M38A1-vs-cj5

What is the diferance between an M38A1 and a 62' CJ5 besides 1" of wheelbase? And what will innerchange? Why is the CJ5 wheelbase 1" longer? I have a 62' CJ5 with a cracket frame and a rough tub. And I have a chance to get a ??' M38A1 in rough shape (site unseen been farmerised), a compleet rear PTO assembly,2-F134 engines, a set of axles, a perfect hood, and a milatery top (still in crate)for nothing. If I help plant grain this spring. (we start planting saturday. Which is the better machine to build up?

 

I had never heard that the wheelbases were different before, but I might be wrong. The frame on the M38A1 is fully boxed, and the front shackles are at the back of the springs from the factory. The gas tank is different too, it goes deeper through the floor than a CJ5's tank does. Beyond that, I think it's pretty much just smaller visual differences.... the headlights are recessed in the grill, some of the M38A1 grills were on hinges to tip down, blackout lights instead of blinkers, I believe the battery was still stored on a shelf under the cover on the cowl, and some more little stuff.

If it were me, I would definately build up the M38A1, but that depends somewhat on how bad of a condition it's in.

 

For starters 12v vs. 24v system, Waterproof ingnition (M38-A1), Shackle reverse, umbilical, and IIRC the frame is beefier on the A1. The CJ is a the civie counterpart to the A1.

Start planting and make 1 Jeep out of 2

 

Sheese, I'm getting slow in my old age.

 

Thanks for the info.Ill get this stuff home andand start getting something put together. and probibly with the A1 frame if it is OK. I got the info about the 1" wheelbase diferance in the Quadratec site underthe Jeep ID page.

 

The frame on the A1 isnt fully boxed. I think it is made of thicker steel.

 

I've been wondering about this for a while but too lazy to check. The A1 frames are neither fully boxed nor any thicker than CJ5 frames. My micrometer only showed .001" difference between the two (probably dirt).

 

I have never had an early 5 frame to check the thickness.
Makes sense that they would use the same rails for both. Cheaper to manufacture that way.