gt350pilot
Gear Grinder
- Sep 7, 2010
- 16
- Willys Model
- Willys Year:
I am in the beginning stages of research for my wagon project. I purchased the wagon with no engine or trans and the PO had done a bit of a hatchet job putting a small block Chevy in previously. He had also done a less than stellar job with a homemade lift kit. I would like to install a late model engine and trans and more importantly, return it to stockish height so it will fit in the garage.
I have been looking into my options of either doing a simple repower with a late model V6 or 8 and a disc conversion on the stock front axle or perhaps a complete chassis swap to incorporate a full late-model drivetrain and suspension. I took a bunch of measurements of the wagon and hit pick and pull for some reference vehicles. I measured S-10 blazers, pathfinders, 4runners, basically everything that they had.
After much note taking, my initial research indicates that a early 90s pathfinder 4dr, 4wd might be the closest to the willys. All of the pertinent measurements I could think of were really close. Heck, even the gas tank and filler is in the right place. So it begs the question.
Has anybody ever done this conversion???? Looked into it and found issues that I have not considered? My plan would be to swap the entire drivetrain and chassis under the wagon body.
Any thoughts, advise?
I have been looking into my options of either doing a simple repower with a late model V6 or 8 and a disc conversion on the stock front axle or perhaps a complete chassis swap to incorporate a full late-model drivetrain and suspension. I took a bunch of measurements of the wagon and hit pick and pull for some reference vehicles. I measured S-10 blazers, pathfinders, 4runners, basically everything that they had.
After much note taking, my initial research indicates that a early 90s pathfinder 4dr, 4wd might be the closest to the willys. All of the pertinent measurements I could think of were really close. Heck, even the gas tank and filler is in the right place. So it begs the question.
Has anybody ever done this conversion???? Looked into it and found issues that I have not considered? My plan would be to swap the entire drivetrain and chassis under the wagon body.
Any thoughts, advise?