Just found this build. I have a 55 Willys wagon and the frame was destroyed. Found a good Willys frame and built it up with Dana 44 front and a custom built Dana 60 rear. I have not been a big fan of frame swaps because of the very issues that you are dealing with in the rear. The original frame has all the body mounts and was of nearly equal strength to the later Jeep frame. I might do some boxing of my frame for added strength in a few places. Your work looks good.
Great build! Eyeing this up for a potential body swap for our '56 wagon. I am curious how you decided to stretch the TJ frame 13". I understand the wagon has a wheelbase of 104" and the TJ 93" for a difference of 11". Was the extra 2" to allow the front grill to align better with the hole in the TJ frame? Thanks!
Thanks for your comments Cal. I wish I could say I planned it such that the front radiator support mount lined up, but it just worked out that way with 13" lengthening. Mike and I just took some time measuring the Willys wheel base before I removed the body and we felt like we wanted the front axle farther forward in the front fender so decided on the 13". Its not complete yet, but I think it is going to be a perfect length. Stay tuned and thanks for following.
Just found this build. I have a 55 Willys wagon and the frame was destroyed. Found a good Willys frame and built it up with Dana 44 front and a custom built Dana 60 rear. I have not been a big fan of frame swaps because of the very issues that you are dealing with in the rear. The original frame has all the body mounts and was of nearly equal strength to the later Jeep frame. I might do some boxing of my frame for added strength in a few places. Your work looks good.
Thanks James. Your build sounds awesome. Would love to see some pics.
Great build! Eyeing this up for a potential body swap for our '56 wagon. I am curious how you decided to stretch the TJ frame 13". I understand the wagon has a wheelbase of 104" and the TJ 93" for a difference of 11". Was the extra 2" to allow the front grill to align better with the hole in the TJ frame? Thanks!
Thanks for your comments Cal. I wish I could say I planned it such that the front radiator support mount lined up, but it just worked out that way with 13" lengthening. Mike and I just took some time measuring the Willys wheel base before I removed the body and we felt like we wanted the front axle farther forward in the front fender so decided on the 13". Its not complete yet, but I think it is going to be a perfect length. Stay tuned and thanks for following.
nice job. Where are you located?