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M38-a1 Vs Cj5 Identification Help

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by Jonbbrew, Apr 3, 2020.

  1. Apr 9, 2020
    Jonbbrew

    Jonbbrew Member

    Paso Robles, CA
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    sounds like this thing is getting more and more of a Frankenstein and possibly more unsafe as i get more into it
     
  2. Apr 9, 2020
    Glenn

    Glenn Kinda grumpy old man Staff Member

    Apopka, Fl
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    Well, I won't say it's unsafe because of that but I'd definitely check it out as thoroughly as you can. I was asking about the cross member for the final verification of a flat fender frame, although there wasn't really any doubt anyway.
     
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  3. Apr 9, 2020
    Jonbbrew

    Jonbbrew Member

    Paso Robles, CA
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    CA3A5B6C-A123-4309-BDE4-95FC30CCF702.jpeg
     
  4. Apr 9, 2020
    garage gnome

    garage gnome ECJ5 welder

    Western MA
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  5. Apr 9, 2020
    Jonbbrew

    Jonbbrew Member

    Paso Robles, CA
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    So that pretty much cements it as a 3A frame with Dana-41’s?
     
  6. Apr 10, 2020
    garage gnome

    garage gnome ECJ5 welder

    Western MA
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    Yes
     
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  7. Apr 10, 2020
    Jonbbrew

    Jonbbrew Member

    Paso Robles, CA
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    Thanks for all the help everyone!
     
    Glenn likes this.
  8. Apr 12, 2020
    Jonbbrew

    Jonbbrew Member

    Paso Robles, CA
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    do most headlight bezels work with the A1 or are they special? thinking of adding them.
     
  9. Apr 12, 2020
    Jonbbrew

    Jonbbrew Member

    Paso Robles, CA
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    Were the front axles Dana 25 and the rear Dana 41?
     
  10. Apr 12, 2020
    garage gnome

    garage gnome ECJ5 welder

    Western MA
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    Front axle is a Dana 25 and the rear is a Dana 41. The switch to the Dana 27 occurred in the mid sixties (probably after the M38A1 production ceased) and the switch to the Dana 44 was 1950 like I said earlier. My guess is that coincided with the military production of the more heavy duty M38 which was 1950 to 52 for the Korean War.
     
  11. Apr 13, 2020
    53A1

    53A1 Member

    Kern Co. Ca.
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    I didn't catch what you have under the hood. You have an interesting rig and I'm curious now. I think I see a buick oil filter fitment in one pic so I'm guessing V6? If I'm right and it's a good runner, I would consider looking for a CJ5 V6 rolling chassis and transfer everything over to that. I don't know your skill level but a CJ5 V6 is a great start for a build. I think you could pick one up very cheap.
     
    Last edited: Apr 13, 2020
  12. Apr 13, 2020
    Jonbbrew

    Jonbbrew Member

    Paso Robles, CA
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    It would be a good idea project. I am sure it would be fun pending the time. Yes, i have a Buick 198 V6 oddfire.
     
  13. Apr 13, 2020
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
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    Military bezels are completely different. Deep-dish and not chromed. I don't know if you could adapt civilian.

    s-l300.jpg
     
  14. Apr 13, 2020
    Jonbbrew

    Jonbbrew Member

    Paso Robles, CA
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    I’m not worried about chrome. I’m just looking to see what would work and easy to get that would fit as my grill does not match CJ5 tub. Looks like they still have the tree holes to mount? Wonder if spacing is the same?
     
    Last edited: Apr 13, 2020
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