1954 M170 Newbie Questions

[W8kbrder]

Hi folks,

So I'm fairly new to the M170 and have obviously discovered the difficulty of finding parts. I have a few questions and hopefully someone can chime in as it seems that every Willys part company has every model listed on their website except the M170 and when you ask them, no one knows what will or will not work for it.

This is a driver and I'm not restoring it to be an accurate replica.

1.) Are there any general parts on the M170 that are shared with say the M38a1? I know the suspension is slightly different (heavier duty). The u-shaped shackles that hold the leafs to the frame are different.

2.) Updating the suspension: So I have a new set of leaf springs, however I want to replace all the bushings along the way. I have sway bar bushings that will work, however, on the M170, the metal link that vertically connects between the end of the front sway bar to the bracket on the leaf spring is my problem. The top link doughnut shaped bushings that sandwich the sway bar to the link.... I can find those no problem. However the bottom t-shaped/cylinder shaped bushing that rides on the bottom bracket held on to the leafs by the u-bolts is what I'm having problems replacing. Can this but found at a local auto-parts store? I found the below bushing at Advanced Auto...but I'm not sure if it would work. In order to replace that bushing, I'm guessing you would have to press it in with a vise?







3.) Shackle bushings: The M170 unique u-shaped shackle that mounts the rear of the front leaf springs to the frame originally had a rubber bushing to keep metal from rubbing on metal. Where can I find these? General auto-parts store? As you can see in the below picture, I just recycled the rubber bushings from my old shock to see if those would work. Seems to but I think I'd like to replace with actual bushings meant for that shackle.







4.) Tailgate: Its impossible to find an M170 tailgate. Will a tailgate work off of an M38a1 or other M jeep? I just need a tailgate. Any tailgate will do! I keep seeing super cheap brand new gates on ebay..but they are all for M38a1. Could I make one of these work?

[wesk]

1- Take a little time in the M38A1/M170 ORD 9 SNL G-758 parts manual. Every part that only fits the M170 is segregated there for you. Dont rely on the audience to do this research for you. You will get many wrong answers. If you do not have the parts manual download here on our downloads page free in PDF. In fact all the manuals are there for free!
http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules.php?name=Downloads&d_op=getit&lid=87

2- Don't overlook the civilian version of your jeep the CJ6 for a parts source. Rubber parts are usually the cheapest to repop but also usually the most often overlooked parts by the repop industry. Try visiting an old fashion front end shop that does complete suspension work. The older mechanics in these shops will have an entire drawer in their tool box or a huge separate box full of new rubber bushings from years and kits passed. Show them yours and with luck they'll find the same one in their collection. Dont use petroleum based greases on those rubber bushings. Stay with silicon spray or grease.

3-In actuality any CJ, M38 tailgate from late 1945 thru 1972 will fit.
http://cj3b.info/Dating/DatingTailgates.html
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Wes K
45 MB, 51 M38, 54 M37, 66 M101A1, 60 CJ5, 76 DJ5D, 47Bantam T3-C & 5? M100

Mjeeps photo album: http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules.php?set_albumName=Wes-Knettle&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php

[W8kbrder]

[W8kbrder]

Also I attempted to download the pdf but it said I was not registered. Once I tried registering, it said my email was already registered? I did put in a request awhile back to get a page for posting up an album of pictures. Have not had a response yet but maybe thats the issue?

[circleburner12]

nice jeep!
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1953 m38a1 1953 m100

[rdsar2k]

I posted the places I obtained the bushings for my M170 in the parts suppliers forums. Worked perfectly though polyurathance which is better than rubber IMO. THe standard shackle works fine from the M38A1 and there are people selling the type you are lokking for on ebay. Drive shafts Mullins has. Most all drive train parts are common. The emergency brake mounting is different and actually mounts to the transfer case. Parts can be made.
I finished mine ground up and can be seen in my gallery here. rdsar2k
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1955 M170
1980 JD 450C
1948 Ford 8N
2008 Rubicon Unlimited MyGig

[wesk]

I opened that album for you Feb 11th. I posted the links for the album and the How To pages.

http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=9597

Ill bet your email system is trashing the automated emails from our web site that alert you when replies are posted to your posts. Make sure you have our web site email in your contact list and scan your trash bin / spam box for a week to make sure they are not still getting sent there.

Also try to list your first name and jeep model in your signature block so it shows on all your posts. Makes for friendlier communication between you and the members. Also insures we are on the same jeep model page when you make a post.

Let me know if the Downloads page is blocking your downloading still. Have you tried to download any other items on that page?
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Wes K
45 MB, 51 M38, 54 M37, 66 M101A1, 60 CJ5, 76 DJ5D, 47Bantam T3-C & 5? M100

Mjeeps photo album: http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules.php?set_albumName=Wes-Knettle&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php

[BullRun]

Nice jeep!

Wondering were you got your tires? They look like mud and snow 7.5 x 16 Goodyear Hi - Milers but those are not sold in the U.S. anymore.

I have a 4x4 that had those from the factory. They are/were great tires!

[Ryan_Miller]

I like your flag sticker too!
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Ryan Miller
MVPA # 22010