| 1948 - 1953 CJ-3A |
| Production of the Willys CJ3A model began in late 1948 and overlapped production of the CJ2A into 1949. The CJ3A still utilized the 4 cylinder "Go Devil" engine, T90 transmission, Model 18 transfer case, Dana 25 front axle, and Dana 41 rear axle (early production). The CJ3A body style was brought back in 1956 with the introduction of the DJ3A, a two wheel drive version known also as the Dispatcher. Click here for the DJ-3A identification page. |
| The CJ3A also saw some changes during production. In late 1950 Willys began using the Dana 44 rear end in the CJ3A (prior to this the rear end was a Dana 41). About the same time the radiator was changed also. The early radiator was the same as the CJ2A one (mounted to the frame with two studs at the bottom of the radiator). The late CJ3A radiator mounted to the grill instead. |
| 1951 Willys CJ3A |
| Identifying Characteristics: |
| Data Plates: CJ3A had the same long data plate located on the passenger side of the dash as the later CJ2A; the serial number plate was located on the passenger side of the firewall |
| Windshield Frame: one piece windshield frame, vent door in middle of the panel, square tube construction *Note: CJ2A, MB, & CJ3A windshield frames are interchangeable and it is not uncommon to see this. |
| Front Bumper: front bumper mounted directly to frame horns *Note: very late production CJ2A's used a CJ3A style frame, without the gussets, as the new CJ3A model was brought into production. |
| Rear Wheel House: shorter than the CJ2A's (top of wheel house measures 32 inches from the back of the body to the front edge), giving the driver and passenger several more inches of leg room |
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