1948 Willys CJ-2A

The original OEM grease/lube used is no longer available so there are different viewpoints on what to use. It appears standard grease was used in the knuckle and because of how thick it is it has been slung to the outer edges of the chamber by centrifugal force causing the ‘balls’ in the Bendix joint to not be properly lubed. When I put this back together I’ll probably use 90wt lube.

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I decided to just buy some new Spicer shafts and use the old warn hubs I already have.

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These shafts have Zerk fittings that must be removed for proper internal clearance while rotating.

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Another issue I ran into is that the Spicer joint will not fit through the front of the knuckle so that must be removed to install the shafts than the knuckle is replaced.

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These bearings and seals do not look too bad, however they will be replaced. I will keep them for spares or in case parts become scarce one day.

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A good wheel bearing grease and wheel bearing grease packer to eliminate all air pockets is handy and less messy.
With the Wiilys I had, it called for cleaning up and packing those bearings every 6,000 Mi along with the oil change and everything else.
 
I have some time to work on the Willys today. Not sure I’ll have the M2 50 caliber installed in time for Moab, sorry @DirtHeadDavis 😢

I bought some new hubs and needed to install longer wheel studs to accommodate the disk brakes. Well that led to buying a press. Probably the last thing I should buy before I move so I got an inexpensive one from China Freight. I can always sell it or give it away.

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The wheel studs went in easy enough

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I’m thirsty, time for a delicious beverage! Cheers Wayalife and happy weekend!

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Had some time to work on Kaiser.

As I mentioned before the spicer shafts will not fit through the knuckle opening so I took the knuckle off. Spicer in and knuckle back on. The hardest part is the 3-different components on the back side- rubber gasket, felt seal, and the steel retaining plate.

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The u-joints on the Spicer require a different bushing on the back (remove the zerk fitting) and my original spindles were trashed so I’m installing new spindles.

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Bracket for disk brakes installed. Of course I realized my key slot was on the bottom after this picture and I re-installed them. (I need to grab another beer)

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I used my press to set up my hubs. On the inboard side is a bearing race, bearings, and a seal. On the outboard side is a bearing race, bearings, washer, nut, washer, and another nut.

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Note the longer wheel studs. The rotor for the disk brakes goes on the outside of the hub. The drum brake was on the inside.
 
I picked up several locking hubs. To start with I’m going to install these. They are newer style old school hubs.

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Backside of clutch assembly

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I also have these and will eventually transition to them but they need some TLC. I like they way they look.

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Body assembly

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It’s been fun working on these and I’ve learned a lot.
 
Are you upgrading all 4 corners to rotors?

Even though I thoroughly enjoy working on old iron (older than me) I don't envy you rebuilding the locking hubs.
My old eyes and one little piece going *ZING* and I'd be emptying the beer fridge.
 
Man, that looks like a lot of fun! Gonna make that thing like new again (y)

I was going to keep it 100% original, but I like to stop when it’s appropriate. 😂

I am envisioning us doing a local Old Iron saloon tour. Maybe start at Genoa and end up at Virginia City. Coming down that hill from Virginia City could be exciting with bad brakes, especially after a half-dozen+ Old Fashions!


Are you upgrading all 4 corners to rotors?

Even though I thoroughly enjoy working on old iron (older than me) I don't envy you rebuilding the locking hubs.
My old eyes and one little piece going *ZING* and I'd be emptying the beer fridge.

As far as seeing tiny parts- I won’t lie, I lost a roller bearing already. I’ll find it eventually but that’s why I bought 5 total hubs. 😆

At some point I’ll do rear disks and a dual reservoir master cylinder For now I should be good, the front disks are pretty huge so it will stop way faster than it did before. Also at a top speed of 53, down hill, with a tailwind I could probably drag my feet and still stop it. 😂
 
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