CJ's 49 3A

[CJ4CJ]

So here's our 49 3A I purchased last year.  I thought I would post the progress of the rebuild since I enjoy seeing the story/pics of others.  She's pretty rough to look at now but she'll be a head turner soon.

[CJ4CJ]

The shifter on the trans would not move so I feared the worst.  But to our surprise.....rust free.  That pin does not look right though.  Another down side...I'm finding a lot of bolts just finger tight.  Any tricks to get the trans housing loose from the transfer case.  I removed the gear and nut from the transfer case.  I think they used liguid nail for a gasket sealer.

[Ryan_M]

Did you remove all the bolts before trying to separate the trans and the TC? There's 4 (I think?) easy to see ones facing the rear but there's on more hidden on the lower front side of the transfer case.

When you do separate it unless you secure the mainshaft you will pull it with you and cringe as you listen to a bunch of roller bearings fall to the bottom of the case.� No better time to overhaul it now anyways though�

I like the custom tub gantry crane!

[athawk11]

Looks good CJ.

Follow Ryan's recommendation to secure the main shaft prior to separating the TC from the tranny.  The photo below is a common way to do this.  You'll be happy you didn't skip this very simple step...

[1955CJ-5]

Looks like a broken tooth on your syncro/clutch hub...

No time like the present for a rebuild....

I really like the tub gantry....now that's thinking outside the box!

[Bob W]

Good looking '49!

What is it's serial number?

[CJ4CJ]

Well I got the two seperated.  Just a brass bar ground to chisel point.  went slow and worked all the way around. Need to regrind the tip on the brass bar but at least the case didn't crack.  Ya I forgot about wiring the shaft and the bearings fell out.  Hope I got them all.

[CJ4CJ]

Serial Plate is missing.  The body plate says CJ-3A 18848. No engine number above water pump.

[Bob W]

Thanks!!!

[Bob W]

What numbers and letters are stamped on your transmission in the circled area of your transmission?

[CJ4CJ]

The number is C1192.

[CJ4CJ]

So here's an update:
Trans - the pic above showed the problem...broken sync key and replaced it.  2nd gear not worn (actually looked like new)...must have been already rebuilt.
Transfer case - actually we just opened it up...saw it had brand new gears...closed it up and called it good.
So far....very lucky!!
Pulled the motor and then pulled the head for two reasons.  Low compression and water in cylinder. The water was my fault..rain got in the carb.  It never rains in AZ except when you wash your car or the CJ isnt covered.  Pistons and cylinders look good.  no carbon/worn ring at the top of cylinder or scratches.  Valves...not sure what to look for.  About half the nuts/studs came out during head removal so I unseized them and reinstalled the studs back into the block.  cleaned up the head and its ready for paint. 
Removed intake/exhaust manifold...cleaned it up and ready for paint.
Degreasing the motor and getting it ready for paint. I'll be using the High Temp rustoleum paint.
I'm hoping the low compression was just a bad head gasket and not a valve or piston ring.  I didn't really see any signs on the head gasket and don't want to get into the motor too far.

[CJ4CJ]

Here's an interesting note...at least I thought.
The oil dip stick and tube differences between my 2A and 3A.
2A is a solid tube no seam, one on left.  The 3A tube is seamed on right.  The markings are different on the dip stick.  2A on left and 3A on right.

[bverboy]

 following your rebuild and nice work.. will them letters and numbers tell the exact year bob?? im pulling my tranny out very soon too..

[Bob W]

C1192 is March 11, 1949.