My plan is to build a CJ3A (clone). I just want a cool little Jeep to build in memory of my Mom. Since I don't believe I have any real Willys parts, I will not be restoring anything. I will have lots of questions along the way so feel free to chime in anytime.
I was given some Jeep parts by a friend. According to him, this is what I got:
1946 CJ2A Frame
1950-1952 M38 tub, fenders, windshield/frame, hood
1989 Wrangler (YJ) 2.5 4cyl engine, AX5 manual transmission, NP231 transfer case
1989 YJ rear Dana 35 Differential
1989 YJ front Dana 30 high pinion, disconnect differential
Steel Arctic Hardtop
I do not have a grill, tailgate, dash instrument panel, dash glove box door, windshield attaching hardware, tailgate attaching hardware (or any hardware for that matter), etc.
What I believe I have:
1946 CJ2A frame, modified to accept the YJ axles
A 1950 - 1952 reproduction M38 tub - It has the M38 dash, but is missing the axe/shovel indents and battery box in cowl. It is also missing any gas filler on drivers side.
Reproduction Hood - missing Willys Stamp on sides
I don't know if the fenders and windshield are original or not (I don't know what to look for), but since the other parts seem to be reproduction, I would assume these are also.
My current plan(s):
Install the YJ engine, transmission, and Transfer Case in the Jeep. Someone has already started on this, as the motor mounts are already done. I will need to get it put in to see if everything will line up properly. The plan is to discard the YJ computer and install an aftermarket throttlebody fuel injection system.
Steering: YJ power steering pump and gear box, since I already have the brackets on the engine. I'm not sure on the steering column, It will
HAVE to be a tilt column. Any ideas on a junkyard column would be appreciated or otherwise I'll go with something like IDIDIT. I want the ignition switch in the dash not on the column so I might be limited.
Dropdown clutch/brake pedals
Differentials (I have a couple different plans here):
Since they came out of a 4 cyl YJ, they came with 4.10 gears from the factory. I would prefer 4.56's, but I might go with the 4.10s for now and change them later if I use either of them.
For the front, I have two different ways I am thinking of going. I do not want to use the D30 that came with the Jeep. I do not want the disconnect axle at all. I have a D30 here at my shop out of an 02 Jeep TJ w/4.10 gears. It is a low pinion, non disconnect axle. So, my choice is to cut all of the coil spring brackets off and install leaf perches, or convert the front to a coil spring setup. Still pondering this decision...
For the rear, I can use the D35, but both of my TJs came with D35s and I broke both of them. Since this will only have a 4cyl and 33" tires, it'll probably live, but it still scares me. My other option is to go to Pick N Pull and get an 8.8 out of an Explorer. That will give me a disk brake upgrade in the process. And, even if I do install the D35 for now, the 8.8 swap
will happen eventually
As far as the body goes, I would like to get a CJ3A grill and tailgate, if they'll go on the M38 body. I'd also like to convert the M38 windshield vent to open like the 3A (but I can live with it if I can't)
As far as the rest of the build, we'll see as the build goes.
But first, I have to take what I have to the DMV this spring so they can assign a VIN. If I can't get it to where I'll be able to register it when I'm done, I'll be getting rid of what I have and starting over with something else.
