About Willys Jeep CJ-3A

History and Technical Specs

(1949-1953) Willys CJ-3A

Production Total: 131,843

Willys-Overland introduced the CJ-3A model in 1949 to replace the CJ-2A, possibly due to a "slump" in CJ-2A sales, bringing with it a few reasonable minor interior updates with regard to comfort and drivability. The CJ-3A was part of the Universal CJ series, a model intended for agricultural and industrial applications in the civilian market, an area in which Willys-Overland felt it would be a good fit, as the CJ employed the same “utilitarian” features that gave the MB model great success in WWII. Even so, Willys-Overland realized the value of driver comfort, even in a “work” vehicles such as the CJ. Updates in the new CJ-3A, while relatively minor, included increased leg room, leakproof connection features for the canvas top and front side of each door, thicker cushions and more headroom, and the addition of 2-3/8” to the overall height (with windshield up). The rear wheel well was shortened and the driver’s seat was moved toward the rear of the vehicle, shortening the deck.

A one-piece windshield was also introduced, with an improved vacuum-type windshield wiper for greater road visibility, and a windshield ventilator for the circulation of fresh air. The suspension was a notable improvement, as the vehicle was still being used for various agricultural applications. The marketing of this model was mostly done solely within the farm journals, as internally, Willys-Overland hotly debated the idea of entering the passenger car market, which was largely dominated at the time by Ford and GM. As these debates continued to rage, in 1953, the CJ-3B model was introduced, overshadowing the last few months of CJ-3A production (which were simultaneous with the production of the first CJ-3Bs). With the CJ-3B came several distinct updates to the CJ series, including the new F-Head Hurricane Engine and a higher hood.

Service Guides and Documents:

CJ-3A Data Sheet 1 - Document provided courtesy of Michael Scoggins
CJ-3A Data Sheet 2 - Document provided courtesy of Michael Scoggins
Gulf Service Sheet (1945-1964) - Document provided courtesy of Michael Scoggins
Jeep Dipstick Guide - Document provided courtesy of Michael Scoggins

(Read more about the Universal CJ Series - See CJ-3B History)

CJ-3A Photos

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

CJ-3A Specs

Weight: (Gross): 3500 lb (1,587,5 kg.) (Shipping): 2100 lb. (957,1 kg.) (Curb): 2205 lb. (1000,2 kg.) Length (overall): 129 3/4” (3,29 m.) Width (overall): 68 24/32” (174,7 cm.) Height (overall): 66 3/4” (170 cm.) Ground Clearance: 8 3/4” (22,2 cm.) Tread (front and rear): 48 1/4” (122,5 cm.) Fuel Capacity: 10 1/2 Gal. (40 ltr.) Transmission: T-90 Transfer Case: Dana 18 Front Axle: Dana 25 Rear Axle: Dana 44 Wheelbase: 80” (203 cm.) Other: 1 Piece Windshield with center vent, Tailgate

CJ-3A Engines:

Engine: 4-134 L Head Motor (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-3A Paint Colors

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

Paint Colors Offered by Willys-Overland from 1950-51*

Paint Colors Offered by Willys-Overland in 1952*

Paint Colors Offered by Willys-Overland in 1953*

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.