'53 Willy's Jeep

[codeman2468]

I have a very open ended question to you 4x4 enthusiasts:

My dad has '53 Willy's jeep that he wants restore (again). The reason I'm asking on this site, is that it is mostly a Ford at his time.

He originally restored is about 28 yrs ago. He put a Ford 302 w/ a Holley 4bbl, Competition clutch and 4 on the floor. Dana 44s (I'm pretty sure), and posi rear-end.

The problem is the transfer case is cracked, and the engine was smoking before that.

So... what do you all recommend he do? obviously he'd like to keep as much of it the same as he had it. But my thinking is that it may be cheaper to redo it all if he can get all matching parts from one vehicle.

My thought is getting a later model explorer with a 5.0. But will that still match the older 4spd? Does he have to change that? and transfer case? rear-ends? If he does, is it worth changing everything, or should he just get an older 302 with a similar transfer case and keep things the same?

I also think a 4.0L SOHC would have ample power for such a light vehicle-keep in mind these jeeps were MUCH lighter than a broncoII.

Please give me your thoughts before he puts my Taurus engine in it!!! lol

Thanks,
Cody

 

[khooper]

If it is not subjected to direct pump/line pressure there are several 2 part epoxies that can repair that area. The issue is is whether the strength of the tail shaft housing has be compromised.
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See me at autopartswarehouse

 

[canyoncritter]

hermtheoverdriveguy.com

 

[canyoncritter]

hermtheoverdriveguy.com

tarus motor wont work its front wheel drive the blocks/bell housing patterns a are diffrent then the rear wheel drive that would work.

the tarus fan would be a good swap on to the old jeep, they move alot of air.

unless its a total crawler, I would keep it old school with a carb and a 302/5.0L, you can convert a newer 5.0L to carb to and still have the roller cam and such....intake and dist. gear


what T case is in it now and what 4sd?

and whats the over all use going to be of the jeep, total crawler, street rod,dirt drag etc

 

[superdave1984]

He should give me the Jeep.

 

[WhiteBroncoII2WD]

I believe there would be a lot of work involved using a newer 5.0 liter from an Explorer, it would be best in that case to use all the computer components from the Explorer and the drive train. Best solution would be to find an early 80s full size Bronco and make that the donor truck or rebuild the engine he has

 

[codeman2468]

The taurus comment was more of a joke... i do realize it would be more trouble than it's worth.

anyway, the primary use of the jeep would be off-roading... mud/snow, hunting and what-not. Not strictly a crawler.

Not sure of the 4spd and transfer case... just know it's all 70's era ford, and i know it's got 4.11 gears.

oh, and superdave... good luck, i've been begging for years!

 

[superdave1984]

Never hurts to try...