New project, 52' m38a1

i knows its not a cj'5 but its the best section i could find to put it under,

ok i have a 1952 m38-a1, completly stock, my plans are to lift it, a v8 swap and restore it (brake lines, brakes, bearings, new rims/tires,

ok iv been looking for a 4 inch lift and havnt found one yet, will an early cj5 lift work?

also for some power i was looking at a 302 small block, whats the best motor for it (also easiest to install), also what would i run for a transfercase and tranny, im going to leave the dana 44 in the rear, looking at maby a dana 30 for the front but i think the dana 27 will be ok for a while, for tires im not going to go anything larger then a 33inch,

this is its current condition, im currently working on stripping it down to the frame for some sand blasting,

http://myspace-984.vo.llnwd.net/01159/48/99/1159769984_l.jpg

also i have steel doors for it i might be thinking about selling as im going topless

 

Re: New proect, 52' m38a1

Go to Novak for info on engine swaps. Here ya go.

http://www.novak-adapt.com/index.htm

 

Re: New proect, 52' m38a1

thanks, still looking for a lift though

 

Re: New proect, 52' m38a1

With that much body lift you are going to run into MAJOR fitment problems. Like as in pedles through the floor and the steering colum since it is hardmounted to the frame with the rossbox. I would suggest getting a suspention lift and forget the body lift since anything over 1 inch invites major work.

 

Re: New proect, 52' m38a1

Black Diamond makes a 3" suspension lift for your JEEP.

 

Re: New proect, 52' m38a1

Welcome to the board. Since someone didn't already mention it, you might find it helpful to list your location. It's likely that you have a member nearby.

Anyway, I too have a M38A1, either a 1952 or 53. Any of the early CJ5 suspension systems will work on your A1, even if it still has the factory the shackle reversal. I have a 4" Superlift suspension on mine. There is no universally agreed upon best (or easiest) engine to swap into one of these Jeeps. On this site, most people will try to steer you to running a V6 in your Jeep. I have a Chevy 4.3L V6 with a Muncie SM420 4 speed transmission in mine.

Even a "simple" V6 engine swap in your A1 will likely lead to you major mods to the steering, brakes and drivetrain systems so your choice of powerplant is really a matter of preference.

Good luck with your project!

 

Re: New proect, 52' m38a1

i found a 4 inch trailmaster lift for my 55 M38a1 on ebay. worked out great, even still using the old bell crank steering. i had a heel of an angle on the tie rods but no bump-steer or steering problems. i since went with power steering, best thing i ever put on my old willys.

 

Re: New proect, 52' m38a1

Just be sure to be a gentlemen & make sure any of the original military parts you take off find a good home with someone restoring their's back to military . . . hate to see all the little military doodads go to waste, as they're so hard to find. Ditto on the body lift, I would only do 1" max on the body & only if you have to . . . get your lift out of the suspension, you'll need to keep the body as low on the frame as possible anyway with 4" lift on that short wheelbase . . . my 2 cents, & keep the pictures coming!

 

Re: New proect, 52' m38a1

i wasnt planning on a body lift, i was planning on a 4inch suspension as i will only need new leaf springs, one of my friends has an amc 302, he said i could have it, should i run the orig transfercase/ tranny or change that too?

 

also, is the hard top and steel doors, are they aftermarket, or was it an officers jeep or something>>>>>?thanks

edit: also i noticed the rear axle is on the top side of the springs, would it be a good or bad idea to put the axle on the bottom side?


i found a 4" super lift kit through jc whitney for 620$ with shocks, the only problem it says 55-75 so im not sure if itll fit the 52, im assuming it will but im not sure,

 

ill post more pics tommarow

 

Yeh it will fit. Most companys forget the M38A1 ever existed and think the 5 started in 55

Spring over is a bad idea IMHO it just brings more problems.

 

yeah, i was looking at the front and that will cause lots of problems, +the military springs are way to stiff for offroading imo, (wont get any flex)

also what rims fit it, i had some extra rims off my tj and the center hole is way to small,

 

how are pro comp lifts? im looking at a 2.5"

 

im ordering brake lines some time this week and cant find any complete sets for it? will the ones from a 55< cj5 work?

 

2.5" lift + .5 lift shackles -- leave axles mounted stock position. 32 or 33" tires. This is the setup on both of mine in avatar above (32's on CJ5).

 

ok lost interest in this for a while and finally got back to it with all new plans.. (built an xj last year on 33's locked)



Ill get more info on the build up tomorrow!





Down to the frame now