Muscle & Speed / 1960–1979

1970 Kaiser DJ-5 mail truck

No. 139 of 207

The Jeep DJ (also known as the Dispatcher) is a two-wheel drive variant of the four-wheel drive CJ series. Production started in 1955 by Willys, which was renamed Kaiser Jeep in 1963. In 1970, American Motors Corporation (AMC) purchased Kaiser's money-losing Jeep operations and established AM General, a wholly owned subsidiary that built the DJ through 1984.

The 1970 Kaiser mail truck, also known as the Jeep DJ-5, is a light utility vehicle designed for postal delivery services. Here is a brief history of this vehicle:

Origins and Development

1970 Kaiser DJ-5 mail truck — museum photo

1955-1970: Early Models and Kaiser Acquisition

The DJ series (Dispatcher Jeep) started in 1955 with the DJ-3A, based on the CJ-3A but with two-wheel drive.

Kaiser Motors, which had acquired Willys-Overland in 1953, continued to develop the DJ series. The DJ-5 variant was introduced in 1965.

Features and Specifications

Design and Usage

The DJ-5 was specifically designed for postal service use with a right-hand drive layout, allowing easy access to roadside mailboxes.

It featured a simple, utilitarian design suitable for the rigors of daily mail delivery.

The body was constructed for durability and ease of maintenance, which was essential for the heavy-duty usage expected by postal services.

Engine and Performance

Early models, including the 1970 DJ-5, were equipped with various engines over the years, ranging from the Willys Hurricane inline-4 to the AMC inline-6.

The 1970 model commonly used the AMC 232 cubic inch inline-6 engine.

These vehicles had automatic transmissions and a two-wheel-drive configuration.

Production and Service

1970-1984: Kaiser and American Motors Corporation (AMC)

Kaiser Jeep produced the DJ-5 until 1970, after which the company was acquired by AMC.

AMC continued the production of the DJ-5, making improvements and updates, until 1984.

The DJ-5 was a staple in the U.S. Postal Service fleet, known for its reliability and ease of use.

Legacy

Longevity and Replacement

The DJ-5 remained a common sight in postal fleets throughout the 1970s and early 1980s.

It was eventually replaced by more modern vehicles, but it left a lasting legacy as a rugged and dependable workhorse.

Many DJ-5s have been preserved by enthusiasts and can still be found in various conditions, from restored show vehicles to operational work trucks.

The 1970 Kaiser mail truck, or Jeep DJ-5, represents an important chapter in the history of postal service vehicles. Its robust design and reliable performance made it a favorite for mail carriers, and its influence can still be seen in modern postal delivery vehicles.