Despite the cold weather, we had a really good month. The Jeep is now broken into its main components. Firstly, the gearbox was removed. Most of the bolts around the bell housing were already missing, so we placed a jack under the engine to support the weight of the engine and removed the last of the bolts and the mounting bracket. The gearbox was then slid backwards, away from the engine. Thinking of my younger / stronger days, I suggested to Nigel that with a beam of wood tied above the engine we could lift it, allowing Joseph to roll the chassis out of the way. I was soon reminded that I was not as strong as I once was and plan B had to be activated. This involved lowering the engine slowly to the floor using the jack and wood blocks. The chassis was then jacked up on one side so we could drag the engine out.

The front axle, shock absorbers and springs were removed, followed by the rear. The worst part was that both the rear spring shackles had rusted into the frame. Both shackle u-bolts had to be cut in half to allow us to get a purchase on them from the inside of the frame. With lots of releasing oil and a wrecking bar, plus a scaffold tube, they slowly surrendered.
Visitors this month included Chris and Jane and web master Ray.

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The ingenious lifting gear	Joe contemplating the problem
Plan B - lift the chassis	Nigel having a rest
Gearbox removed	Visitors Chris and Jane with Diane
The chassis almost stripped	Not far to go now
The spring shackle problem	Ray calls in for a look
Joe and Nigel - a good day's work	Joe with the boss

www.dianesjeep.co.uk

jeep restoration Willys MB US Army USA wartime war time Willy MA Military model A Ford GP Government type P