5.0L & 5.9L 8-Cyl. Engine Parts for Jeep CJ5
Pistons, Timing Chain, Bearings & Engine Gaskets for the V8 (1972-1981). 
Why the 5.0L/5.9L V8 in the Jeep CJ5 Needs Attention After More Than Forty Years.
The AMC V8, offered in 5.0-liter and 5.9-liter displacement, was the most powerful engine Jeep offered for the CJ5 from 1972 to 1981, before it was dropped from the lineup for weight and fuel economy reasons. After such a long service life, pistons, piston rings, and connecting rod bearings show wear from continuous friction, while main bearings and crankshaft seals lose precision. The timing chain stretches over time, throwing off valve timing, and the camshaft along with camshaft bearings suffer from inadequate lubrication when oil change intervals have lapsed. Cylinder head, valve cover, and engine gasket sets harden and become porous, risking oil and compression loss. Rubber engine and transmission mounts also age over time, transmitting noticeable vibration into the cabin. Anyone driving their V8 CJ5 off-road or restoring it should check these wear parts regularly and replace them in time.
- Cylinder Head, Valves & Gaskets: The cylinder head gasket and valve cover gasket reliably seal the combustion chamber and valvetrain.
- Timing Chain, Camshaft & Distributor Drive: The timing chain delivers precise valve timing, and the camshaft ensures smooth valve lift.
- Pistons, Connecting Rod & Main Bearings: The standard-size piston set and complete standard connecting rod bearing set keep the crankshaft running true.
- Oil System & Engine Gasket Sets: The oil pump cover and complete engine gasket set secure lubrication and sealing for a full engine rebuild.
- Engine & Transmission Mounting: The aluminum motor mount pair and the transmission insulator bushing for the Dana 300 transfer case dampen vibration.
- Clutch & Intake: The clutch pilot bearing and the hot air duct hose round out a complete engine rebuild.
American Brand Quality for the V8.
The bulk of the range comes from Crown Automotive – covering gaskets, engine mounts, and the timing chain –, complemented by pistons, piston rings, bearings, and valves from Sealed Power and Enginetech, both known for American engineering expertise in engine building. Aluminum valve covers and other hardware come from Omix, polyurethane engine mounts from Prothane, and PCV valves from Standard Ignition.
Your Partner for the V8 Engine Rebuild.
Whether you need a single wear part or a complete engine rebuild, we're happy to advise you on torque specs, bearing clearances, and the correct assembly order, including compatibility questions for the related CJ7, CJ8, and Wagoneer/J-Series models. Your order ships from our warehouse as fast as possible, so your CJ5 is back on the road in no time.