V8-Powered Willys CJ-2A Is a High Speed Rescue Rig: Throwback Thursday Presented by the All-New Nitto Recon Grappler™ A/T
This 1948 Willys CJ-2A is equipped with a Chevy small block 350 V8 and a host of other goodies to make it an excellent rescue rig.
The 1948 Willys CJ-2A is a versatile machine. If you want something to wheel or something to show or something to just drive around the farm, the CJ-2A can accommodate. The CJ-2A that you see here has a future as a rescue rig for the snowy season. It is built well but not so nice that it would qualify as a show truck. It was built to be capable and get the job done. This Jeep might not sparkle and shine, but it has it where it counts.
This week’s “Throwback Thursday” Presented by Nitto is all about this Willys CJ-2A rescue rig. It was purchased recently by former Monster Truck driver, Casey LaDelle. This is Willys number three for LaDelle. His first was a bit of a disaster build. His second was built so nice that he was afraid to really take it off-road anywhere. However, this latest Willys is the Goldilocks of the bunch. Built really well where it counts but nothing that you would mind getting out in the rough stuff with. LaDelle recently shot a walkaround video and uploaded it his Casey LaDelle YouTube channel. In this video you will see why this might be the perfect rescue rig.
Turn the Key and Go
LaDelle is excited about this Willys CJ-2A that he recently acquired because as it sits it is ready for duty. He plans to add a front and rear winch and that is about it. The Jeep already has everything it needs to play the rescue rig role. It is powered by a Chevy 350 V8 hooked up to a SM465 4-speed manual transmission. The transfer case is a Dana 20 that is leaking the perfect amount of oil. Half ton Dana 44 axles are in place front and rear. It rides on 36-inch tires mounted on 15-inch beadlock wheels. The frame has been extended front and rear to accommodate the longer YJ leaf springs.
Other Modifications
This Willys CJ-2A is further modified to enhance comfort and practicality. There is a tube rocker guard along the side. Speaking of tubes, the flat fenders have been replaced with much stronger tube fenders. The wheel wells have been cut out and boxed in. This allows the seat to be pushed further back and gives the 6-foot four-inch LaDelle the extra leg room he needs. It does have working windshield wipers, but they clear a smashed and cracked windshield. It was damaged when the Jeep was rolled by the previous owner. LaDelle has no plans to fix it because he anticipates it being rolled again.
What Works?
You might not think so by looking at it, but most of the stuff on the Jeep actually works. All lights are in perfect working order. The gauges on the dash all work. Even the heater still works. Yes, the Jeep is open, but LaDelle does have windows and doors for it. It won’t be sealed up like a new Grand Cherokee, but it should protect LaDelle enough if he is out doing some vehicle recovery work. The Jeep also has a full roll cage. We know that works because as mentioned the Jeep as already been rolled.
Future Plans
LaDelle has made it clear that he doesn’t plan to do a ton of work other than getting the front and rear winch mounted up. However, since this is going to be a snow rescue rig, he does plan to throw some tracks on it. That should enable this Willys CJ-2A to go up as far into the mountains as needed. We think it will be one of the most fun recovery rigs out there. Check out the video below to see everything this little Jeep has to offer.
Photos: Casey LaDelle