The CJ-3B is alive and well these days now that the boys at Icon 4x4 have created this beautifully handcrafted Jeep. Jonathan Ward, CEO of Icon, wanted to create an affordable replica of the model in kit form, so after long hours of brainstorming with his design team and engineering crew this functional little CJ with a modern suspension and late-model powertrain was born.
The new flatty is not only a looker, but also a lively and agile rig with a functional long-arm suspension and powerful GM Ecotec inline four-cylinder engine. Compared to the old Willys Hurricane engine, the efficient GM 2.4L powerplant has a huge boost in power over the original four-banger's 75 hp. The long-arm suspension gives the utilitarian little Jeep the agility to go just about anywhere. Icon plans to build these for around $70,000 each, but also has plans for a crate Jeep. Check them out at www.icon4x4.com.
The Dog is fitted with 2-inch...
The Dog is fitted with 2-inch Fox coilovers on all four corners, and the long-arm four-link suspension is triangulated in the rear. The trick suspension gives the Jeep 9 inches of wheel travel, making the Jeep far more capable than the '53 CJ3-B. Modern Jeep Rubicon axles cut to width and 4.10 gears with electric lockers make the little CJ a go-anywhere, do-anything Jeep. The rig is also fitted with 1/2-ton CV driveshafts and 1310 U-joints.
GM Ecotec inline 4-cylinder
Transmission: Aisin-Warner AX15 5-speed manual
Transfer Case: NP231
Axles: Dana 44s with 4.10 gears and electric lockers
Suspension
Springs & Such: Fox 2-inch coilover shocks, 4-link long-arm triangulated in the rear
Tires & Wheels: 285/70/R17 BFGoodrich KM2, powdercoated ProComp steel wheels
Other Stuff: 10.6-gal powdercoated fuel tank, cross-flow alloy radiator, waterproof electric dual fans, K&N filter, Novak shift controller, Advance Adapters slip yoke eliminator, custom 2x4x0.140-inch mandrel-bent frame, heavy-duty Johnny joints, Lee Engineering Stage Four steering box, Optima battery, Auto Meter gauges, removable metal alloy shade canopy
The interior of the Jeep is...
The interior of the Jeep is extremely inviting. The seats are stitched with a marine-grade material, and the tub of the Jeep is sprayed with a tough floor liner. For protection, a custom chromoly cage uses integrated seatbelt anchors and grab handles.
We don't even see factory...
We don't even see factory engines installed this cleanly; the sano installation of this 2.4L Ecotec is impressive. With an output of 240 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque, the dog has more than enough power for tough trail adventures and highway cruising. A five-speed AX-15 transmission and an NP231 transfer case transfer the power and torque to the axles, and the engine breathes by a custom 2-inch mandrel-bent exhaust with a Magnaflow high-flow muffler.
The dog is not only a slick-looking...
The dog is not only a slick-looking Jeep, but its functionality makes it fun to drive on the trail. The new steel body is finished with a Teflon polyester powdercoating developed specifically for Icon. The front and rear of the Jeep are fitted with custom steel bumpers, and the front one has a Warn winch.