Attention: TDR Forum Junkies 
For about as far back as I can remember, I've wanted one of those old flat fendered Willys 4whl. drive trucks. The kind that the Doc drove on Northern Exposure.
Of course the old flat head 4 or 6 would have a hard time on todays freeways.
I've been thinking lately that the perfect setup would be to buy a early to mid 80's Toyota 4whl. dr. (never had one, so advise here is welcome) and pull the body, freshen the drivetrain and put a Willys body on. Of course you'd have to fab all the mounting points, may have to shorten of lengthen the Toy's frame as well a thousand other tidbits.
I haven't taken a tape to either truck to see just how close the wheelbase is.
So, if anyone knows the respective wheelbases of each and could post, that'd be great. Also, anyone ever seen this package assembled?
The plan would be to keep the Toy drivetrain as near stock as possible, we're talking daily driver here. Quite, dependable, and good looking. The late model drivetrain would be easy to find parts for and with smaller stock size tires, hopefully run forever, a long time anyway. It's not a CTD, so forever might be a stretch.
What do you'all think. I've got a shop, torches, welders, saws, hoist and a big rack full of metal. We're talking winter project here.
Ronnie
Of course the old flat head 4 or 6 would have a hard time on todays freeways.
I've been thinking lately that the perfect setup would be to buy a early to mid 80's Toyota 4whl. dr. (never had one, so advise here is welcome) and pull the body, freshen the drivetrain and put a Willys body on. Of course you'd have to fab all the mounting points, may have to shorten of lengthen the Toy's frame as well a thousand other tidbits.
I haven't taken a tape to either truck to see just how close the wheelbase is.
So, if anyone knows the respective wheelbases of each and could post, that'd be great. Also, anyone ever seen this package assembled?
The plan would be to keep the Toy drivetrain as near stock as possible, we're talking daily driver here. Quite, dependable, and good looking. The late model drivetrain would be easy to find parts for and with smaller stock size tires, hopefully run forever, a long time anyway. It's not a CTD, so forever might be a stretch.
What do you'all think. I've got a shop, torches, welders, saws, hoist and a big rack full of metal. We're talking winter project here.
Ronnie
Last edited:
then you'd have the best of both worlds 
