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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as a jeep fan I congratulate you for your rig. Keep it the way it is for centuries to come. you may end up conquering mars with it.
When rebuilding my “48″ CJ-2A I needed to replace the frame, probably not too unusal? I found a beautiful replacement but had some of the mounts neatly cut off. Replaced the parts and began the rebuild. During the process I noticed the letters “MC” stamped on the frame in a number of locations and wondered what the letters were for.
Now I know, it’s an M-48 frame. Thanks for the info., it is a great help Do I now have a quasi-military jeep?