Up front is a custom bumper with the 9,000-pound Warn winch sunk between the frame rails, and a Baja-inspired skidplate underneath it to keep it safe. Also below is a pair of off-road driving lights for those wheeling trips that run just a tad too long.
Good, Bad & What's It For
The 14-bolt rear axle is bulletproof. But why Chevy ever put it with a 10-bolt front axle in their trucks is inconceivable. We are amazed it hasn't blown up yet with those 35-inch tires. Also, with the 700R4 and stock transfer case low range, we'd be looking for deeper axle gears in the 4.88 range so the transmission doesn't hunt as much on the highway.
All that said, this Willys truck still looks a lot like a Willys truck should. The unique paint job even looks like it could be period correct and some of the pin striping is dead on.
The truck could use some more skidplates under it; we'd be leery of wheeling it without them, but Rex hasn't had issues, so for what he does, it must be fine as it is.
Hard Facts
Vehicle: '55 Willys PickupEngine: '95 Chevy 5.7L V-8Transmission: TH700R4Transfer Case: NP208Suspension: Spring-overAxles: GM 10-bolt (front), GM 14-bolt (rear)Wheels: 16x8 MB Motoring Tires: 315/75R16 Toyo Open CountryBuilt For: Style of a Willys truck with late-model daily drivabilityEstimated Cost: $15,000
Why I Featured It
Of all the Jeep trucks, I like the first ones and the last ones the best. This has enough vintage cues with just the right amount of modern amenities to make it a really cool truck. And the fact that Rex takes it out wheeling like he does is just another feather in his cap. -Pete Trasborg