Jeep - Willy M38
1949 - 1953
Vehicle overview
About the vehicle
Pioneer tools (axe and shovel) were mounted on the passenger side, and larger tires were used (7:00×16) along with a waterproof electrical system, requiring a second battery. The M38 suspension and frame were stronger than that of its civilian sibling (the CJ-3A) and had a full-floating rear axle.
Other distinctive features of the M38 include protruding headlights (with guard wires in front), an air vent in the base of the windshield, blackout lights and notches for various tools. The M38 did not have an outside step (included on the CJ-3A), in order to improve ground clearance. A few M38s were equipped with Ramsey winches (with a net weight of 2,745 lbs). Other M38s were outfitted with wading equipment and a special breathing apparatus to allow for fording in streams.
Interesting facts
The Army felt that the Bantam company was too small to supply the number of vehicles it needed, so it supplied the Bantam design to Willys and Ford who were encouraged to make their own changes and modifications. The resulting Ford “Pygmy” and Willys “Quad” prototypes looked very similar to the Bantam BRC (Bantam Reconnaissance Car) prototype and Spicer supplied very similar four-wheel drivetrain components to all three manufacturers.
Technical specifications
Parameter
| Weight | 3,865 lb. (Gross), 2,660 lb. (Curb) |
| Length (overall) | 138 ⅝" |
| Width (overall) | 60 ⅞" |
| Height (maximum) | 73 ¾" |
| Ground clearance minimum | 9 ⅚" |
| Tire size | 7.00 x 16 |
| Tread (front & rear) | 49 ⅛" |
| Transmission | T-90 |
| Transfer case | Dana 18 |
| Front axle | Dana 25 (1952-1960) or Dana 27 (1961-1971) |
| Rear axle | Dana 44 |
| Wheelbase | 81" |
| Fuel capacity | 17 gal |
| Other | 2-piece windshield 24 volt electrical |
Engine type
| 4-134 F Head Motor (475) | All years |
| Engine type | 134 CID (2.2L) F4-134 Hurricane 14 |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Cu-In. displacement | 134.2 cu. in. (2199,53 cm 3) |
| Horsepower | 72@4000 rpm |
| Torque | 114 lb-ft. (15,7 kg-m.) |
| Compression ratio | 6.9 to 1 |
| Valvetrain | F-Head |
