Picked this up yesterday for new project. I was told it's from a 41 willys. I question year because the brakes are cable operated only.. (no wheel cylinders) and I don't know much about willys anything. all my google searches keep bringing up Jeep stuff. Any links to a site with info appreciated. I like to new shoes, springs, adjuster etc... for the brakes
It is a Willys axle, most likely a 37-38, they had cable brakes and 4 lug hubs. Also 37-38 had the dropped tie rod ends. The axle and spindles are the same from 37 -42 so you can use them with updated brakes, just need 5 lug hubs and whatever brakes you plan to use.
thanks a lot for info, I'm considering using original brakes, but can't find new parts. Who makes updated brakes for use with this spindle?
The easiest upgrade would be to find 39-42 Willys five bolt hubs and the hydraulic brakes from those years. Unless its a stock or very mild car the original brakes (above) will not be adequate for a Hot Rod. Unfortunaty there are so few Willys left there isn't much in the way of aftermarket parts available. Back in the 90s when most Willys were built as street rods there were disc brake kits available using Chevy hubs rotors and calipers but today it might be hard to find a setup like that. A good shop could fabricate the setup but time is money? Do some research and check around like here on the HAMB and maybe turn up an old disc brake conversion. Good luck.
I've been surfing around, found these brackets here; http://www.williamsstreetrods.com/i...ct_id=117/category_id=-1/mode=prod/prd117.htm emailed them asking what discs/rotor to use...
I have used an almost identical kit on my Willys axle. Works fine, uses early Camaro disc brake setup. Go slow and use care when fitting the little bushings to the axle, and knocking them in place. They are pretty thin walled.
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