M-38 & M-38A1 Military Jeep

Posted on 12 September, 2009

The M38 Jeep was the first post-WW II jeep, based on the civilian model CJ-3A, but upgraded for military use. The M-38A1 was an entirely new jeep, even though it was numbered as a variant of the M38.

The M38 Truck, 1/4 ton, 4×4 featured flat fenders, a one-piece windshield, bottom-mounted wipers and an air vent at the bottom center of the windshield frame. Military upgrades included a stronger frame and suspension, a 24-volt electrical system, and full-floating rear axle.

Manufactured by Willys, the Jeep had an L-head, 4 cycle, 4-cylinder engine with synchromesh transmission and three forward gears. It had a crew of two and passenger capacity of two.

The M38A1 was the military improvement upon the M38 Jeep, introduced in 1952. It was a new design, not just a modification of the M38. It featured rounded front fenders, a contoured hood, two-piece windshield, top-mounted windshield wipers, and a new “Hurricane” F-Head engine.

The M-38A1 closely resembled the CJ-5 civilian model jeep. It differed from the CJ-5 in that it had a stronger frame and suspension, reversed front spring shackles, standardized GI instruments, and 24-volt electrical system.

The M38A1 was manufactured by Willys, and had an F-head, 4-cycle, 4-cylinder engine. It had a crew of one and could carry three passengers.

Jeep M38 / Willys M38 technical details

Lifespan	1950-1952
Overall length	133 in.
Overall width	62 in.
Wheelbase	80 in.
Engine	Modified version of the “Go-Devil” L-Head 4-cylinder in-line watercooled side-valve (L-head) gasoline engine, developing 60 bhp (54net) at 4000 rpm and a max. torque of 105 lb-ft (95 net) at 2000rpm Cubic capacity 134.2 in. (2199 cc).
Transmission	Borg-Warner T-90
Transfer case	Dana 18/Spicer 18