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?
