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M38a1 frame to early CJ5 body questions??

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by Dootle, Dec 22, 2005.

  1. Dec 22, 2005
    Dootle

    Dootle New Member

    Carson City, NV
    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2002
    Messages:
    28
    Hello, Happy holidays to all,

    I am in the preliminary thought gathering process of another Jeep project and could use some input. I have a very clean '54 M38A1 frame, a rust-free '68 CJ5 body and front clip, and a clean low milage 225 V6 in peices ready to build. Thanks to all of you guys (& gals) here, with all your input, I'm excited and confident that it will be a blast.

    Question 1: What mods such as boxing, ect. should I make while
    it's still a bear frame. I've got to figure out the v6 mounts
    too. I'll have a freind powder coat it when
    mods are complete.

    Question 2: I'll be droping in the Dauntless engine. I'm looking at a Ford
    truck tranny (4sd). What tranny transfercase combo would
    I be happy with? Is an overdrive nessecary for this combo?

    Question 3: What is the estimated brewsky consumption for a project
    with a durration of about 8 months.?(for budget purposes).

    Thanks.

    Rob
    _________
    '47 CJ2a gonna build this summer W/ 225 V6
    '52 & '53 M38A1 parts
    '58 & '67 CJ5 parts
    '54 CJ3b F134 ALMOST ready to rummble
    '67 CJ5 Tux, parts
    '78 CJ5 360, go-go scary
     
    Dootle, Dec 22, 2005
    #1
  2. Dec 22, 2005
    speedbuggy

    speedbuggy Looking for a Jeep now

    Living the Good...
    Joined:
    Jul 1, 2004
    Messages:
    1,270
    Question #3

    [​IMG]

    #1 I'd go over the frame and check for cracks, etc. I am not a big fan of boxing it. I'd rather see the flex.

    #2 Overdrive isn't a necessity, but depending on the axle gearing, you may want to have it. It'd be quite nice to have with 5:38's...
     
    speedbuggy, Dec 22, 2005
    #2
  3. Dec 22, 2005
    chevyjeep

    chevyjeep Member

    Elkgrove, Ca
    Joined:
    Dec 17, 2005
    Messages:
    80
    Weak part of the frame is at the spring hangers. I have seen the frame torn out at these points. When I did my frame I boxed in over all four spring hangers but just over the hangers and have not had any problems.
    Over drive will depend on your choice for a Transfercase and rear end combination, Dana 18 or 20 ect.
     
    chevyjeep, Dec 22, 2005
    #3
  4. Dec 23, 2005
    Rondog

    Rondog just hangin' out

    Parker, CO
    Joined:
    Aug 25, 2005
    Messages:
    2,918
    Do you happen to have a photo of that?
     
    Rondog, Dec 23, 2005
    #4
  5. Dec 23, 2005
    w3srl

    w3srl All-around swell dude Staff Member

    Port Orange, FL
    Joined:
    Nov 6, 2002
    Messages:
    4,275
    The M38A1 frame *should* be already boxed at the critical points. A good, thorough inspection is in order at the stress-points as mentioned.

    As for engine mounts, I'd look at a mid-60's CJ-5 with a factory Dauntless to get a feel for (as well as measurements) for the engine mounts.

    By the "Ford truck tranny" remark I'm assuming that you are considering the T-18 route. That has been discussed here as has the SM420/SM465 swap. I'd suggest some time on this site doing searches. The info is there!

    When it comes to the brew factor, I harken back to the days when a friend's dad asked what a dealer would sell a nice used Jag XKE roadster for. His reply was, "If you have to ask, you can't afford it."

    Homebrewing is an option. ;)
     
    w3srl, Dec 23, 2005
    #5
  6. Dec 24, 2005
    chevyjeep

    chevyjeep Member

    Elkgrove, Ca
    Joined:
    Dec 17, 2005
    Messages:
    80
    View attachment 6756 Picture of plate over aft spring front hanger. On a night run to Barrets Lake one of the jeeps in our group ripped the front hanger out. luckly someone had a welder on board and we spent a couple hours putting the hangerback in place and welding.
     
    chevyjeep, Dec 24, 2005
    #6
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