With the eminent close of WWII, Willys-Overland began development of a civilian vehicle that could be marketed outside the scope of the military realm, this decision led to the first mass-production of the CJ-2A starting in 1945. Small changes such as larger flush mounted headlights and a switch from the nine-slot MB grille to the seven-slot grille are key features that help identify the two separate vehicle styles. This recently completed 1948 Willys Jeep CJ-2A not only shares the look of the original Willys but it hosts a series of modern upgrades while keeping the classic style. The driveline is punctuated tenfold by the GM 5.3L Gen III LS V8, remanufactured by Jasper, mated to a SM465 four-speed manual transmission. The front and rear axles are custom length rebuilt DANA 44’s which allowed us to keep the classic look of the skinny tires (ARB air lockers installed into each). A rebuilt DANA 300 twin stick transfer case operates both axles independently and with a low gear of 6.55:1, matched with the 2.62:1 low range transfer case, topped with the locking front and rear axles this Willys is also a fully capable off-roader. Underneath the vehicle lies the new Mandrel bent 2x4 3/16in steel frame powder coated in gloss black. The ride of the vehicle has been vastly improved over its original quality with new leaf springs from a Jeep YJ, Bilstein shocks, front sway bar, and a rear traction bar. This original paint scheme of picket grey and Harvard red was resprayed with two coats of Premium Sherwin Williams basecoat, followed by three coats of high solids clearcoat, finished with a five-stage wet sand and a three-stage polish. This extensive process gives a finish that is deep and lustrous, smooth to the touch, and provided this vehicle with multiple awards including two best paint trophies. The interior has been completely redone using a lightly waxed leather that is soft to the touch with handsome stitchwork to compliment the rustic look. The fresh aluminum tub has been recessed to include a sliding mechanism for the driver so should someone be a taller individual they could still drive the vehicle comfortably. Hidden beneath the rear seat is a dual speaker setup with a marine head unit in the center. The upgraded interior also comes with a full array of new vintage 40s series gauges which maintain that original look. Under the passenger seat lies a battery and the air compressor which is used for the ARB air lockers or for airing up the tires. At the front of the vehicle sits a powerful WARN M8000 wench, capable of pulling 8,000 pounds with 100ft of wire rope. Under the hood is where things get more interesting. Long gone is the straight-4 engine that came in the vehicle originally, instead you will find a 5.3L LS V8 that gives this Willys plenty of pop. Topped with a modern fuel-injection system, an LS6 high-flow intake, and Sanderson ceramic coated headers; it starts, runs, drives, and handles like it just rolled off the showroom floor this century. With that added power comes added reliability and therein lies the goal of our company – to make vintage 4x4s with modern reliability. This vehicle comes with a two-year nationwide warranty from JASPER that covers parts and labor on the motor. Keep an eye out and you will see this very vehicle featured in Jasper’s 2023 automotive calendar. The 5.3L LS looks like it was born under the hood as well, where it was fitted and mounted exactly right which was no easy feat given that this vehicle maintains its original wheelbase. The SM465 manual transmission spins the dana 44 rear end with 4.10 gearing, which means performance is entertaining, although it can handle highway travel as well. Power steering, A Bilstein steering stabilizer, hydroboost assisted front and rear disk brakes, and a big front sway bar all improve the ride quality, while an aluminum radiator with a large electric fan keeps the show nice and cool. Should this vehicle find itself in less ideal climates there is a removable Best Top soft top that comes with it along with the vintage air heater to keep the interior warm. A full roll cage specifically designed to work with the soft top is also provided, so if is up to the driver whether they want the classic look of the original Willys or the added security of a full roll cage and three-point seatbelts (lap belts are available without the cage).
