hello all. New to this group. I just recently purchased a 1956 Willys Delivery Wagon. Looking for some insight on what bolt in front suspension and rearends will work on the stock frame. I am wanting to build a street rod. Already have a mopar 440 and a 727 trans. Thanks in advance
they came with a dana 44 out back - if you don't build the 440 to strong - a posi dana 44 out of a newer Jeep mail truck should work with the auto....the front....think there are some manufactures with some nice straight axles out there....someone will chime in.........
You've got my attention with this build! Keep posting your progress. Some 45 years ago, in a speed shop in Everett, Washington State, was a similar Willys Wagon (Overland?) gas cl*** car. I remember it being a metalic rootbeer brown, and lots of chrome. Never saw it run or in any of the Seattle area shows. I am Butch/56sedandelivery.
440 is way too much motor for a vehicle that small and light not to mention the short wheelbase. Unless you are building a drag car you will be happier with a smaller lighter motor. Although there is room enough under the hood, I put an Olds 371 in one a long time ago. Original IFS is an unusual design with a transverse leaf spring acting as lower control arm. It wasn't bad for what it was but the brakes aren't very big. Probably the easiest IFS swap would be some kind of Mustang II universal crossmember. I would be very surprised if anyone built anything for that ch***is.
Fatman sells a IFS, installed one in a '56, one in a '48 Panel, one in a '48 Jeepster. May have to cut firewall for radiator clearance. 8"-9"Fords fit best depending on tire, wheel combo.
BigTwitch My Jeepster runs a MustangII front suspension with 2" dropped spindles, supporting a 396 ci Chevrolet Big Block/Turbo 400 combo. I use a 1965 Chevrolet Nova 12 bolt posi bolted to the stock original leaf springs in the rear. Before installing the MustangII up front, I ran the original suspension with the addition of two extra leaf springs to handle the additional weight of the Big Block, and utilized the original Willys brakes. Though I would highly recommend a brake upgrade.
...neat project, I built this Jeep P.U. years back with a Nova stub partly cuz some friends told me it wouldn't work LOL ..ran a Buick V6 in it, it's still drivin around ...
Can confirm about the Ford 9" I used a rear axle out of a 57 Ford station wagon in mine, mainly because it had the same wheel bolt pattern as the Willys. Had to relocate the spring perches. On mine I cleaned and polished the spring leaves and added one leaf, it worked fine. If I was doing one again I would use a small block V8 or maybe a V6 and see if I could put disc brakes on the stock front end. But I can see where the modern front suspension is a good idea if you plan on doing a lot of driving.
O'Tool, I have found over the years that by the time you buy all the stock front end parts to refurbish your factory Willy's front end you might as well of bought a Mll. Find a used Mll in a wrecking yard and refurbish with new parts, same thing, might as well by a new Mll kit. "They", the aftermarket suppliers, have it all figured to where it's not much more and installation of the Mll isn't all that bad.................................
and y'all dont believe it when I say 90 % of the HAMB is off topic. Jeeps were never traditional hot rods and the first post of this thread says he wants a street rod
We have safe guards for this type of activity their called moderators, not my job to lambaste the guy.............................................................
Hey it's pre 1964 and if you squint a bit looks like a Model A sedan. Since when is a Willys with a Chrysler motor not a hot rod. I tend to agree about the MII especially if the old front suspension is worn out or you intend to drive it a lot. I'm thinking it would be a lot of fun with a small block or V6 for farting around and going to shows and cruises. But, I wouldn't want to take a long trip. The high boxy body and short wheelbase do not encourage good handling and cornering not to mention the choppy ride. I drove mine all over the place but I was young and stupid and traffic was not near as bad back then.
I hope I didn't offend anyone with this. Just basically wanting some info on suspension parts. I am wanting to just build a weekend cruiser . I saw this pic and got the idea
If you would like you can PM Conversation with me about your build, they are fun to build and drive but be for warned it's like building anything else, not cheap but well worth it!
Just to clarify something here I just reread Twitch's first post, he was asking for a "bolt" in IFS. The 4 or so IFS I installed in a Willy's was a FatMan weld in. I haven't checked to see if FatMan makes a bolt in, never really cared.....................................................................
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