So, I got the jack for the M38A1

Deadguy · Post by **Deadguy** » Fri Dec 28, 2012 11:51 pm

And it's frozen up, probably with rust. I'll strip it and paint it, but I want it to work as well. How do you operate it? Do you insert the end of the lever and turn it? It only moves about an inch, and the top of the jack doesn't seem to do much.

acengraver · Post by **acengraver** » Sat Dec 29, 2012 9:25 am

My M38A1 Jack looks slightly different but probably works the same. There are two telescoping tubes that reach a total height of about 15" when cranked all the way out. Yours will probably free up when cleaned and lubricated. I'd send a photo but I don't know how.

acengraver · Post by **acengraver** » Sat Dec 29, 2012 9:50 am

Maybe I figured it out.

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Post by **wesk** » Sat Dec 29, 2012 9:53 am

How do you operate it? Do you insert the end of the lever and turn it?

Yes, it is called a screw jack. You screw the little knob and the two internal tubes extend or retract. righty turn extend and left turn retract.

madmike · Post by **madmike** » Sat Dec 29, 2012 10:23 am

I had trouble with the last (top) stage on mine and used Kroil to free it up over time. Then I sand blasted it. That turned out to be a little problematic trying to get all the sand grains out of the screw mechanism. A lot of time blowing it out and working it up and down has resulted in a nice product. It had the M number in nice shape so I saved that. Soda blasting would be better if you need to go that route.

And nice picture of the Fortress acengraver. Looks like Liberty Belle, may she rest in peace.

Mike

acengraver · Post by **acengraver** » Sat Dec 29, 2012 10:42 am

The Fortress is actually "A Bit of Lace", 409th BS, 447th BG. The photo is a poster from a WWII color photo made over England.

Post by **wesk** » Sat Dec 29, 2012 11:21 am

Those are two very different jacks. Dan's is stamped steel for the most part with two vertical ribs and Ace's is cast mostly with a single rib. The knobs differ as well. Can you guys post the part numbers and manufacturer's name of your jacks?

Deadguy · Post by **Deadguy** » Sat Dec 29, 2012 2:08 pm

I got mine from Army Jeep Parts. Other than that, I can't find anything on the jack itself.

acengraver · Post by **acengraver** » Sat Dec 29, 2012 4:51 pm

I got mine from William Warren at the national MVPA convention in Huntsville,AL. It has the number 5 over the number 1873 and the name Auto Specialties stamped in the bottom. Cast onto the surface of the jack are the numbers SJ358J and Made In USA. Ihave no idea if this is the correct jack or not but I bought as being for the M38A1.

Deadguy · Post by **Deadguy** » Sun Dec 30, 2012 3:13 am

used kroil and it still won't budge! Any suggestions?

Post by **wesk** » Sun Dec 30, 2012 10:21 am

Was the jack represented as a functional jack from Army Jeep Parts? If so I would send it back.

madmike · Post by **madmike** » Sun Dec 30, 2012 11:51 am

Mine looks like the picture Deadguy sent and also has no markings other than the painted on numbers/letters. It has, in large yellow font, M37 on one side of the barrel and 4-67 on the other side of the barrel. The Jeep is an M38A1, USMC order and the jack is painted USMC green. Probably a motor pool item and did not come with the vehicle from the factory.