IDYSD Substitution

[wcarroll@outrageous.net]

Since I’m Studebaker-less I had to drive the closest thing I had, and since it shares a lot of its drivetrain components like the T90 and Dana Axles, I decided I should take my 1954 Willys CJ3B out for a drive.

[RadioRoy]

Nice looking Jeep. Is that the model with the F-head engine?

[wcarroll@outrageous.net]

Thanks, and yes. The 3B’s taller hood and grille are the giveaway since they had to make room for the OHV motor.

I much prefer the model as you feel more like you are inside rather than sitting atop like the earlier flat fender military models especially with the windshield down, when you consider the seats have no side support, the tub is step through, and the only thing you have to hold onto is the steering wheel.

Of course the extra power also comes in handy for keeping up with traffic on modern roads and speed limits, although I find people today are in too much of a hurry for non-synchro first gears.

I also have an aftermarket Overdrive and PTO unit that drives the front winch which were popular period accessories.

The overdrive is on the fly and splits each gear. With the tall tires and Overdrive, the motor isn’t working very hard at 50MPH which is the fastest we drive on this island.

My last Jeep was a ‘71 Jeepster Commando with the Dauntless Odd Fire V6 which I loved, and I have a completely rebuilt Dauntless on a stand with Offy intake and Holley 390 4bb I thought I would swap into the 3B, but the F-head gets the job done just fine so I decided to leave it alone.