m38 frame rail length

gmjoey · Post by **gmjoey** » Wed Aug 31, 2011 8:56 am

Can someone tell me the length of a m38 frame vs a m38a1 frame can't find specs on the frame. I know the wheel base need the frame rail length thank you ..

Post by **wesk** » Wed Aug 31, 2011 9:05 am

Since the front bumper and the rear panel are considered part of the frame and are actually cross members I would suggest you establish how you wish they be measured. A good way is to include the front bumper and the rear panel since most folks have them installed. Then have the measurements made using a plumb bob from each end to the floor and then measure across the floor between the plumb bob marks for frames on wheels and bare frames setting on the floor. This will get you reasonably accurate measurements..

RimfireJim · Post by **RimfireJim** » Wed Aug 31, 2011 9:01 pm

The M38 frame length is listed as 122-3/4" on p. 174, Chapter 13, FRAME in the TM9-1804B Power Train, Body and Frame manual (downloads). The figure in that chapter shows the front bumper as part of the frame. If by "rear panel", Wes means rear crossmember, I would definitely consider that as part of the frame as it is riveted and welded to the rest of it.

Perhaps the equivalent manual for the M38A1 has the figure for that model.

gmjoey · Post by **gmjoey** » Wed Aug 31, 2011 9:16 pm

my frame dosen't have a bumper or crossmember at the

rear yet if I could get the length from the end of the front of the frame where it meets the bumper and at the rear of the frame where it meets the crossmember that would be a big help. Are these frame specs in a manual somewhere?

Phil4280 · Post by **Phil4280** » Wed Aug 31, 2011 9:47 pm

Hi there!

I may be wrong but i think another way to work out if its a M38 as apposed to a M38A1 chassie is where the fixed point and where the shackel is mounted for the front springs is located.

As I belive the M38 has the spring shackel at the front of the front spring where as the M38A1 has it at the rear of the front spring. So by looking at the spring mounts you should be able to work out if its a M38A1 or not.

Phil...

gmjoey · Post by **gmjoey** » Thu Sep 01, 2011 6:34 am

Thanks for the help this info was a big help.