M38-a1 Vs Cj5 Identification Help

sounds like this thing is getting more and more of a Frankenstein and possibly more unsafe as i get more into it

 

I don’t see the rivet holes

 

So that pretty much cements it as a 3A frame with Dana-41’s?

 

Yes

 

Thanks for all the help everyone!

 

do most headlight bezels work with the A1 or are they special? thinking of adding them.

 

Were the front axles Dana 25 and the rear Dana 41?

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

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?