Help Identifying Family Willys Jeep - Possible CJ2A/CJ3A/MB-GPW Jeep Salad

[jd_abramson]

Hello everyone,

I’m starting a new thread in the CJ section to help identify my family Willys Jeep and get guidance before I begin restoration. It has been in my family since the 1960s, and I recently acquired it.

Thanks to everyone who welcomed me in the intro thread. Also, JABJEEP , I liked the “Jeep salad” comment. LOL. That may be exactly what this is.

Based on the feedback so far, it may be a mix of parts. The glove box door appears to point toward an MB/GPW body tub, while the semi-floating rear axle, grille, and rear shocks seem more CJ, possibly CJ2A or CJ3A. I have not found a frame stamp yet, but I am still looking.

I’ve included pictures and measurements and would appreciate help identifying:

• Possible model/year
• Body, frame, axle, and drivetrain clues
• Where to look for serial numbers or casting/stamp marks
• What appears original versus swapped
• What to inspect first before driving or ordering parts
• My early priorities are brakes, differential/axle seals, fluids, steering, suspension, wheel bearings, and general safety items.

Thanks in advance. I appreciate the help and look forward to learning more as I work through this Jeep.

 

[JABJEEP]

Looks like a CJ2A with a Ford GPW body tub and front axle. I replaced a rusted out CJ3A tub with a GPW body tub, so it's not hard to do. The Model 41 rear axle and frame indicate CJ2A rather than MB/GPW or CJ3A. It has a spring over axle lift and fewer, flatter leaf springs, and many other modifications. But the front axle appears to be an MB/GPW axle (steering pivot on the axle tube) with CJ parts from the knuckles out (cast-in arms, not bolt-on). It's a jeep salad, and buying parts will always take some research. I suggest keeping a list in the glove compartment explaining what's what as you figure it out.

 

[WA7OPY]

Mostly cj-2a, as said ford body tub, mb hood, 2a grill and fenders, 2a seats, post war engine, 41 rear (2a) 25 front (not mb/gpw) 2a wind shield (mod to 1 pc glass) 2a wheels... And someone liked the spare on the hood like a land rover, ( bad idea bends the hood and hits the ws when up if you can lift the hood up)...Phil

 

[jd_abramson]

Thanks for the help so far. I wanted to start a CJ thread to document this Jeep and figure out what components I actually have before ordering parts.

Based on the latest feedback, it sounds like this is likely a CJ2A-based Jeep with a Ford GPW/MB-style body tub and several mixed components. JABJEEP’s “Jeep salad” description seems pretty accurate..

Here is what I understand so far:

• Body tub: likely Ford GPW/MB style due to the glove box door shape. The floor pan is in terrible shape, and I'll likely replace the whole body.
• Frame/rear axle: likely CJ2A, with the Model 41 rear axle pointing away from MB/GPW and CJ3A.
• Front axle: now appears to be a Dana/Spicer 25 front axle, possibly with mixed military/CJ components from the knuckles out.
• Suspension: modified with a spring-over-axle lift and fewer/flatter leaf springs.
• Engine: appears to be a Willys L-head/Go Devil style engine. The block is marked WILLYS, and the casting shows the firing order and tappet clearance information. I am still trying to locate the engine serial number.

I have not found a frame stamp yet, but I am still looking:

• Front and rear axle details
• Engine, transmission, and transfer case identification

My goal is to make a running list of what this Jeep actually has before buying parts. Early priorities are brakes, axle/differential seals, fluids, steering, suspension, wheel bearings, and general safety items.

 

[poconochris]

Looks like it might be converted to 12V.

 

[gimbelsjeep]

Do you have a title or other paperwork? That might help figure out if is was an MB or CJ to start with. It's a toss up,(salad joke).

 

[FinoCJ]

I prefer frankenjeep over jeepsalad....worth about $500 more that way

 

[diggerG]

Spicer 44 rear, NOT 41. The butchered frame in front is unidentifiable. I’d get any VIN tag (MB, CJ2A, 3A) and go for it. I hope you have a T90 CJ trans The MB T84 is a POS. What you probably have is an MB body on a CJ3A frame.

That being said, it’s so hacked that it makes no difference what it is.

diggerG

 

[WA7OPY]

Spicer 44 rear, NOT 41. The butchered frame in front is unidentifiable. I’d get any VIN tag (MB, CJ2A, 3A) and go for it. I hope you have a T90 CJ trans The MB T84 is a POS. What you probably have is an MB body on a CJ3A frame.

That being said, it’s so hacked that it makes no difference what it is.

diggerG

Does the 44 come with a round lid? I have only seen 41 with the round cover...Phil