Direction for CJ-3A

So I need some advice. I just came into possession of what I think is a '49 CJ-3A. I'd like to use it on moderate trails once I'm finished. I can go in about a million directions with the build, and that's the advice I need. The engine is seized, the transmission was full of water, and the transfer case is full of muck, so with the exception of the axles, it will need a completely re-built drivetrain. That being said, is a V-6 swap and SM420 a better choice that the 134 and the T90, if I have to rebuild everything anyway? I know I'll get about a thousand different opinions, but that is what I'm looking for. This is my first Jeep...so I'm also looking for advice from you experts on steering, front axles and lockers, lift height, hydraulic clutches, etc. Thanks Guys!

Tim

 

I would go resto-mod. keep the :hurrican: , t-90 and upgrade the brakes to 11".

 

:iagree: I'm a big fan of the stock look, so that's my opinion. Reasonably stock, with necessary safety/performance upgrades like 12volt electrics, 11" brakes, Pertronix ignition, maybe a Solex carb, dual chamber master cylinder, stuff like that. That's the direction I'm going with my '56 anyway.

A reasonably stock flatfendered Jeep should take you anywhere you want to go with it. After all, that's what they were built for, right? And just think how it'll feel to buzz around town in a cool old stock '49 Jeep that's neater than anybody else's Wrangler or Ruby, not to mention going everywhere they can go, and possibly where they can't.

Meanwhile, welcome from Denver! And do you have any photos of this little honey?

 

I agree with Sparky.

 

X2

 

i was going to rebuild exactally what i had with mine. Lhead/ t-90. The reason i am going v-6 is machine work for my l head if it wasnt cracked was going to run me 1500 for parts and labor if i put it back together. 175 bucks for the 225 v6 was a no brainer. I had a 2a with the fhead before and it was more than adequate for moderate trail riding. if all your parts just need rebuiding and arent destroyed then go with the original. They work great. I also had a cj 5 with a 304. it was of course much more modern, but wasnt any better off road. go bigger breakes first and foremost though. the original heel toe adjusteres are awful and dangerous.

 

Thanks for the advice! One of the things I'm set on from the get-go is an upgrade to Saginaw style steering. I doubt I'll go for a power setup, but a more modern style seems to be the safest way to go. Looking at the tiny Ross box made me cringe. I got on the V-6 idea because of all the work that is going to be required to get the Jeep on the road again, and I didn't know if the original components were worth the time and money to rebuild. I thought perhaps that as long as I was rebuilding, I may as well be working on something better than stock. As far as brakes, I've heard that 11" drums won't fit on some rims. The jeep came with 15" steelies, with ancient, re-capped 9.15x15 tubeless radials. I was also thinking about swapping in a stouter front axle from a 5, 6 or 7 that would already have larger drums or even discs. Any thoughts?

And as far as pics...just imagine any rusty 3a frame you've seen, and thats whats sitting in my driveway under a tarp. The tube isn't too bad...only a few fist sized holes in the floor. It is an aftermarket tub though, no VIN plate on the firewall. Should be a lot of fun at DMV when the time comes. Thanks for all your help...you can add another to the list of rescued flatties, this one from Connecticut!

Tim

 

JMO - if the L-head is toast, replace it with a more modern engine. The L134 was peppy for it's day, but even with an overdrive, it'll barely move you at highway speeds. Lots of wind resistance to ovecome with a Jeep...

I wouldn't neccessarily go V6; I like inline engines. My optimum swap would be a GM 181 inline 4 (marine/industrial engine), or if I couldn't find one, a Chevy 153 I4 (Nova or postal Jeep). The Gm-to-T90 adapter is pretty easy to find on the used market. The Pinto 2000/2300 swap is popular, and inexpensive if you can find the right bellhousing. The Jeep 150 (2.5L) from a Wrangler would also be a good swap, but you'd be pretty much be on your own ... the 150 to SM420 has been done, so the T90 to 150 should be doable to with the right bell.

 

More opinion - the drivetrain is fine for now, except for the brakes and maybe the steering. Consider a postitraction or locking rear differential, an overdrive, and upgrade the engine depending on the L-head's condition. That's plenty to start, and your Jeep will surely exceed your capability - it definitely would be more than my rusty skills could fully exploit.

 

I'm not an expert but I have experience. my 3a that was a stocker I first restored and then modified to my likes. Check out my photos and if you see something you have questions about email me.
http://s17.photobucket.com/albums/b89/willysworker/Red Dog/

 

I think you need a bigger skid plate

 

Ho, a wise guy hey! LOL

 

flyingtim:

Save that flatty! You can find good used and NOS parts for the 134 L-head, T-90, and Dana 18 all over the place. Try Ebay, Willys-tech, and lots of other sites before you give up on that stock drive line!

I restored mine, so it's not really going to be hitting anything other than "green" trails, but it could handle some tough terrain in stock condition. That L-head isn't fast, but it wasn't built for speed! I guarantee there is enough power in low 4WD to get you through, up, and over some serious terrain!

Send me an e-mail or check out my website if you want to get some ideas before you dive in all the way. I am posting up pics of other folks Willys too, so you may get some other ideas there.

GOOD LUCK!