my first jeep

[oldwilly]

Hello everyone.2 weeks ago i went and picked up my dads old 51 willys jeep wagon.That had been sitting for 25 years.There is alot of swaps and things i think i should do to the jeep but im not sure where to start.I plan in builing it from the ground up.Since it was my dads itis kidna a family heirloom now.So i dont plan on doing any heavy 4x4ing it.Ill be doing some average 4xing but alot of street driving too.This is what i would like todo and any tips on how to get there would be be great.
35inch tires,6inch leaf lift,new front and rear end?(if i need to swap),more powerfull engine(283 in it now)maybe a new 350 or would rebuilding the 283 make more sense,no idea of what to put behind the engine,not sure what i can keep.
The body is all off now.Im trying to find out if i have a 1 or 2 peace axal im the original dana 44 .Ive been told that if it is 2 peace i should swap.But im not sure what to get.Then what should i do about the front to up date the steering.I know i have alot on my plate and that ive asked alot of questions.I have about 5 gs to start the project.Any info tips what ever would be great.Thanks for any help you can provide

 

[TwistedCU]

Welcome!!!

Now post PICS!

 

[Sparky-Watts]

Wow! Sounds like quite an adventure! Personally, if it were my dad's Jeep, I'd restore it to the way it was when he drove it, but that's just me, especially being a '51. But, it's yours to do what you want, and what you have planned sounds good, too. You've come to the right place for your answers. The gang here is the greatest when it comes to tech help. Stick around a while, there's always a spot on the couch and a cold beer in the fridge here at Jeepz.

Welcome aboard!!

 

[joejeepny]

Welcome to the club. I dont know to much about 51's but if I werent going to do any really heavy fourwheelin I wouldn't go with 35's. Think about 33 x 12.50's bf goodrich. Good gas milage and GREAT offroad. I would think if it was a wagon the drive train is pretty strong. I would keep it stock and have it all rebuilt.

 

[oldwilly]

how do i post picks.I put one on my profile i think.But not sure how to put them up hear

 

[oldwilly]

Do you think if i kept the stock d 44 and had 33 they could handle them with 6 inch lift?

 

[droopey]

I have D-44's on my jeep with 35's and I wheel pretty hard and they handle it no problem.

 

[redrooster]

It's probably one of the ancient 10 spline 44's. The front will be a Dana 27 or something really tiny.
If you want to do a complete overhaul, then the best thing to do is figure out how heavy duty you want it, then buy a salvage vehicle to rob the parts from. A Jeep YJ or TJ with a 4.0 litre might work well for you or possibly a K5 Blazer or Chevrolet pickup if you want to go wider.

 

[oldwilly]

Droopey and redrooster thanks for the great info.Im guessing it is an ancient 10 spine but how can i find out.The jeep is kinda a family hireloom now and im not gonna be charging it.I will be doing some moderate 4xing.I want to run 35s with a inch leaf lift.When it comes time i want to purchase a crate 350.What kinda gears should i be looking at if im only doing aveage 4xing and street driving?I was thinking going wider becasue with the lift it will be even more top heavy.What year d 44s should i be looking for.Thanks again this is great help