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1952 M38 Build

Discussion in 'Builds and Fabricators Forum' started by Bill F, Mar 15, 2021.

  1. Mar 15, 2021
    Bill F

    Bill F Finally running

    Hillsboro NH
    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2002
    Messages:
    588
    Nate asked me to start a build thread for my newest project. As the title says it is a 1952 m38. This jeep will not be a restoration. It is going to have a lot in common with Nate's Ted.

    Right now I am working on gathering the parts.

    It will have a lunch box in locker in the rear, limited slip in the front. For now an L-134 engine, but with a t98a transmission, model 18 transfer. The original 44 rear will be used, the 25 front is being swapped for a 27.

    [​IMG]
     
  2. Mar 15, 2021
    Bill F

    Bill F Finally running

    Hillsboro NH
    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2002
    Messages:
    588
    Here are some photos

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
    fhoehle, Rich M., 73 cj5 and 2 others like this.
  3. Mar 15, 2021
    47v6

    47v6 junk wrecker! 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    USA
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    Oct 25, 2006
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    Cool!
    Only one question though, Why D27 and not D 30?
     
  4. Mar 15, 2021
    Bill F

    Bill F Finally running

    Hillsboro NH
    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2002
    Messages:
    588
    I have the 27, and an NOS limited slip for it.
     
  5. Mar 15, 2021
    Buildflycrash

    Buildflycrash More or Less in Line. 2024 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Gulf Breeze FL...
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    We're ready!
    GO!
     
  6. Mar 15, 2021
    garage gnome

    garage gnome ECJ5 welder

    Western MA
    Joined:
    Jun 19, 2009
    Messages:
    3,083
    I still have the engine and transmission for this Jeep... :whistle: It might not be a go if I don’t give it up!
     
  7. Mar 15, 2021
    garage gnome

    garage gnome ECJ5 welder

    Western MA
    Joined:
    Jun 19, 2009
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    3,083
    And I gave Bill one heck of a deal on a D27.
     
    47v6 likes this.
  8. Apr 12, 2021
    Bill F

    Bill F Finally running

    Hillsboro NH
    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2002
    Messages:
    588
    Just a quick update. I got the 2.5 inch lift springs in and completed the front disc brake swap. Will be working on the rear soon.
    [​IMG]
     
  9. Apr 22, 2021
    garage gnome

    garage gnome ECJ5 welder

    Western MA
    Joined:
    Jun 19, 2009
    Messages:
    3,083
    I started work on the HEI for this Jeep. Bill’s on the right and a stock Pontiac is on the left (thanks to @73 cj5 )

    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Apr 22, 2021
    fhoehle, Bill F and Fireball like this.
  10. Apr 23, 2021
    Bill F

    Bill F Finally running

    Hillsboro NH
    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2002
    Messages:
    588
    Last weekend I got a little more done. The rear axle is coming together well. I am still waiting on the correct caliper brackets to finish the rear disk. I also have to clock the mounting brackets a little bit more.
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
    47v6, fhoehle, Fireball and 1 other person like this.
  11. Apr 25, 2021
    garage gnome

    garage gnome ECJ5 welder

    Western MA
    Joined:
    Jun 19, 2009
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    3,083
    I finished building the HEI, but ran out of time to finish it all up. Excuse the ugly wiring mess. this is the blue tux park CJ5 I bought that has an M38 L head and T98 in it.

    [​IMG]
     
  12. Apr 25, 2021
    Twin2

    Twin2 not him 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Virginia Beach, VA
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    so what am I missing here
    4 cylinder engine . 8 cylinder cap :confused:
     
    47v6 likes this.
  13. Apr 25, 2021
    garage gnome

    garage gnome ECJ5 welder

    Western MA
    Joined:
    Jun 19, 2009
    Messages:
    3,083
    Its a Pontiac distributor that I modified to fit the 4 cyl. I use every other one to run the 4 cyl. I suppose a 4 cyl cap could be used on it, but the magnetic pickup is 8 point. I put the dummy boots on so I wont get shocked by it.

    [​IMG]
     
  14. Apr 25, 2021
    Bill F

    Bill F Finally running

    Hillsboro NH
    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2002
    Messages:
    588
    I did get more done today. Not anything the exciting for photos. I did find out I will need to use a spacer so the rear disk will work. Ran brake lines and found the front hose I bought was to short.
     
  15. May 3, 2021
    Bill F

    Bill F Finally running

    Hillsboro NH
    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2002
    Messages:
    588
    Lots of progress was made on Saturday. I took the frame for a 2.5 hour drive, spent the day working with Nate to take a cj5 apart so I could buy the engine, transmission, and transfer case, then helped him swap other parts around. Then drove the frame 2.5 hours home. I left my house at 7am and returned by 9:30pm. The toys Nate owns makes taking a jeep apart easy. It was a great day. My frame now has a running m38 engine, and a t98 transmission installed.

    Warning some photos might not be for the faint of heart, not restorable bodies where harmed.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
    jeepstar, ojgrsoi, Ol Fogie and 3 others like this.
  16. May 3, 2021
    Bill F

    Bill F Finally running

    Hillsboro NH
    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2002
    Messages:
    588
    I should have worked on the jeep yesterday as well. However, I had to much fun playing with my other m38.

    [​IMG]
     
  17. May 3, 2021
    Mr Vaughan

    Mr Vaughan

  18. Jun 27, 2022
    Bill F

    Bill F Finally running

    Hillsboro NH
    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2002
    Messages:
    588
    Been awhile since I updated this. The m38 is up and running and I have been enjoying wheeling it.

    I did just buy a 1999 vw tdi jetta. It will be going diesel.
     
    Last edited: Jun 29, 2022
  19. Jun 28, 2022
    Cunder_Tunt_559

    Cunder_Tunt_559 New Member

    FRESNO
    Joined:
    Jul 23, 2021
    Messages:
    19
    i used a '77-79 iron duke distributor in my cj5 w/ a chevy 153 engine. those years were factory 4cyl hei.
    1978 PONTIAC PHOENIX 2.5L 151cid L4 Distributor Cap | RockAuto
     
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