Super Newbie Question

Don't laugh..I am new to all this and I have a question nI can't find the answer to on the big-old WWW....:)

What are the main differences between a 1970 CJ-5 and a M-38A1 or M-606A1? I can easily see that the military versions do not have a roll cage, but dimensionally are they the same vehicles?

 

Dimensionally they are the same but there are many differences.
for starters the M38A1 is 24 volt instead of 12 and will have a valve to slightly pressurize the valvetrain for fording.
The M trucks will have a "salad bowl" in the pass side cowling for a elec plug and a battery box above it in the cowl for 2 battereys. The gauge cluster is different as well as the fuel tank. There will be no tailgate and it will have blackout marker lights. Most that I have messed with will have bumperettes and a pintle hook on the rear but no draw bar like the CJ5's do.
And that's just off the top of my head!R)

Are you looking at buying one or the other?

Donnie

 

Yes, many differences.

The M38A1 predates the CJ-5. In the beginning, the CJ-5 was basically a de-mil M38A1. When the CJ-5 was launched, they had basically the same engine, transmission, transfer case, axles, brakes, same track width, and same wheelbase. Lots of the features that were required by the military are gone in the CJ-5, replaced with civilian-spec components. The 24V waterproof electrial system is a good example, replaced by passenger-car-grade electricals. The body was modified with a new single-piece windshield, "JEEP" logo under the cowl, a tailgate, etc. The frame was modified to eliminate the machine gun mount. Anything put on the vehicle for the military was removed or deactivated (some vestigial military features remained).

You'd likely have to write a book to list every last change.

 

The M606 are a bit of a reverse from the M38A1/CJ5 scenario. The 606's were derived from the civilian CJ 3B and were certainly not as heavy duty as the M38A1. The 606's share the same springs, frame, etc as the flatty 3B's and are not the same as the CJ5. Most of the 606 production was for export.