'42 GPW "re-born"

I'm going to try and put this jeep back on the road. I'll be able to use the front fenders, hood, windshield, grill and most of the tub. I plan on using a postal frame with a centered, flanged 44 in the rear that I have. With a '76 dana 30 for the front w/ disc brakes. I probably be using a Dana 20 t-case. I've built jeeps before, but not something this short.

When I'm done I plan on having the jeep look original at a glance.

I'd like to install a modern, fuel injected V6 with an auto tranny.
I'm looking for ideas on donor vehicles.? Has anyone done this? I don't plan on wheeling it hard, but would like to hit the sand sometimes so I thought a V6/auto would be great.

 

welcome, good luck

 

Welcome from GA. Fill in you signature with your location and someone may be around the corner that could help you out with parts.
Got Pics??

 

Naturally a Buick V-6 if one in good shape would be a good choice. Compact, plenty of torque, distributor in the front, fit nicely in flattie or a CJ. Other choice for me would be a 4.3 with TBI. About the most bulletproof fuel injection there is. Can be had in S-10 pu's/blazers, Astro Vans, and some fullsize vans and trucks. Normally come with a 700r4 or a 4L60 or 4L60e. I'd recommend stabbing on a TH-350 for length and pan to front driveshaft clearance. The 700r4 pan sticks out a ways on the driver's side so driveline clearance can be a headache. Can't remember on the 4L60 but I "think" it has the same issue. These were usually used with larger transfer cases or ones with a driver's side front output so the pan rail clearance wasn't an issue in stock applications. Nickmil.

 

Thanks for the replies. I tried to fill in
my "signature". I couldn't figure out how
to post one of the cool little pics of my
Jeeps.
The 4.3 was my first choice since they're
so common to get, swap, and adapt. But looking at
S-10's, the trans is so long. What would you get a TH350 out of to put behind a 4.3.
I also liked the size of the Ford 2.9 in the Bronco II/
Ranger. The engine looks to be a lot smaller than the
GM.
I know short is the key.
Thanks again for your input.

 

700R4 and 4L60 are the same GM trans. GM changed nominclatures in the early 90's. 4L and 4T is still used today. I'm prenty happy with my stock flattie setup --alot less hassles

 

If you would like to try a smaller than 4.3l gm but with the same power. use a 1994-1997? camaro/firebird 3.4L it is the same size as a 2.8 but produces power as strong as a 4.3L.

In my cj2a I plan on useing a 2.8 th350 d20, d30 with disc brakes, d44 or model 20 with manual saginaw steering.

for the extra bite 29x12.5-15 trencher tires.!