Willys CJ3B Custom Frame Build For Welder Jeep, Getting Started

In this video I finally have some time to spend on the CJ3B extended length frame build. This Jeep is getting a custom frame so I have room for the PTO powered welder and the Cummins 4BT Power Plant. This Jeep is going to be much longer than a stock CJ3B and will be a much heavier and solid vehicle than the stock version of the CJ3B. Today I am getting the rear crossmember welded in and the frame rail width established. I am Tig Welding this entire frame together and today I am laying in some hot root passes to get things put together. This is a huge build and what I am trying to do is get this frame rolling so I can fit the Cummins 4BT engine, SM465 transmission, Dana 18 transfer case, overdrive and 6 belt PTO unit into the frame. I am working on getting the spring mounts figured out and after that I can install the Dana 70 rear axle and the custom Dana 44 front axle that I am building. There is a lot to do but I am taking it one step at a time and working on it as time allows. More to come soon.

[@rayganter8029]

Brian Love to see all the sheet metal work on this Jeep......it was a shame when you stopped doing sheet metal .......Ray UK

[@plymouth-hl20ton37]

Really gonna be watching for this updates.I'm building a CJ-7 With parallel frame rails , And a 16 gauge body also

[@metalshaperJeep]

Sounds like you have a good project there. I will post progress on this build as things happen

[@garyrobertson3645]

👍👍👍

[@wlogue]

Looking good there bud, thanks!

[@jimhoran5445]

👍🏻👍🏻🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@metalshaperJeep]

appreciate you watching

[@danjones480]

Did you buy the frame rails or make the bends yourself?

[@plymouth-hl20ton37]

????????

[@metalshaperJeep]

I designed the frame rails and had Throttle Down Kustoms bend them for me. They build Jeep Frames all the time and did a perfect job bending the rails to my design.

[@juanzayas7719]

Brian... Nice job on the frame for the Cummings 4BT welder jeep.

[@metalshaperJeep]

Still a long way to go but now that I have started it I will try to continue building it as time allows

[@RADIOACTIVEMASCULINITY]

I’m excited to see this coming together!! I’m working on my own custom project now too. Trying to replicate the Willy’s MLW prototype

[@metalshaperJeep]

Custom projects are great, would love to hear more about your project and maybe some photos

[@scottosborne9604]

Looking good Brian. I have a set of Conn-Ferr shackels if you want them.

[@metalshaperJeep]

Still trying to decide what I want to do for shackles, thanks for another option

[@6226superhurricane]

i use nylon trailer spring bushes, they work, they're cheap and they're easy to change. i also get 5/8" greasable shackle bolts and the shackle plates from the trailer shop. you can get nice heavy duty shackle plates with rounded ends and punched holes cheap as dirt.

[@metalshaperJeep]

I am still trying to figure out my shackles and decide what look I want to go with. Thanks for the tip on trailer stuff

[@died4us590]

This frame looks so different being so much longer than stock, and it sure looks like it will be able to carry the welder with no trouble with those spring's. I look forward to seeing the body you build for this, it should be pretty weird seeing it be stretched out. I know it will be awhile, but that's okay, i will be watching. G-d bless.

[@metalshaperJeep]

Always good to know you are watching and taking time to comment. The original Welder CJ3B that I have was extremely tight and not comfortable to drive. The entire rear of the frame was bent, springs broken, and overload coils destroyed. The GE Welder in there is so heavy the jeep took a beaten not being strong enough. I am going to make sure it does not happen again with this build.

[@ginacoronel6872]

Frame looks so beefed up and long, it reminds me of a J truck frame. It'll be neat to see the end result of a beefier longer 3B, glad you are able to make progress, take care!

[@metalshaperJeep]

This is a huge build and I am making progress as time allows. More to come

[@geraldguyette470]

Looking good Brian , can not wait to see the extended hood I bet it will be awesome , later .

[@metalshaperJeep]

Will be a while before I start building the body but I will show it when I begin