Mark, no argument, just discussion.�
It looks like this upgrade option started in 1961. Prior to this offer, 20 years worth of Willys Jeeps were able to fight wars, pull farm implements, and travel the backcountry with no apparent need for the larger clutch.
Speculation� Kaiser was producing this larger clutch for the heavier wagon, FC, CJ5, and other vehicles.� Because they already had it, why not offer it for older vehicles?� It cost them a couple extra holes drilled into the flywheel.� It could offer additional income for the dealers offering service.� Consider your time at the parts counter at every auto parts store.� Buying a new battery?� Perhaps you would like to upgrade your cranking amps. Or buy a better spark plug.� Or store brand oil vs. Rotella T.
My point�guys like us are more than willing to drop more dollars into our vehicles whether there�s a chance at increased performance or not.� The automotive industry knows this.� And they probably understood this back in the 60s.
To your point on pulling farm equipment, stumps, and trucks from mud bogs�There are vehicles more suited to these tasks than a 70 year old Willys.� If I have these chores, and a choice, I would probably leave the Willys at home.
That said, I have no issue with you wanting this upgrade.� If it weren't such a pain in the a..., and there was a clear performance output, I would imagine that many of us would choose an upgrade like this.
Tim
This clutch was never offered for older vehicles it was an option on CJ5's its a different clutch then used on the Wagons and Pickups which were 10" with the 226 and later 10.5" with the 226 and Tornado engines.
the 9.25" clutch was only 1960 or 61 to 1971 F head option.
The use of it in an older vehicle as I am doing is a hot rod thing where parts from something that was not original is being used to improve the vehicles performance.