Frame Identification help

southpw · Post by **southpw** » Mon Sep 08, 2014 5:59 pm

I met a local guy up here in Canada that has a few parts but unsure what frame he has. I can't seem to find a thread that deals with the different Willys frames.
I couldn't find any tags or stamp on the frame. Been recoated. The front of the rails flare up for last few inches like the M38 to achieve front bumper width.
the tubular crossmember has a bracket to receive the bellcrank. I believe this eliminates MB 's.
Rear crossmember/bumper had large angle on ends of bumper like an M38 bumper.
I didn'tpay to much attention while I was there. Someone was there and sounded like a sold item. Evidently it is still available.
I am interested in purchasing it if it is a M38 frame and I get his price down.
is there anything I can look for to help narrow down what this frame is?
thanks
Brad

Thunderbird712 · Post by **Thunderbird712** » Mon Sep 08, 2014 6:20 pm

Check out Wes's photo album in the Photo galleries. He has a whole photo album regarding the M38 frame you can use for reference.

Xamon · Post by **Xamon** » Mon Sep 08, 2014 6:23 pm

examine this here
http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules. ... _album.php
The civvy frame is not boxed in as much up the ends. If it is a Canadian m38 frame it should have a car number on the top of the drivers side frame rail near the front. They can be hard to read especially if there is thick paint.

southpw · Post by **southpw** » Mon Sep 08, 2014 7:25 pm

Thanks. My frame is boxed in more than the one I'm looking at but all other features look the same otherwise. Wes' pics helped. I will ask him to send me some pictures.
The work Ihave to do on my frame seems to justify a new frame if it will work.
My biggest worry is that I am looking at things on this frame that are similar to mine but also similar to other frames.

4x4M38 · Post by **4x4M38** » Mon Sep 08, 2014 7:51 pm

Is the bracket on top of the frame in front of the rear axle for the machine gun mount?

Post by **wesk** » Mon Sep 08, 2014 9:26 pm

In your first post you were looking for a M38 frame. In your second post you sound like you are now looking for any frame that will bolt in with little trouble.

If you want an M38 frame they are easy to identify.

1-Front frame rails are boxed to the firewall. CJ's & MB/GPW's are not.

2-The M38 frame has the voltage regulator brackets on the right frame inboard just behind the battery tray. CJ's do not.

3-The M38 frame's brake and clutch pedal support is bolted to the frame. The Cj's are welded to the frame.

If you want a frame that is easily adapted then choose a CJ2A or CJ3A early with frame radiator mounts.

oilleaker1 · Post by **oilleaker1** » Tue Sep 09, 2014 1:53 pm

The CJ3A page has a video there on Frame ID. My M38 frame is shown in detail. John

southpw · Post by **southpw** » Wed Sep 10, 2014 2:22 pm

Ok. So I have narrowed it down to a CJ frame.
4X4M38 - No it does not have that feature on the frame.
Oil leaked - I can't seem to find that video over there
Wes - I see what you mean by my 2 posts. I meant to say that if this frame was an M38 I would buy it. But it's not so i will keep my frame and beef it up.
Now I will just try and help this guy figure out if it is an early or late cj2a frame or an early or late cj3a frame

oilleaker1 · Post by **oilleaker1** » Wed Sep 10, 2014 3:03 pm

Ok. Go to the CJ3A page Forums, Look for: Tech FAQ Section, Chasis, brakes, and suspension, frame differences over the years, then read and page down until you get to a video byJPET. That's my frame, John

oilleaker1 · Post by **oilleaker1** » Wed Sep 10, 2014 3:06 pm

A CJ2A frame has front bumper rivited on gussets that attach the bumper. A CJ3A frame is taller and thicker, and is swelled up to fit inside the front bumper, no gussets. Then, A M38 will have military differences you can see in the video, but is like a CJ3A. John

Post by **wesk** » Wed Sep 10, 2014 9:19 pm

Frame Assy:

640218 CJ2A 10001 thru 199079

647048 CJ2A replacement for 640218. Same except has inverted steering bellcrank bracket.

648442 CJ2A 199080 thru 215649
also part of replacement frame kit for 647048 with inverted
steering bellcrank bracket.

646950 CJ2A 215650 thru end of 2A production (Inverted steering bellcrank)

647910 CJ3A 10001 thru 21656

649241 CJ3A 21657 thru end of CJ3A production.

Are these enough different frames to get people curious! There were subtle changes between each of these frames as well as the Big CJ2A change for the inverted bellcrank. Then more subtle differences until the second CJ3A frame that introduces the side mount radiator. I would settle on either you have a early CJ2A, later CJ2A with inverted steering bellcrank, early CJ3A or late CJ3A.