1948 Willys 4x4 Wagon Wheel - Photo 70871685

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Thirty-three-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KOs work well almost everywhere except deep mud. This isn’t a mud rig, so they’re a perfect choice. The edges of the fenders have collected some “desert pinstriping” during Phil’s off-road forays, but we think it’s a badge of honor.

1948 Willys 4x4 Wagon rear side three quarter

The grille drips with nostalgia, and we thought it deserved its own close-up. Check out the pinstriped designs on the fenders’ leading edges: Nice! The front bumper is home to a 9,000-pound Warn winch spooled with Viking Offroad synthetic winch line.

1948 Willys 4x4 Wagon back view

The hood louvers were punched into the vintage sheet metal by a local hot rod shop. They add style, but their real function is to help pull heat out of the engine bay.

Off-the-shelf rock sliders weren’t going to work, so AOE 4x4 crafted a custom set for this project.

Less is more, especially when it comes to vintage dashboards.

Dana 44 front and rear axles were sourced from a Wagoneer, and connect to a Spicer Model 18 transfer case. Ring-and-pinion ratios are both 4.56:1, but there’s an ARB Air Locker up front and a Detroit Locker out back.

The small-block Chevy 350 under the hood is a classic within a classic. The V-belts were tossed in favor of a serpentine belt system -- quieter, more reliable, and easier to work on.

Here’s that AOE 4x4 transfer case skidplate we mentioned earlier -- very stout.

1948 Willys 4x4 Wagon cargo drawer

Custom shock mounts would provide Phil with more wheel travel than he has now, but the Bilstein 5160 shocks do a good job of damping what’s already available.

The back opens up to full cargo access, thanks to a custom AOE 4x4 rear bumper with integrated tire and fuel carriers. A real tailgate is a vanishing feature these days, and one more reason to like this vehicle.

A custom-crafted AOE 4x4 roll bar provides rollover protection, but also serves as an anchor point for a Tuffy overhead radio console. You can see the backs of the PRP racing seats, with matching five-point PRP harnesses, which also anchor to the roll bar. If you need a full-on roll cage, AOE 4x4 can build those, too.

Ease of food storage and preparation becomes progressively more important the longer you’re out there. Of course, convenience can be appreciated on daytrips, too. The ARB Fridge Freeze lives on its own slide-out shelf above the cargo drawer. You can also see the custom Harmon auxiliary fuel tank to the right.

Thirty-three-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KOs work well almost everywhere except deep mud. This isn’t a mud rig, so they’re a perfect choice. The edges of the fenders have collected some “desert pinstriping” during Phil’s off-road forays, but we think it’s a badge of honor.

Ready for sundown. Phil, along with Ohan and Alex from American Overland Expedition, are prepared to go where the adventure takes them.