Front Differential (Dana 25 or 27) Skid Plate

When one envisions the complete progression of the Jeep from 1941 through 1986 you can see that the original cast differential covers were one of the very few items never improved upon since day one.
Next to the cast housing covers the best MB /GPW parts are the cast brake and cast clutch pedal pads.
Otherwise the model MB /GPW is basically an outdated relic.
Oh yeah... the rear wheelhouse tool box is another great little MB/ GPW item.

 

Ken, you forgot about the glove box!!!!
I also think the windshield latches for the MB/GPW are better than the civiy versions.

 

The MB/GPW glove box gets in the way of the more desireable "fresh air type heater".

You know I haven't had a GPW for so very many years I have completely forgotten what those latches look like.
Thanks for jogging (or blogging ?) my memory !

 

So, when I get the differential cover I have the perfect opportunity to finally determine if I have a clone of a Dana 25 or Dana 27. How precisely will I be able to tell? Here's the measurements I've found so far, anything else that can be used to determine?

Ring gear diameter: 25: 7-3/4"; 27: 7-1/5".
Bolt count: 25: 8; 27: 10.

 

The D25 has a breather on the housing cover plate.
The D27 has a breather on the housing just above the cover plate.

The wheel bearings and hub seals are slightly larger on a D27 than D25.

 

Ring gear diameter: 25: 7-3/4"; 27: 7-1/5".
Bolt count: 25: 8; 27: 10.[/QUOTE]

Those should yield a positive ID. I do not put much faith in the front cover vents-too easy for covers to be replaced and you likely don't even have a Dana built axle so the normal housing casting numbers may not be there.

 

I've got a '43 GPW, a '44 Willys, and a '45 Willys and they all have the stamped cover. I guess the cast one was found on the early models?

 

Many years back my 43 GPW had the cast iron covers on front (D25) and rear (D23-2.
I kept them both and still use them today.

Where did you dig that up ? Its wrong !
The ring gear bolt count is 8 for both the D25 and D27.

 

http://www.earlycj5.com/forums/showthread.php?6287-Dana-25-vs-27-strength&highlight=bolts

If the bolt count is a false positive indicator, then the diameter should still be sufficient.

 

Correct

 

Here's the results: I have 7.75" diameter ring gear, so I guess it's a Dana 25 clone.

Other info: I have Mitsubishi stamping all over, 43 tooth ring gear stamped D00653, 8 tooth pinion marked 653-13, carrier with 3 stamps: T5; 5; G. 8 bolts. Inner diameter to outer diameter difference was 1-1/8". Ring gear thickness was around 3/4" to 13/16". I'll post pics in a curiosity thread on CJ-3B page.

 

Installed pic:

MB/M38 (Military) Heavy Duty Diff Cover by maclir, on Flickr

Added the red to the fill plug and bolts for some visibility for spotters. Not the prettiest job, but I like it.

Then I got all carried away with the red paint:

Painted shift levers by maclir, on Flickr

 

Looks good on there!

 

To change the subject slightly are they the original defrost ducts on your Mitsubishi. Phil

 

Thanks!

Yes. I'm always looking for parts sources, are they like a US part?

 

Ive never seen ducts like that before except maybe on a early Land Rover, I am on the lookout for some kind of effective ducting for my CJ3a. Phil

 

The visible part is a hard plastic mounted to the WS frame. It disconnects at the flexible neck (some sort of pliable but stiff rubberish material) that goes into the dash and used to connect to cardboard tubes. Those tubes rotted and have been replaced.