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Willys MB build

Author Topic: Willys MB build  (Read 56179 times)

Offline Wingman

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Willys MB build
« on: March 02, 2014, 08:46:20 AM »
The secret build revealed!

Some know that I've been shopping for "random" parts and asking unusual questions that would lead one to believe that a super-secret project was afoot.  Those who had to be made privy were sworn to secrecy.  A heavy burden...

After much reading, image reviewing, and deliberation, I think I've finally come to the conclusion that my next project will be a ground-up custom Willys MB build, for "wreck" and road only.  I've always loved the reputation and appearance of the WW2 Willys Jeep.  Not quite buggy status (I'll probably regret this later) but a build that will only use the grille and hood from the real thing.  The body dimensions will remain intact with a slight front clip extension to make room for the drivetrain.  The goal is to remain small and as lightweight as possible and keep all of the look of an American classic.  While not a thorough-bred, a tribute none the less.  May have to add some real bullet holes, err, I mean, speed holes.

Couple of inspirational pics:




Starting points:
D44 front w/RCVs
Ford 9' HP rear
D300 t-case
5.3 aluminum LS
4L60E
4-link rear?
3-link front?
coilovers?
flat belly ~20"
2x4 box frame
integrated full cage
tin body panels
36-37" tire/wheel combo
full hydro steering
~86-87" wheel base
dropped seating
lower windshield and cage height
low COG
road legal

Think "big kid's go-cart" (borrowed phrase)

Always open to words of encouragement, criticism, tech wisdom, and heckling.

So, there it is.  Now to collect some more parts, tools, material, and ambition...

Offline MrMindless

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Re: Willys MB build
« Reply #1 on: March 02, 2014, 10:19:02 AM »

I see what you're after with the lighter axles and case but for the price of a RCV'd 44 you could probably be close to a 9" front running stock or cromo 60 shafts. Lighter and stronger than the 44.


Nobody should ever use a 44 in something it isn't already under :)


Tapatalking in traffic
Michael Maskalans
#571 Last Minute Motorsports
High Miler: 07.5 Ram 6.7 6sp 4x2, ARB, 19.5s
2003 R'Audi Allroad 6sp
Road Block: 98 Dakota 203/205 triple stick, 42" SXs
Dumpbus: 97 Ram 24v P-pumped, RoadRanger 13sp
'87 AMC Eagle Wagon

Offline Wingman

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Re: Willys MB build
« Reply #2 on: March 06, 2014, 05:26:08 PM »
One of the few OEM pieces arrived today


Offline jACeL86

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Re: Willys MB build
« Reply #3 on: March 07, 2014, 04:55:09 PM »
I'll only heckle out of jealousy.  :D
'06 Rubicon, 5.5"RE tri-rear, 37" Trxus, Metal Cloak gear

Offline Wingman

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Re: Willys MB build
« Reply #4 on: March 18, 2014, 11:37:25 AM »
Steel delivery...


Offline Wingman

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Re: Willys MB build
« Reply #5 on: March 19, 2014, 06:57:10 PM »
Frame rails


Offline Wingman

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Re: Willys MB build
« Reply #6 on: March 20, 2014, 04:08:45 PM »
Today's progress = reinforcement plates

I need a plasma cutter.



Offline etk300ex

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Re: Willys MB build
« Reply #7 on: March 21, 2014, 10:09:20 AM »
Big dogs?  :). Looks good!
06 Frontier 4x4
03 Ram CCLB 4x4
84 Viking truck camper
92 Toyota Truggy gone
Mountain bikes, it's cheaper and smaller

Offline Wingman

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Re: Willys MB build
« Reply #8 on: March 21, 2014, 04:20:53 PM »
Fun with levels, tape measures, squares, jackstands, spare parts, and such today...

YJ leaves I picked up are rusty piles of broken-ness.  I guess I'll be ordering new waggy leaves.  Was leaning toward front leaves for simplicity.

Grille just set in for thickness reference.  Too low in current position but will likely be down between the rails some.  Leaving space in front for recessed winch.

Looks like final length should be around 127-129".  That's 13" off of existing rails.  86-88" wheel base.  With 36" tire, around 21" belly.


Offline Wingman

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Re: Willys MB build
« Reply #9 on: March 22, 2014, 05:15:35 PM »
Ruffstuff goodness arrived.

Front spring hangers and shackle bushing, rear 4-link kit.


Offline Wingman

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Re: Willys MB build
« Reply #10 on: March 24, 2014, 04:18:23 PM »
Front spring mount tacked, YJ leaves slung, axle moved into place.

Have to rethink my current axle selection, they're wider than I thought.  It's a crying shame too because they are almost perfect in every other way.


Offline jACeL86

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Re: Willys MB build
« Reply #11 on: March 25, 2014, 05:20:37 PM »
You are wasting zero time! Nice!
'06 Rubicon, 5.5"RE tri-rear, 37" Trxus, Metal Cloak gear

Offline Wingman

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Re: Willys MB build
« Reply #12 on: March 27, 2014, 02:12:43 PM »
Not a lot of progress in the last couple of days.  Still trying to figure the rear 4-link layout.  And haven't been feeling good...   :-\

Did get the upper axle mount welded up yesterday.


Offline Wingman

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Re: Willys MB build
« Reply #13 on: March 28, 2014, 07:37:07 AM »
A little mock-up, not the correct outer bracket:


Offline Wingman

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Re: Willys MB build
« Reply #14 on: March 31, 2014, 05:25:49 PM »
Special delivery of a VIP (Very Important Part) yesterday.

LM4 aluminum block (pre-L33), 40k miles, 290 hp, 325 f/lbs torque, "drive-by-wire"

Needs a pan change, intake should be fine.  We'll see.



New pan (4/4/14).  Corvette C6 new take-off.

« Last Edit: April 12, 2014, 07:12:40 PM by Wingman »

 

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