Jeep Cherokee Forum - 1946 willys chassis, 1951 body help

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1946 willys chassis CJ3B body

So i might be buying a 1946 willys with a '51 body. The body is in great shape especially for being in WI. It is an older gentleman that bought it 30 yrs ago for work on the land. I might be picking it up for like $500. With minimal rust!! Anyway, he said it didnt start, but crank still turns. Motor has low miles on rebuild.

Anyway,
What are some weak points of these models?
In case stuff needs to be changed out, what are some nice upgraded axles, motor options and possibly leaf upgrades (like yj) or something for this thing?

It is going to be Road Driven and some scenic trail rides. It is 4x4 but it wont see winter.

Thanks,
Jake

Jake, what model? CJ, pickup, wagon? Civilian, military?

I used to service, restore and sell Flatfender schtuff..

Jake I am assuming it is a CJ2A. These L head motors only turn about 4 grand. With the 5.38s in the axles that will get you about 55mph on a good day. Strong points include a D44 rear axle, down side is that the axles are 10, count em 10 spline. I have a friend that might have a power lock for it if you can't find a locker. Tranny is a Borg/Warner T90 in any of those models. Non synchronous first gear, but very stout for the four banger. Has been known to stand up to 175 hp without issues. Beyond that, it can get a bit dicey. The front end is a D25. They don't make parts for them any more. It is best to upgrade to an early 70s D30 from a CJ 5. Frame is not boxed, so you have to refrain from too much major air (broke mine from that) Tcase is a D 18 that you can get a Saturn overdrive for from Advance Adapters which will keep you from having to change the rear gears. 11" drum brakes from a waggy are a great upgrade. Engine options are there, from 4 bangers to V8s. Best options is the GM V6s. Rag tops still available.

Quote:

Originally Posted by OverlandXJ (Post 286847)

Jake, what model? CJ, pickup, wagon? Civilian, military?

I used to service, restore and sell Flatfender schtuff..

From what I get from it and the photos is the it is a CJ Civilian model.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4.3L XJ (Post 286977)

When I look at it and inspect everything, I might keep it as is for now, with obvious tune ups and fluid changes. I was asking as an incase situation. The guy said it ran before he parked it so ill work with that for now. I probably wont be on freeway with it for a while. I just want to cruise with it.

Here are the photos I know of it:
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b6...fdfdd9b419.jpg
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b6...75313b4616.jpg
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b6...d6921ffc1f.jpg
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b6...9f8f5e151c.jpg

Great find if you can get it.:thumbsup:

Jake

That is right, you have a 3B tub and grill with a 2A hood. The 3B as you can see is taller. They went from a flat head to an F head and needed a taller hood. 3Bs are considered a great find because they are easier to get a larger motor into due to a taller good to clear the carb and air cleaner of modern engines. There is one change worth noting. Some of these had a D51 rear end. No good parts available for these. Check the pumpkin and make sure. D51s look huge compared to a D44.

thanks guys. sorry i didnt stop in at all this weekend. i was camping. :)

wow. thanks for the website overland.

4.3L thanks for the info as well.

my bro stopped and looked at it for me, because its 4 hrs from me. he took pics so i will try and get more uploaded tonight.

from what my brother told me about it, it looks like im leaning towards owning a new (used) CJ3B :)

but i will up load photos as soon as i get them

that would be a sweet daily driver

Quote:

Originally Posted by 89eliminator (Post 288796)

that would be a sweet daily driver

yeah. my bro looked at it for me this weekend. he said it was in damn good shape. the current owner is an older guy, real nice, i think retired to the woods and just wants to get rid of it for bills. pretty excited about this though. he said it should start with a battery and new gas. even if not, its in great shape and I have always wanted one to drive around. i am not sure how i would go about building it. just something simple for now. i just want to cruise.

Someone swapped in an L-134 Flathead engine in that, should be an F-134 as seen here.

http://www.film.queensu.ca/CJ3b/Engine/Rebuild.html

Shouldnt be tough to find and swap another correct engine.

You could always check the serial on that engine, probably find a restorer who would be interested in a running engine.