1972 Jeep CJ-5 Flatbuggy

The Dana 60 axles retain eight-lug outers to make sourcing spare parts easy. Rolling stock consists of 39.5-inch Super Swamper Iroks wrapped around 17x9 Walker Evans beadlock rims.

The Dana 60 axles retain eight-lug outers to make sourcing spare parts easy. Rolling stock

Is it a buggy or a Jeep? That is the first thing we asked Marcel Balda upon seeing his custom creation. Like a skilled politician he dodged the question and let us find out for ourselves. The Basque cabinetmaker has an eye for detail and is an admitted Jeep fanatic, with a well-worn numbers-matching MB in the garage and assorted Jeep frames and axles scattered behind his shop.

The fact that this flatfender has a round frame under it makes us want to call it a buggy, but what if it had a box tube frame instead? The title states that it is a ’78 CJ-5, and we rarely argue with the DMV. Plus, we have seen plenty of Jeeps with small-block Chevys, automatics, and Atlas transfer cases, so that doesn’t rule out Marcel’s marvel being a Jeep.

A few gauges and wires on a flat metal dash? Doesn’t look that different from any other flatfender, right down to the twin sticks for the transfer case. Of course, MBs never came with quick-release steering wheels (although they should have!) or Premier Power Welders.

A few gauges and wires on a flat metal dash? Doesn’t look that different from any other fl

The MB grille, flat fenders, and fold-down windshield all scream authentic Jeep, as does the genuine Willys tailgate. Underneath the suspension and drivetrain have more in common with modern Jeeps than any flatfender. Fox coilovers sit at every corner and work in conjunction with a link suspension that is similar to a WJ Grand Cherokee, with a four-link and track bar in front and a triangulated four-link in the rear.

Confused yet? So were we. We stopped keeping score once Marcel took us for a ride. The wind in our hair and the dirt in our teeth made it enough of a Jeep for us.

Cool Fact
Marcel’s flatbuggy has parts on it from his very first Jeep that he drove in high school (the gas pedal!)

Tech Specs
1972 Jeep CJ-5 (?)
Drivetrain
Engine: Ram Jet 350ci V-8
Transmission: TH350 3-speed automatic
Transfer case: Advance Adapters Atlas II
Front Axle: Chevy Dana 60, 4.88 gears, ARB Air Locker, Alloy USA chromoly axleshafts, CTM U-joints, Warn hubs
Rear Axle: Dynatrac Pro Rock 60, 4.88 gears, ARB Air Locker, 35-spline chromoly axleshafts
Suspension
Springs & Such: Fox coilovers with custom link suspension
Tires & Wheels: 39.5x13.5x17 Super Swamper Iroks on 17x9 Walker Evans beadlocks
Steering: AGR steering box
Other Stuff: Custom frame, Willys tailgate, Premier Power Welder

A real steering box? That seems more Jeep than buggy to us. Using a box instead of fully hydraulic means Marcel has to run a Panhard bar to mirror the drag link and locate the axle from side to side. The front Dana 60 is from a 1-ton Chevy and uses 4.88 gears, an ARB Air Locker, Alloy USA axleshafts, CTM U-joints, and Warn premium hubs.
A real steering box? That seems more Jeep than buggy to us. Using a box instead of fully h
The rear axle is a Dynatrac Pro Rock 60 with 4.88 gears, an ARB Air Locker, and full-float 35-spline axleshafts. Both ends use Fox 2.0 2-inch-diameter, 14-inch-travel coilovers. The rear four-link is triangulated so no track bar is necessary. Note the authentic Willys tailgate behind the license plate.
The rear axle is a Dynatrac Pro Rock 60 with 4.88 gears, an ARB Air Locker, and full-float
The flatbuggy is powered by a Ram Jet 350 from GM Performance Parts. The crate engine uses a hydraulic roller cam, Vortec heads, and 9.4:1 compression that is pump gas–friendly. The sewer pipe intake was originally for mockup but Marcel’s friends gave him such a hard time about it that he decided to keep it. 350 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque are fed to a TH350 with a full manual valvebody and an Atlas II transfer case with a 4.3 low-range ratio.
The flatbuggy is powered by a Ram Jet 350 from GM Performance Parts. The crate engine uses