Front lifting shackle?

[Keith]

I have a September 1952 M38 that I'm restoring and I'm down to the little details like the front lifting shackles are not correct, they are currently 151 shackles that were modified to fit the brackets. For years I've been buying one at a time hoping to find the correct matching set, NO such luck. So I ordered two matching ones from mid west military. they are great looking NOS parts. But I'm confused with what I got and what I've been looking for. I'll attempt to describe the differences, what I got, the elbow or the top out side corner or looking at it when mounted from the front of the jeep its the top area closest to you....is rounded off maybe 1/2"-3/4" radius. What I was told is correct and what I've been looking for that same area has a much sharper corner may 1/8"-14" radius. I've searched, this site forums, the internet, the M38 referance guide were I found a little information but I think it was describing the brackets not the shackle. Could someone PLEASE explain which one is correct and maybe some pictures and what the two different ones were for.

Thanks
Keith

[wesk]

The M38 early came with four identical shackles. The later M38 used a 90 degree bent front shackle and new style bracket.


Early M38 all four and late M38 rear only.


Early M38 all four and late M38 rear only.


Early M38 front


Late M38 front



Manual illustrations:

[Keith]

I understand the early and late model differences my question is concerning the late model styles only, there seems to be two different late models, one with a pointer elbow and one with a rounded elbow. Which would be correct for Sep 1952 M38.
The picture 4,6, & 7 show shackles with the pointer elbow but the M38 reference manual shows a rounded elbow. TRhat the confusion.
Thank You sharing for your knowledge.
Keith

[G740]

Hi,
While the shackles you got are NOS, they are not NOS for the M38 and A1. They are in fact M151 parts that we have pressed to make them fit correctly in the 38 and A1 brackets. The new repro ones that were made were not, in my opinion of good enough quality for me to offer them. I would prefer to sell something that not quite authentic, is of better quality than the repro. I understand if you only want the original square shoulder ones and will take these back.
John

[wesk]

The M38 late and all the M38A1 were squared at the top front. No idea where that example in the M38 guide book came from.

All illustrations of the front late M38 shackle are pointed and if you look at the TM 9-8014 for the M38A1 figures 1, 4, 151, & 189 all show the squared (pointed) shackle. I believe The M38 Book's illustration is of an adapted M151 shackle.

Gentleman John Bizal shines again today. That's what I mean when I tell you folks that John is the man to deal with!!

[evanso1975]

My M38 (7/51) has the later shackles, which I have no reason to doubt aren't original to my jeep. The top front of the shackle looks pretty square to me.

[Keith]

Thanks for the clarification guys, much appreciated!
Wes is spot on about John at Midwest Military everything I've ever purchased from there is of great quality!!
Thank You
Keith

[skyjeep50]

My 9/51 M38 and 1953 M38A1 - square shouldered lift rings.