COMANCHE CLUB BUILDS A FLAT FENDER. REV.1

[MariaManche]

Recently dragged home this 195* Willys M38. 

 

Hoping to start on this project next summer and I thought it would be neat for the Comanche Club to decide how it is built.

 

The poll feature only allows for so many questions, so the first round of polling will be for Engine, Trans, And T-Case. More will follow as progress is made and parts are collected. 

 

Right now, it is a blank slate. I removed the body and built a roll around body cart for it. There was no engine, transmission (t90) is on the workbench and is in bad shape, transfer case is still attached to the trans. 

 

The good..

Frame is extremely solid. 

Body is somewhat solid. Needs some floor panel and rocker work. 

Military Version (Beefier Frame?)

Axle gearing both seem to be healthy

 

The bad.. 

No title

No engine

T90 transmission is in bad shape

 

[87MJTIM]

For old flat fenders, I am an originalist.

[89 MJ]

If you go with the SM420, I would

look at running an NP205 if you can. 

[derf]

43 minutes ago, 89 MJ said:

If you go with the SM420, I would

look at running an NP205 if you can. 

This.  Though I voted the Spicer 18 to keep the offset rear output to match the axle.  If the axle is changed for a center differential, I'd change to either a Dana 20 or NP205.

 

Also, the short flat fender will have a tough time fitting a longer transmission.  Some of those options like the 700R4 may take a lot of customizing to fit.

[neohic]

45 minutes ago, derf said:

… Though I voted the Spicer 18 to keep the offset rear output to match the axle.  If the axle is changed for a center differential, I'd change to either a Dana 20 or NP205...

I voted for the Dana 18 also. The offset outputs is perfect if you want to keep the suspension low. Dana 20 with 18 internals makes for a sweet setup too. 

[Big_Mark]

5.0+T-18+Dana 300+Dana 60 F/R a winning combo for sure!
Not sure what your plans are for this thing though, Streetable? Wheeler? Hammer-mobile?

[eaglescout526]

This makes me think of the Jeeps Lowbuckgarage has built. Curious to see what happens. Might vote but probably won’t like the engine choice haha. 

[pizzaman09]

To me, vintage motoring is more about the connection to the original drivetrain and how one engages with it than the body itself.  There is nothing that gives me less joy than to see a classic vehicle with a Chevy small block and a TH400 or 700R behind it.  That looses all of the soul of the original drive.  It's not a high powered race car, enjoy the unique nature of driving the original drivetrain.

 

That said, I can get behind an odd ball swap, a Jeep 4.0L and an AX-15 would sure as heck move if one could shoehorn it in.

[Ωhm]

Let Willy enjoy the Parades and trips to the beer store. 4 banger got my vote.