M38a1 CDN2 - Winter Project

[wsknettl]

What information were you able to find that led you to remove the outrigger extension? Was it ever standard on the M38A1 CDN series 1, 2 or 3? I have seen it often on CJ5's but not military.

[Wayne Hingley]

I believe the body mount extension was added to this vehicle as part of the "life extension program" in the early 1980's (Im sure someone like Rob L. can confirm that the body mount extension was part of the upgrade modifications when necessary). The CF had the body off this jeep and performed a number of modifications and repairs to the entire vehicle. That particular body mount extension is located under the passenger floor area, and was most likely added to make things more rigid as there are sometimes stress cracks that develop in the body metal around some of the body mounts (due to rough service and/or heavy loading in that area).

The body mount extension on this jeep was somewhat poorly welded in place and had been bent from an under-body impact of some type. I decided to remove it rather than repair it.

This modification was not standard on the M38A1 CDN model, but I am guessing that it was a common addition (where necessary) on the CDN 2 & 3 models that survived into the 80's.

[wsknettl]

Wayne,

Thank you for the explanation. This extension has caused some confusion even on our www.willysmjeeps.com discussion boards. The outrigger extension is listed in the US M38A1 ORD 9 parts manual as WO# 906408 but is presumably for the M170 frame but can be used on the M38A1 frame and probably was a desired upgrade when the M38A1 was used as a recoiless rifle or machine gun platform. Unfortunately neither the MWO for the M38A1C conversion nor Change 1 to the TM 9-8015-2 show this extended outrigger being used on either jeep.

[wsknettl]

Here are Rob's photos he just emailed to me:

[Wayne Hingley]

After completing all of the body welding last December, I have been waiting since January to get a weather window with clear skies and dry roads so I could get the body in for sandblasting. Unfortunately between traveling about 80% of the time for work, and consistent winter weather when home, I didn't get the sandblasting done until today. What a relief to finally get that stage completed, and move on to the final body work and painting.

[Wayne Hingley]

A few photos:

[chris vickery]

Hi Wayne
I was quickly reading over your last few comments on your post regarding the frame.
From my understanding, M38A1 frames were black right from the manufacturer at the time...
Not sure if this applies to the later built CDN2 or CDN3 models but US built Jeeps had black frames.