About Willys Jeep CJ-2A

History and Technical Specs

(1945-1949) Willys CJ-2A

Production Total: 214,760

With the close of WWII now eminent, Willys-Overland began to consider the development of a civilian jeep that it could market beyond the scope of the militarized MB, leading to the first mass-production of the CJ-2A in 1945. First drafts of the CJ-2A included the CJ-1 and CJ-2 (AgriJeep), of which only 6 are known to have survived.

The CJ-2A resembled its military ancestor closely, with a tailgate and side mounted spare tire. However, there are certain characteristics of the CJ-2A that make it easier to distinguish from the Willys MB; most notably with regard to the headlights (which on the CJ-2A are larger and flush-mounted) and the grille (now a seven-slot grille as opposed to the nine-slot MB grille). The CJ-2A T-90 Transmission replaced the MB’s T-84, while the "Go-Devil" engine was kept intact - many of the early CJ-2As were equipped with surplus parts leftover from wartime production.

Willys Overland first marketed the CJ-2A with the intention of gaining ground in farming, ranching, and other industrial and agricultural applications. Options were abundant on the CJ-2A, including extra equipment such as a rear seat, center rear view mirror, front passenger seat, canvas top, front PTO, rear PTO, belt pulley drive, capstan winch, governor, rear hydraulic lift, snow plow, welder, generator, mower disc, front bumper weight, heavy duty springs, dual vacuum windshield wipers, dual taillights, hot-climate radiator, driveshaft guards, heater, side steps, and radiator brush guard. In 1949, the Willys-Overland replaced the CJ-2A with the CJ-3A, which was produced until 1953.

Service Guides and Documents:
Gulf Service Sheet (1945-1964)- Document provided courtesy of Michael Scoggins
Jeep Dipstick Guide- Document provided courtesy of Michael Scoggins

(See Willys CJ-3A for more history on CJ Universal Series Models)

CJ-2A Photos

For more photos of these and other Willys Jeep Models, visit our Willys Jeep Blog Customer Photo Album!

CJ-2A Specs

Weight: Shipping: 2120 lb. (961,6 kg.) Curb: 2215 lb. (1004,7 kg.) Gross: 3500 lb. (1587,5 kg.) Length (overall): 130 1/8” (3,3 m.) Width (overall): 59” (149,8 cm.) Height (overall): 69” (175 cm.) Ground Clearance: 8 3/4” (22,2 cm.) Tread (front and rear): 48 1/4” (122,5 cm.) Tire Size: 6.00-16 Fuel Capacity: 10 1/2 Gal. Transmission: T-90 Transfer case: Dana 18 Front Axle: Dana 25 Rear Axle: Dana 41 Wheelbase: 80” (203 cm.) Other: 2-Piece Windshield, Tailgate

CJ-2A Engines:

Engine: 4-134 L Head Motor (463) (All Years) Engine Type: L4-134 “Go-Devil” Number of Cylinders: 4 Cubic-In. Displacement: 134.22 CID (2199.53 cc) Horsepower: 60 hp (45 kW) @ 4000 rpm Torque: 105 ft-lb. (142 N-m) @2000 rpm Compression Ratio: 6:48:1 Valvetrain: L-head

CJ-2A Paint Colors

Paint Colors Offered by Willys-Overland from 1946-47*

Paint Colors Offered by Willys-Overland from 1948-49*

See All - Paint Colors Offered by Willys-Overland from 1946-1963

Kaiser Willys cannot guarantee 100% accuracy of the colors or paint codes presented in this guide. When selecting a color for your vehicle, use the codes above as a starting point or reference, and work with your local paint supplier to find a color that works best for your budget and intent. There are several paint suppliers such as Auto Color Library, or Sherwin Williams, who may be able to cross-reference some of the older paint codes for you to find a more current formula, or if you are able to pull a painted piece off of your restoration project, they may be able to scan the color for you in the store to find a close match.