Another 61 Willys Wagon build.

I spent all day removing old spring and shackle hangers so I could do a mockup using the new springs. If I mount them under the frame I am going to end up way to tall for 35's. I have decided I am going to outboard the spring mounts so I can keep it lower. Haven't decided on how to do the brackets yet but I am open to suggestions (preferably with pics .

Mike

 

My buddy out boarded his on his CJ7, but alas I have no pic's.

Its not that hard if you can fabricate simple plate

 

I am thinking of using 1/4 x 4" flat stock and then bending up 2 ends using a press. I will then cut a piece to weld to the back of it as the mounting surface. I'd rather bolt these to the frame than weld them because at least then if a shackle or hanger mount gets messsed up I can simply replace the whole outbard mount without cutting on the frame. Here is a very simple representation of what I am thinking about. I can bolt this in place and mount my shackle mount or main eye hanger to the plate. (BTW, the circles are bolts and the vertical lines are gussets.)



Please critique.

Mike

 

drilling that many holes into your frame may accelerate frame damage. You are adding a monster rear axle in the 14B and big chevy springs. Not to mention the 350 powerplant.

I may be off base, but the more potential wiggle (with bolts) the more potential for frame and shackle mount rippage.

 

So you are saying weld it? R)

mike

 

Here is a proof of concept for the outboard.

Opinions?






Mike

 

Picked up an engine tonite as well.

As per the ebay auction

"Carter AFB High Performance Carb. Edelbrock Intake, Chrome Valve Covers, No Leaks, No Blow By, Comes With All Brackets, Pullys, Water Pump, Fan, Alternatior, and Power Steering Pump, New Plugs, Wires, And HEI Vaccume Advance Distribuitor."

Price was right and it's not too far away. Now I need to track down a th350/np 208 combo.



Mike

 

A little more progress. I got the front and rear axles located where i want them and started to take some measurements and mock up the springs. Here is how it look right now. Still waiting for my shackle hangers, spring hangers, u bolts and u bolt plates to show up. I am hoping to get the rear axle under it in the next week or 2.





Mike

 

Progress!

 

Started cleaning up the 14 bolt for new spring perches this evening. Hopefully I can get it back under the wagon tonight and figure out if i am going to inboard or outboard or mount it under the frame. There are pros and cons to each

1) Outboard- Pro: more stable and I can keep it lower.
Con: Frame is wide and to outboard I will have to remove brakes and backing plates to get a good weld on the outer side of the spring perch. Seems like a pain in the butt.

2) Inboard- Pro: Lots of flex
Con: Using the 63" chevy springs means the front eye hanger will interfere with a cross member on the frame. So to avoid this I would have to move the axle back which means cutting up the body to clear the tire. Not sure I want to do this.

3) Under Frame- Pro. Easiest to do. Also provide lots of room for bigger tires which with a 14 bolt rear means the only problem is to upgrade the front axle to handle 40's plus.
Con: Lot's of lift. Meaning this thing will be tall.


Either way none of these options are fitting in my garage when finished R)

Any suggestions?

Mike

Here is a pic because we all love em.

 

disc brake bracket will make it easier

 

I went under frame, a little offset to the inside It was a pita, but it works well. the shackle mount is through the frame.

front frame mount




here you can see the offset as the frame is more narrow than the springs



I used a hole saw to drill out a 2" hole and inserted 1.75 DOM tube which was elded in place for the rear shackle. I then used poly bushings and grade 8 bolts to hang rear shackle.









hope that helps...

 

another option is to go with a johnny joint. running a set on my xj and did the same on my willys.

 

Engine is home.



That is all!

Mike

 

:drool: the suspense is killing me!

 

I have a line on an SM465 and np 205 combo. I am hoping to move on that in the next week. Once i have that I can get serious about getting it all together and making sure it'll work together.

Mike

 

What engine is that again? chevy 350? Why didnt you go with fuel injection?

tranny tcase combo will be nice.

What gears you gonna run in the axles?

 

Because I got the engine for $350

Mike

 

can't really argue with $350, although I got my injected 350 with the sm465 for $500