M38A1 Mods

I have a 1953 M38A1 and I would like to do the following modifications: Saginaw manual steering, lift kit to accommodate 33" tires, 11" drums/brakes, warn overdrive, selectable front hubs, heater and winch. I know - sell it and buy a new jeep; I have thought of this, but I have owned this jeep since my dad gave it to me when I was in high school - 1971. So, any advice from someone who has done these mods would be appreciated. I am in northern Calif, recommendations for shops in the area would also be appreciated. I bought 2 parts jeeps to supply some of the modification components. I have the warn overdrive, winch, and front and rear axle assemblies with 11" drums/brakes - selectable front hubs and possibly posi-trac rearend(s) - we haven't taken the covers off to look yet. I understand Advance Adapters sells a saginaw conversion kit complete with steering box. Any comments regarding personal experience with this conversion are welcomed. I do not know where to go for the lift kit. The heater will be fabricated unless someone can tell me of another option. The plan is to relocate the battery to the engine compartment and utilize the battery box for the heater.

Thanks in advance for any and all assistance. My direct email is: p38@fcs.net

 

Would also go with a dual circuit master cylinder. the warn od is a little tricky to install (mostly the lock ring, and the shift linkage)

 

i also have a m38a1. i did a power steering conversion myself. easier than i thought it would be. i got the pump, box and steering column out of a 86 camero. made my own box bracket, then i filed the pitman arm index slot so i could put it on where i wanted to. i still use the stock tie rods, been working for years, off and on road. handles perfect and never any problems.

 

Northern California where?

Don

 

I haven't done allot of mods im still in the get mine driving part...,

but for your heater allot of had good luck with Summit Racing Heater or a heater out of a the Back of a Chevy Astro Van, or if you still have to stock heater switch the motor from a blazer.

As for the lift kit personal preference, order online or you might have a 4wd store in napa I know there is one in Santa Rosa

is this strictly offroad or onroad and offroad?

 

X2, in San Jose

 

Have you seen this thread?
http://www.earlycj5.com/forums/showthread.php?17911-Saginaw-power-steering-(pics)-please-add-yours!!

 

Midwest Military Jeep Parts has complete heater kits, ductwork and all $325 can be found on page 11

 

Karl - Thanks, I will add the mc to the list. I heard that about the od. There is a guy here in Napa who rebuilds them. Once I pull the tranny/trans/od from the parts jeep, he is going to remove it, rebuild if necessary and install it in my new overhauled tranny/trans.

Hotrod351 - For now I think I'll stick with manual, unless my researce convinces me to go with power.

Don - Napa County - just south of Yountville

piffy263 - Thanks, I'll check out summit. No 4wd store Napa that I am aware of, I'll check the directory for SR. Onroad with some offroad. Driving around the valley, maybe to the coast, and the Berryessa/Knoxville/Middletown loop. I have a few places to go offroad here in Napa, and would like the option of doing some more serious offroading - no hillclimbs, rockcrawling, etc. No deep mud and definitly NO camping (wife)

jzeber - Thanks.

Doug - yes, thanks. That was the link that got me to this forum. Seems to be mostly power conversions - I'll go back through it.

Chuck - I sent a pm to McRuff, thanks.

Dingado - I'll check it out.

Guys - thanks for the responses and the leads.

g

 

Thanks Chuck, that is something I did not know. I have not heard back from McRuff. Do you have a contact for him?