I have a 1953 m38a1 and in looking for parts, I see alot of 1955-76 cj5, m38a1 etc..What I'm wondering is, will 55 cj5 parts fit my 53 m38a1? I'm mostly looking for suspension, etc. parts. Thanks in advance.
the diferences in the suspensions are that the military jeeps have more leafs, the shakles are the same the leaf assem overall lenth is the same, its a matter of what you are doing with youre M38a1, if youre budget is tight and you like to drive it around you can substitute parts but if youre restoring or loading youre jeep up i would not recomend.
Sam Winer in Akron, Ohio has many rusted out A1s w/lots of parts I had 68 69 72 79 cj5s superficial parts are interchangeable ie windshildframe, hood, tailgate you can swap axels but ratios are 5.38-1 military cj5 lowest was 4.88-1 you can swap leaf springs read above. body tubs will swap but cj 5 has no battery compartment swapable parts from cj5 yrs 55-about 70
do not try 76 and up parts many changes all depends if you want want to keep it military
i just built three. brake hydraulics and rubber lines and shoes were the same as cj but waaay cheaper thru the surplus market than car-quest. exhaust is probably different but it's also readily available thru mv-dealers. i had good luck with bensinger, army jeep parts and surplus city for canvas and seats. and before anyone says it...i know, wrong color:
[quote="Docter"]the diferences in the suspensions are that the military jeeps have more leafs, the shakles are the same the leaf assem overall lenth is the same...quote]
Front springs on the A1 are reversed as well - shackles are towards the rear.
Still looking for parts, Kirk? I have a 53 M38A1 rolling chassis w/bad body I'll be parting out this summer.
53 m38a1 compatability with 55 cj5
