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Willys Jeep M38 – A Brief History

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Wednesday, October 5th, 2011

The Willys M38 was manufactured from 1950-1952 with a production total of 45,473. The M38 was based off of the CJ-3A but with a beefier frame and suspension. The Jeep was also identified by Willys as an “MC”. The M38 had protruding headlights with a protective guard wire in the front, blackout lights, and an air vent in the base of the windshield.
Some features that differentiated it from its civilian predecessor were: a one-piece foldable windshield, bottom mounted wipers, lifting shackles, a pintle hook for towing and a fuel filler on the drivers side. The M38 also had larger tires, 7:00×16″. In order to improve ground clearance the M38 did not have an outside step like previous models. M38′s were endowed with specific equipment depending on the usage of the vehicle. Some of them had Ramsey winches or were outfitted with wading equipment and a breathing apparatus for fording bodies of water. A few had light dozing and leveling equipment though it would be rare to find an M38 with such add-ons.
Some of these jeeps were used in the Korean Theatre of Operations until the Korean War was over in the mid 1950s, then they were made for export overseas.
Another notable difference in the M38′s design was a water fording ventilation system and a waterproof 24 volt electrical system. The pioneer tools (shovel and axe) were moved to the passenger side of the vehicle, which were originally on the drivers side of the Willys MB of WWII.

Weight: 2750 lb. (Gross: 3950 lb.)
Length (overall): 133”
Width (overall): 62”
Height (Top Up): 74”
Ground Clearance: 9 1/4”
Tires: 7:00×16
Transmission: T-90
Transfer Case: Dana 18
Front Axle: Dana 25
Rear Axle: Dana 44
Wheelbase: 80”
Other: 1 Piece Windshield, 24 Volt Electrical

Engine: 4-134 L Head Motor (463) (All Years)
Engine Type: L4-134 “Go-Devil”
Number of Cylinders: 4
Cubic-In. Displacement: 134.22 CID (2199.53 cc)
Horsepower: 60 hp (45 kW) @ 4000 rpm
Torque: 105 ft-lb. (142 N-m) @2000 rpm
Compression Ratio: 6:48:1
Valvetrain: L-head

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If you are looking for, Willys Jeep Parts, Willys replacement parts, Willys body parts and much more for your 1941-1971 Willys vehicle, you have come to the right place! Don’t forget to check out our sister site, LiveOffroad, an online site dedicated to offering the lowest prices on parts and accessories for 1976+Up CJ & Wrangler! Live Well. Offroad Better.

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Categories : Willys Jeep History

A Brief History: CJ-3B

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Wednesday, September 14th, 2011

About the Willys CJ-3B

In 1953 the CJ-3B was first introduced by Willys-Overland into the “Universal” jeep line promoting it as an agricultural, industrial, and personal “all-purpose vehicle, while still very similar to the CJ-2A and CJ-3A’s its predecessors, it had one main difference; the engine. The CJ-2A’s and CJ-3A’s had the “go devil” 4-134 L head motor while the CJ-3B was upgraded to the F4-134 “Hurricane” motor.

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Categories : Willys Jeep History

Tags : cj-3b, jeep history, Jeep Identification

Willys CJ-3A: Brief History

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Wednesday, August 17th, 2011

About the Willys CJ-3A:

The CJ-3A Jeep was introduced by Willys-Overland in 1949 to replace the CJ-2A Jeep as a possible result of the CJ-2A’s decreased sales. The CJ-3A was part of the Universal CJ series, intended for agricultural and industrial uses. To appeal more to the civilian market several details were updated for better comfort and drivability but keeping with the “utilitarian” aspect of the jeeps.

The biggest change introduced was the one-piece windshield with an improved vacuum-type windshield wiper for better road visibility, and a windshield ventilator for the circulation of fresh air. Other updates from the CJ-2A were increased leg room, leakproof connection features for the canvas top and front side of each door, thicker cushions, and more headroom adding 2 3/8″ to the overall height. The rear wheel well was shortened and the drivers seat was moved toward the rear of the vehicle, shortening the deck. The suspension was also improved to help with agricultural use. The only marketing of this jeep was done in farm journals, as Willys-Overland considered trying to enter the passenger car market which was dominated by Ford and GM at the time. Approx. 131,843 CJ-3A’s were sold from 1949-1953 until the CJ-3B was introduced in 1953.

The Willys CJ-3A Farm Jeep an american classic.

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Have Willys Jeep photos? Submit them to our blog webmaster.

Go to Kaiser Willys Community PHOTO GALLERY for more Great Willys Jeeps!

Get Connected. Stay Inspired. Build Your Willys.

If you are looking for, Willys Jeep Parts, Willys replacement parts, Willys body parts and much more for your 1941-1971 Willys Jeep vehicle, you have come to the right place! Don’t forget to check out our sister site, LiveOffroad, an online site dedicated to offering the lowest prices on parts and accessories for 1976+Up CJ & Wrangler! Live Well. Offroad Better.