Gunseth's 4x4 Performance Center

08/06/2026

06/21/2026

The truck and trailer are unhooked for a few days.
We have several parts going to Gunseth 4x4!

Thank you Steve!

05/28/2026

04/25/2026

🙋‍♂️

04/17/2026

Toughness! Circa 1972! Have an outstanding Friday! .........................

03/20/2026

At the onset of World War II, farm tractor and implement manufacturers halted production as their factories shifted to wartime manufacturing.

With 4 million out of 5.5 million American farmers lacking both a pickup truck and a tractor, Willys-Overland executives recognised a significant post-war opportunity for a Jeep adapted for agricultural use.

Perhaps they were also inspired by war correspondent Ernie Pyle’s description of the Jeep: “It’s as faithful as a dog, as strong as a mule, and as agile as a goat.”

Planning for a civilian version began as early as 1942 when two military Jeeps were tested at a tillage laboratory in Alabama under the Department of Agriculture.

The results exceeded expectations, but testers recommended improvements such as lower gearing, a stronger clutch, and the addition of a drawbar.

By early 1944, as an Allied victory seemed imminent, Willys-Overland started developing a post-war farm Jeep. Engineers modified two military Jeeps from the production line, designating them “CJ-1” for “Civilian Jeep.”

Key modifications included a tailgate, lower gearing, and a drawbar, with a civilian-style top designed as an optional feature.