The Jeep Dispatcher, or DJ, was a two-wheel-drive variant of the CJ
series. It was produced from 1955 to 1984.
The Postal/Dispatch Jeep came in two basic models, the DJ-3A and the
DJ-5. The DJ-3A was a flat fender Jeep primarily designed as a postal Jeep.
It was similar to the CJ-3A except it
was two wheel drive model.
DJ-3A
The DJ-3A was introduced in 1955. It used the body style of the older
CJ-3A, along with the 3A's L-134 engine. Unlike the CJ-3A, It had a
column shifted three-speed manual transmission. It was offered with many
different body options including a soft top, hard top, or even a full
van body.
Surrey
Gala Package - 1955-1964 DJ-3A
In 1959, a Surrey Gala model was introduced. This model was intended for
use by resorts, usually for rentals. They usually came in pink, although
light blue and light green were also available. It came with a standard
striped fabric top, as well as a fabric cover for what was advertised as
a "Continental tire mount."
More about the Surrey Gala Package - 1959-1964 DJ-3A
DJ-5 and DJ-6
The DJ-3A was replaced by the DJ-5 Dispatcher 100 in 1965. It was
based on the CJ-5 and used the Hurricane and Dauntless engines. A
long-wheelbase DJ-6 model was built from 1965 to 1973.
DJ-5A
through DJ-5M
The DJ-5A, a right hand drive Postal/Dispatch Jeep was introduced in
1967.
While resembling the M38A1/CJ series, it was built as a
completely-enclosed, rear-wheel drive vehicle, with sliding doors (which
could be opened while driving). One improvement over earlier Jeeps was
mounting the rear springs outside the frame rails, thus providing for
greater stability for the vehicle with its more top-heavy enclosed cargo
area, especially at highway speeds.
Models through 1970 used a standard CJ front end, with a 4-cylinder
Chevrolet Nova engine and 2-speed Powerglide automatic transmission. In
1971, it was changed to the unique 5-slot grille used only on postal
Jeeps, which gave more room for the AMC Straight-6 engine and radiator.
AMC's wholly owned subsidiary, AM General, used a variety of powerplants
during the 1980s. DJ production was ended in 1984 with the DJ-5M, which
used AMC's 150ci 4cyl.
Onboard
Air
