Engine, Transmission, and Transfer Case

Engine, transmission, and transfer case in frame

Engine rebuilt

Transmission rebuilt

Transfer case rebuilt

The engine, transmission, and transfer case have been rebuilt. Next step, prepare the frame and begin putting it all back together.

Christmas Time is Near

If we receive everything on our Christmas wish list and invest some blood, sweet, and tears our Willys will soon look like the one in this photo.

It's Been Crazy Busy

It has been a while since my last post. This is a very busy time of the year for me. In spite of that much has been accomplished on our Willys. I have the transfer case, transmission, and engine torn down. I hope to begin reassembly on the transfer case and transmission next week. The engine is at a machine shop completing a throughout inspection. I should have it back soon. I don't have a new picture of our project today, but I do have this shot of a Jeep with a top which I found interesting. I'll be back soon.

T90 and M18 Disassembly

We worked hard today taking our transmission and transfer case apart. Gayle read the instructions while I got my hands dirty. I have yet to get the nut holding the flange on the forward output shaft off. One hundred twenty lbs of torque and 61 years of dirt and grime make it quite a challenge. Here are several links we have found to be very helpful.

Novak t90 rebuild

Novak Dana Spicer 18 rebuild

Willystech t90 rebuild

Willystech Dana Model 18 rebuild

Down to the Frame

After several weeks we have done a great job taking the Jeep down to the frame. We are about to the point of having to put it all back together. It is going the take some time. The engine is on a stand and we are about to open the transfer case and transmission. The Pate Swap Meet takes place later this month at Texas Motor Speedway. We plan to check it out. Hopefully we can find a quality source for paint work.

What Next?

We have separated the body from the frame. Next step remove the engine, transmission, and transfer box. Much of the drive train was encased in dirt which protected it from corrosion. It took quite a bit of effort to clean it off. Our plan is to continue to strip the frame down and prepare it for painting. Once the frame is prepared we can begin the process of putting it all back together. The brake and electrical system will need to be completely replaced. Things will move a little slower now that Spring Break is over.

Spring Break Spent Stripping the Jeep

The body is off and now its a matter of digging out the drive train covered with 60 years of Texas mud and dirt dobber nests.

The Jeep Has Arrived

What Do You Think?

Just a few modifications. Learn more at offroaders.com.

U-Haul Auto Transport Trailer

We have reserved a trailer. The Jeep should be in town in less than two weeks.

History of the Jeep

Here is a short pictorial history of the Jeep courtesy of Vintage Jeeps Parts.

Missing Parts

Went to visit the Jeep today. Our plan is to rent a trailer in three weeks, pick up the Jeep and bring it home. Apparently someone did some work on the front brakes and hubs many years ago. It looks like there are parts missing. What do you think?

CJ2a Interior Shots

The top photograph is from a Willys manual. The bottom shot is our 47 Jeep. We have a quite a bit of work to do. Presently we are making plans to bring the Jeep to our home in March.

A Short History of the CJ2a

After World War II Willys was ready to introduce it's Jeep to the civilian marketplace. The advertisement above is hyperlinked to the historical background found on the The CJ2a Page.

The "Universal" Jeep

CJ2a
Production Cycle
1945-1949

Overall length
122 3/4 in.

Overall width
59 in.

Wheelbase
80 in.

Engine

"Go-Devil" L-Head 4-cylinder in-line water cooled side-valve gasoline engine, developing 60 bhp (54net) at 4000 rpm and a max. torque of 105 lb-ft (95 net) at 2000rpm
Displacement 134.2 in. (2199 cc)

Transmission
Borg-Warner T-90

Transfer case
Dana 18/Spicer 18

Princeton Black

The 1947 Willys CJ2a came in just four colors. Our Jeep has it original paint, Princeton Black with Harvard Red wheels and trim. According to folks who know Princeton Black is the rarest of the four colors. As you can see from the photos it is going to take quite a bit of work to get it back in shape.

What's This?

I know this is a heater, but I don't know what type. It's nothing like the Willys factory options I have read about. Please comment if you help me out.

Online Owners Manual

The CJ2A Page is an excellent resource. For example click on the image above to access a complete Willys CJ2A owners manual.

Seat Frames

We brought some parts back to town; the hood, tailgate, spare tire, and seats. The Jeep is several hours from our home and plans will have to be made to trailer it into town. In the meantime we are cleaning up the seat frames. (photo taken 1-27-2008)

Expired State Inspection

(photo taken 1-19-2008)

Dirt Dobbers

The door to this garage has hardly ever been opened in decades. Over time the Texas Dirt Dobbers and spiders have taken over. (photo taken 1-19-2008)

Grandfather's Jeep

My wife's grandfather parked this jeep over 40 years ago. Our goal is to revive this link to the past. (photos taken 1-19-2008)