Messages

1

"Modifications"-- Technical Questions, Answers, Incites / Help: replacing stock engine with 4DR5 diesel engine

« on: November 01, 2021, 04:15:17 PM »

Not at this stage yet (because, well, I need a Jeep and an engine), but trying to figure out the best way to replace a CJ3-B engine with a stock 4DR5 diesel engine and transmission from a Mitsubishi J model Jeep. As they're currently configured, the Mitsubishi's are Right-Hand-Drive, but I plan on getting a regular Left-Hand-Drive Willy's CJ3-B (anyone got a 1962 sitting around they don't need?).

Has anyone ever done this? I didn't see a response to an earlier post. If so, what all did it entail? It appears that the Mitsubishi transmission has the levers exactly like the CJ3-B levers.

Some specs - the CJ3-B has a wheelbase of 80", the Mitsubishi J-53/54/55 have wheelbases of 79.9" (technically 2030mm), while the original Mitsubishi J10 had a wheelbase of 2032mm (80"), so I think the engine/tranny would be a good fit. Just a matter of considering such things as wiring, gages, and steering box/linkage.

The Mitsubishi's are also a little longer - 133.5" to 136", compared to the Willy's 129 29/32", but I don't know if that's really a factor.

I would love to be able to see the two and be able to look under the hood to see what all's there. Anyone near Seattle/Tacoma with either a CJ3-B or a Mitsubish J50 model?

Thoughts?

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EVERYTHING ELSE, General tips / Re: Mitsubishi Jeep to Willys Jeep conversion questions

« on: March 02, 2021, 03:01:44 PM »

Anyone in the Puget Sound area with a Mitsubishi Jeep (J53, J54, or J55) or a rebuilt Willy's CJ3B with a MD Juan tub? I'm hoping to do some measuring. Thanks.

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EVERYTHING ELSE, General tips / Re: Mitsubishi Jeep to Willys Jeep conversion questions

« on: February 22, 2021, 12:05:41 PM »

Some have switched DJ3s to left-hand drive (it might be the same process, but the big deal for me is the diesel engine).

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EVERYTHING ELSE, General tips / Mitsubishi Jeep to Willys Jeep conversion questions

« on: February 21, 2021, 07:27:21 PM »

Hi all,

Couldn't find anything here, but wondering about the possibility of converting a (relatively) modern Mitsubishi Jeep (J53 or J54) right-hand drive to one with a MD Juan body and left-hand drive. That way it would appear to be a Willys CJ3-B but have the 4DR5 or 4DR6 diesel engine.

Looking at pictures, it appears that the transfer case is on the same side in both the Mitsubishi and the Willys (at least the gear shift and transfer case levers are all in the same position - gear shift lever on the left and transfer case levers on the right).

My big questions are:

• Has anyone done so?

• How difficult would it be to switch things around (such as the accelerator, brakes, clutch, master cylinder, etc.)?

Thanks for any input

5

Once You've Joined / Re: Welcome Geodoc

« on: February 21, 2021, 07:11:05 PM »

Thank you for the welcome. Alas, no Willy's yet. I did have a GPW once, but that's long gone now  .

I'm in the process of trying to convince my wife I need a CJ3B (either that or a motorcycle, and she calls those "orthopedic machines", so I might convince her soon).  My goal is a 4 wheeler (we live in the Cascade Mountains) and something I can take on an extended trip (think "overland journey"). Toward that end, I'm thinking of getting a Mitsubishi jeep (with the diesel engine) and swapping out the body for a MD Juan Willys body.

If you read Sci-Fi, you might have read about Willy's Jeeps being used in my multiverse worlds (my kids accuse me of writing fan-fiction about me, because the books include a lot of things I like).