5E Electruck

American Motors experimented with electric vehicles and starting in 1974 mass-produced the DJ-5E, a rear-wheel drive electric delivery van, also known as the Electruck.[5]

Similar in appearance and in most of its dimensions, the DJ-5E was powered by a set of two 27-volt lead-acid batteries with a 54-volt 30 bhp (22 kW; 30 PS) compound wound DC motor with electronic regulation made by Gould Electronics.[6] The U.S. Postal Service purchased 352 units for the use in cities with serious air pollution.[7] The Electruck was capable of cruising at 33 mph (53 km/h) with a range of 29 mi (47 km) with 20% of its battery power still remaining in reserve.[7]

USPS logo and replacement

Although this vehicle was discontinued about ten years before the eagle logo for the United States Postal Service was changed (to a blue and white envelope-shaped bird head) some surviving DJs in the USPS fleet had the new logo on the doors.

The Wrangler Unlimited is currently available in right-hand drive for USPS delivery in rural areas of North America. These have replaced Jeep DJs for the USPS role.

Model numbers

  • DJ-3A (1955–65): 134 cu in (2.2 L) Willys Go Devil straight-4 L-head engine, three-speed manual
  • DJ-5 (1965–67): 134 cu in (2.2 L) Willys Hurricane straight-4 F-head engine, three-speed manual
  • DJ-5A (1968–70): 153 cu in (2.5 L) Chevy Nova straight-4, two-speed Powerglide automatic
  • DJ-5B (1970–72): 232 cu in (3.8 L) AMC Straight-6 engine, BorgWarner T-35 three-speed automatic
  • DJ-5C (1973–74): 232 cu in (3.8 L) AMC Straight-6 engine, T-35 or M-11 automatic
  • DJ-5D (1975–76): 232 cu in (3.8 L) AMC Straight-6 engine, 727 TorqueFlite automatic
  • DJ-5E (1976): Electruck Electric
  • DJ-5F (1977–78): 232 cu in (3.8 L) or 258 cu in (4.2 L) AMC Straight-6 engine, 727 TorqueFlite automatic
  • DJ-5G (1979): AMC (Audi) 121 cu in (2.0 L) straight-4, 904 TorqueFlite automatic or 232 cu in (3.8 L) or 258 cu in (4.2 L) AMC Straight-6 engine, 727 TorqueFlite automatic
  • DJ-5L (1982): GM Iron Duke engine 151 cu in (2.5 L) straight-4, Chrysler 904 transmission
  • DJ-5M (1983–84): 150 cu in (2.5 L) AMC Straight-4 engine, Chrysler 904 transmission

References

  1. ↑ "Jeep For Mail Carriers Mounts Steering Wheel on Right Side." Popular Mechanics, March 1954, p. 154, bottom of page.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  3. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  4. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  5. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  6. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.

External links

Jeep road vehicle timeline, 1945–1970s — next »
Type 1940s 1950s 1960s 1970s
5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Traditional CJ-2A CJ-3A CJ-5
CJ-3B CJ-7
CJ-6
Dispatcher DJ-3A DJ-5/6 AM General
Compact SUV Jeepster (VJ) Jeepster Commando Commando
SUV Willys Jeep Station Wagon Jeep Cherokee (SJ)
Wagoneer (SJ)
Compact pickup Jeepster Commando Commando
Full-size pickup Willys Jeep Truck
Gladiator J-Series
Truck Forward Control
Van FJ-3/3A FJ-6/6A

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Type 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s 2020s
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3
Traditional CJ-5
CJ-7 Wrangler (YJ) Wrangler (TJ) Wrangler (JK) Wrangler (JL)
Wrangler Unlimited (LJ) Wrangler Unlimited (JKU) Wrangler Unlimited (JLU)
Subcompact crossover Renegade
Avenger
Compact crossover Compass (MK49) Compass (MP)
Patriot (MK74)
Cherokee (KL)
Compact SUV Cherokee/Wagoneer (XJ) Liberty/Cherokee (KJ) Liberty/Cherokee (KK)
Mid-size crossover Commander/Meridian
Grand Commander
Grand Cherokee (WK) Grand Cherokee (WK2) Grand Cherokee (WL)
Mid-size SUV Grand Cherokee/Grand Wagoneer (ZJ) Grand Cherokee (WJ) Commander (XK)
Full-size SUV Cherokee (SJ)
Wagoneer (SJ) Grand Wagoneer (SJ) Wagoneer/Grand Wagoneer (WS)
Compact pickup CJ-8 (Scrambler)
Comanche (MJ)
Midsize pickup CJ-10 Gladiator (JT)
Full-size pickup J-Series
Legend      Vehicle not available in North America

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