M38A1 vs. Early CJ5

All things being equal (engine and trans.) ... is there much difference between the M38A1 and the CJ5 when it comes to on and off road performance, durability, strength, etc...... thanks for your input!!

 

The M38A1 has heavy duty spring packs, larger diameter tie rods, added frame boxing in places, 24 volt electric system. those are the major differences, probably others I've forgotten. Most of that stuff we change out with lift kits, steering conversions and other stuff. Probably if we kept every stock they should last longer or take more abuse than a standard CJ5 of thsame vintage. Oh the major difference is the crosmember that the machine gun bolts to tha's only on the M38A1

 

Doesn't the A1 also have the shackle on the rear of the front springs?

 

yup

 

M38a1 has a larger gas tank.

 

I think an M38A1 orginally came with lifting rings as well.

 

Plus the cool factor of the M38a1.

 

Early 5's do too. Mine is that way. Not sure where the VIN cutoff was for that.

 

don't forget the whole "forgetting keys" thing is thrown out the window... different stages of headlights, fording kits, more dash to hit a knee on, ventilating winsheild (found on some 5's as well), and actually being able to use that nifty triangle on the side.

there's a couple more, and i'd post the link but i can't seem to remember it right now...

 

See this website with info below on the M381A. It was made before the CJ5. I have had both jeeps.

http://www.m38a1.com/Models/model_differences.htm

Willys M38A1
Years Produced: 1952-1957
No of Units: 101,488 (80,290 domestic use / 21,198 foreign sales)
This was the first appearance of the 'round-fender' Jeep that would eventually become the CJ5. The M38A1 was quite different that the CJ5, having a stronger chassis and reversed front spring shackles, in addition to the military accoutrements such as standardized GI instruments and a 24 volt electrical system. The M38A1 lasted quite awhile in military service. Even after it was replaced by the high-tech Ford M151, they could be seen in OD green as late as the 1970s. In all, 101,488 units were produced, some of which went for export. This rig is owned by George Baxter at Army Jeep Parts in Bristol, PA (George Baxter - Reprinted with permission)

 

only certain m38a1's had a tailgate. Mostly gun mounts (recoiless rifle and atomic) have them.

 

Do you like the m38 as well as the CJ5??? I want to know because I have the opportunity to buy one w/ a Buick V6 and saginaw steering that is very clean for $2900!

 

that sounds like a real good price if everything is on order...pics???

 

It sounds as if it's worth a look anyway.

 

I spent $2500 on a '53 M38a1 about 6 months ago. Had the Buick 231 convesion done to it along with a rear gas tank and 11" brake conversion. Very little rust aside from some surface stuff. I feel it was worth the money. There is quite a bit of slop in the steering (stock) but I have the kit to replace all that stuff. Those 5.38 gears are LOW too... About 50 mph is all I'm willing to drive it at. All the guys in the local Jeep club dig the fact that I have 11 springs on each corner and you can see the machine gun mounts underneath. Don't get me wrong, I always seem to have something to fix or work on, but I'm finding that a lot of the 50-60's CJ stuff bolts on or can be made to fit my M38a1. It's also cool having an antique tag..

Dondo

 

I've seen quite a few M38A1s that were released as surplus, and they were all really, really worn out. Most were missing a significant number of the major components. Bringing an M38A1 back to good condition would have required a frame-up restoration.

I guess my point is, you'll never find an M38A1 that's an original creampuff. Each of them will very much reflect the PO's tastes and skills. JMO, but if they weren't restored to original OD condition, they were bought as a cheap stand-in for a CJ5. I'm sure there are some good ones out there, converted to civilian use, but I would expect that the condition of M38A1s compared to CJs is worse, since they neccessarily all started out in poor condition. Their subsequent improvement really depends on the PO's willingness to invest time and money to bring their condition up.

However, so much time has passed since their release to the public, that tehre may not be any more out there in poor, original condition.

 

Lots of M38a1 parts on Ebay if you need stuff. There is also a guy in Oklahoma City that specializes in almost all parts for the M38a1. Mine is kind of an M38/Cj5 cross breed. Frame and body is M38a1, engine, gas tank, brakes, seats, wheels, console etc are CJ-5ish. Kind of a Franken Jeep.

 

I think that is to Tim's point. Unless you want to spend big bucks on a restoration to military specs or to new civilian specs any jeep is a really the sum of it's parts. If the parts are good and what you want there's not a ton of difference. (Except my M38 has a cool battery box in the cowl that you civi's don't get. )