![](https://www.farmjeep.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/3ptjeep-1024x768.jpg)
A few years back, we answered a question about building a farm Jeep using a Wrangler. Our response was that it was possible but we weren’t sure it would be a very useful setup. John Strenk’s post on the EarlyCJ5 page changed our minds. We asked John if we could share his story here.
John started his post this way -“Later CJs don’t have too many options anymore so I had to build my own 3 point hitch to groom my driveway every year. Here is what I came up with”
He was asked if he started with a snow plow setup and adapted it for the rear. John replied:
Yep, I always use to have 2 or 3 spare lift mechanisms from when I was in the business of plowing snow. Now I only plow once or twice a year. So I put one of them in to use.
I started out with the basic Meyers E-47 lift frame for a CJ and measured the distance between the frame mounts.
![](https://www.farmjeep.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Exploded-View-1024x605.png)
A friend of mine was just starting a business making CJ bumpers so we collaborated on a design and came up with this:
![](https://www.farmjeep.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/3pointbumper.jpg)
There are two 2′ receivers on it with the correct spacing. I put a 2’X2″X1/4″ square tube in there and attached the lift frame. Here is a trial fit to show you what I mean:
![](https://www.farmjeep.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/3-point-with-frame.png)
I already had a 2″ receiver mounted to the Jeep frame that was securely mounted to the frame rails. Even though this is an AFW frame, I wanted to put minimal load on the rear cross frame. To this I attached the Meyers lower plow mount, or part of it at least.
![](https://www.farmjeep.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/3pointrrear.jpg)
Pin sizes are all 5/8″ so I’m limiting it to Category 0 implements right now.
Might go to Cat 1 in the future.
I cut off the chain retainer off the top of the lift arm to attach the top link:
![](https://www.farmjeep.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/3point-link.jpg)
![](https://www.farmjeep.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/3pointlift.jpg)
This actually works pretty good. I was surprised.
I made some lift arms out of some 1-1/2″ square bar stock. These worked great but no play to attach anything else other than that blade with that 17″ spacing:
![](https://www.farmjeep.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/AlternateMount.jpg)
They were 24″ long and I did not get enough travel out of the adjustable top link.
So I made some 27″: long with swivel mounts. Now the top link is too short..
![](https://www.farmjeep.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/armend.jpg)
I mounted the lift relay to the frame and connected it with 0 gauge welding cable. Routed it through the jeep. Added the solenoid wiring.
![](https://www.farmjeep.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/solenoid-wiring.jpg)
It uses the original switch to control lift, I’ll be adding power angle to this also.
![](https://www.farmjeep.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/controlswitches.jpg)
I might put a hydraulic piston in for the top link so I can control the bite on my Box blade from the cab.
![](https://www.farmjeep.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/morecontrolswitches.jpg)
I’m adding some sway bars(?) to the lift arm to control the left and right sway on the blades.
If I had to do it again I would find an engine driven Hydraulic pump so I could replace the E-47 lift with a dual acting cylinder so I can have power lift and downforce.
Then I could add all the other goodies als like a Hydraulic motor for a post hole digger, Power angle and tilt.
John has sent us a couple of updates –
I recently changed the lift arm and hooked up my box blade.
![](https://www.farmjeep.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/3ptboxblade-1024x768.jpg)
The lift arms have ball swivels on the ends so it’s easier to hook up.
![](https://www.farmjeep.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/3ptswivel-1024x768.jpg)
Here is the latest video of John’s 1976 Farm Jeep –
The complete post is available at http://www.earlycj5.com/xf_cj5/index.php?threads/my-3-point-hitch-setup.146847/#post-1646489 More information and details of how John started this project are at https://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f8/3-point-hitch-again-4408015/ John can be reached through either forum if you would like to contact him.