1961 Willys Jeep Pickup Custom Resto-Mod

This 1961 Willys Jeep Pickup Custom Resto-Mod underwent a massive, ground-up transformation. We completely redesigned its chassis and drivetrain to create a rugged, go-anywhere diesel truck featuring modern luxury and relentless off-road capability.

Status: Complete

Custom 1961 Willys Jeep Pickup restomod built by Crown Customs in Tucson, Arizona, with restored bodywork, custom interior

Classic utility.
Unstoppable capability.

A brand-new Cummins R2.8 Turbo Diesel now powers this Willys, backed by a Tremec TR4050 5-speed manual transmission and a heavy-duty Atlas II transfer case. Sitting on a custom-fabricated chassis with Currie 60 axles and Fox coil-overs, it’s built to conquer any terrain.

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Powertrain

Cummins R2.8 Turbo Diesel Crate Engine
Tremec TR4050 5-Speed Manual Transmission
Atlas II Transfer Case (Highlander Case 3.0:1)
Currie 60 1-Ton Front & Rear Axles with E-Lockers (4.10 Ratio)
Custom Stainless Steel Exhaust & Air-to-Air Intercooler
Warn Zeon 10 Electric Winch with Synthetic Rope

Chassis & Systems

Custom-Fabricated Chassis (2″ x 4″ Steel Tubing)
Fox 2.5″ Factory Race Series Coil-Over Shocks with Remote Reservoirs
1-Ton Front & Rear Disc Brakes with Dual Diaphragm Power Booster
Method MR701 17×8.5 Wheels with Nitto Ridge Grappler Tires (315/70R17)
Holley 12.3″ Pro Dash & Vintage Air Climate Control
Jeep Light Khaki Metallic Paint with Black Chrome Trim

Built for the trails.
Refined for the street.

The build in detail.

This 1961 Willys Jeep Pickup represents the ultimate off-road resto-mod, combining a timeless vintage truck aesthetic with heavy-duty modern trail performance. The exterior features a stunning Jeep Light Khaki Metallic paint job, perfectly contrasted by high-end Black Chrome plating from Ogden Chrome on the trim, bumpers, and custom latches. It rolls aggressively on 17-inch Method MR701 matte black wheels wrapped in 315/70R17 Nitto Ridge Grappler tires.

Under the hood, we replaced the aging factory setup with a high-torque Cummins R2.8 Turbo Diesel crate engine. This reliable diesel powerplant breathes through a custom intercooler setup and transfers torque through a robust Tremec TR4050 5-speed manual transmission paired with a legendary Atlas II Highlander transfer case. To ensure maximum traction, power is sent to 1-Ton Currie 60 front and rear axles equipped with 35-spline shafts and electronic lockers.

The foundation of this build is a completely custom-fabricated rectangular steel chassis. The suspension is heavily modernized, utilizing Fox 2.5″ Factory Race Series coil-overs with remote reservoirs for extreme articulation and dampening. To safely halt this powerful rig, we installed 1-Ton disc brakes on all four corners, complemented by a Wilwood master cylinder and an 8-inch dual-diaphragm power brake booster.

Inside, the Willys offers premium comfort, completely sound-deadened with Second Skin insulation and outfitted with black leather Recaro Specialist bucket seats. The custom-fabricated center console and dash house a massive 12.3-inch Holley Pro Dash touch screen display, Vintage Air Gen IV Magnum A/C controls, and an Alpine 8-inch multimedia receiver linked to JL Audio marine-grade amplifiers and speakers. With power windows, push-button start, seat heaters, and a 2000W power inverter, this 1961 Willys Jeep Pickup Custom is a true masterpiece of form and function.