Jeep Engines - Oljeep

JEEP HISTORY 11Perhaps one of the most common and recognizable uses for the Jeep was U.S. mail delivery. Postalofficials, impressed by the performance of Jeeps during the war, decided to harness that strength for maildelivery. These strong, agile vehicles could stand up to the rigors of delivering the mail in any weatherand on any road. The postal service purchased both left and right-hand drive Jeeps for their carriers.Unlike previous postal vehicles, which were painted a drab shade of olive green, Jeeps and other vehiclespurchased in the 1950s were painted red, white, and blue. The PostaUDispatch Jeep was made in twobasic models, the DJ-3A and the DJ-5. The DJ-3A ‘was a flat fender Jeep similar to the CJ model exceptit was two-wheel-drive and had a side sliding door for ease of loading/unloading. It was produced from1956 until 1965 (manufactured by Kaiser-Jeep who1 purchased Willys-Overland in 1953). The DJ-5 wasintroduced in 1965 which is the postal Jeep most people are familiar with today. Also produced from1965- 1968 was a long version, the DJ-6. The DJ-5 vvas made by Jeep into the early 1970s and productioncontinued under AM General (AMC purchased Kaiser-Jeep in 1970). For over 40 years Postal workershave delivered mail through “rain, sleet and snow” with the aid of their trusty Jeep.The Great OutdoorsAmong the public attracted to Jeep 4x4s were a growing number of outdoor enthusiasts. Alreadyproven capable of handling the outdoors, the CJ-2A and surplus MBs brought primitive back countryfishing, hunting, rock collecting and exploring easily within reach. They gave families access to remotecamping and numerous other outdoor activities. There was a zest for life in postwar Americacontrasting the lean Depression and World War I1 years. This created a greater interest in recreation.Additionally, fuel costs were low, and the cost of liiving was relatively inexpensive. The Jeep provideda means for those weekend getaways.The recreation aspect caught on quickly and has flourished. Today, there are many organizations whichhost activities and events for Jeep owners, fans, and aficionados. The Camp Jeep and Jeep Jamboreegroups for example, set up off-roading events, car shows, picnics, clinics, etc., to bring together Jeeplovers worldwide. These events are wildly popular and attended religiously by some owners.But Jeep’s growing popularity was not limited to the U.S. The popular 4x4 was sought by manyworldwide no doubt due to its high visibility in wartime activities. It maintains a healthy worldwideappeal today, and there exist many clubs, societies, and groups dedicated to ownership, history, racing,etc., of the Jeep.Getting a way!