M38A1 Transfer Case

dgmond · Post by **dgmond** » Sat Nov 14, 2015 1:17 am

I have a 1953 M38A1 that needs its transfer case rebuilt. I have the following questions and need some advice.

1. Is there a difference between the Dana 18 and Spicer Model 18 transfer case or are they the same?

2. Where can I purchase a rebuilt transfer case? Been looking on the internet and I have not found a solid answer. Most just offer the rebuild kits.

3. Where can I get the transfer case rebuilt? So I can ship them mine and have them do it. I talked to several local (El Paso, TX) transmissions shops and they seem more confused than I am.

Thanks

4x4M38 · Post by **4x4M38** » Sat Nov 14, 2015 6:29 am

You might contact ACRay here on this website. He is local
and may have some leads.

Post by **wesk** » Sat Nov 14, 2015 8:13 am

1. Is there a difference between the Dana 18 and Spicer Model 18 transfer case or are they the same?

Not really. Brown-Lipe, Spicer & Dana are all the same manufacturer. The only serious difference over the years in them are the driven cluster shaft diameters earl 3/4" then 1 1/8" and finally 1 1/4".

2. Where can I purchase a rebuilt transfer case? Been looking on the internet and I have not found a solid answer. Most just offer the rebuild kits.

Shop all the usual vendors for an exchange unit but beware the M38 & the M38A1 military cases have some external differences.

3. Where can I get the transfer case rebuilt? So I can ship them mine and have them do it. I talked to several local (El Paso, TX) transmissions shops and they seem more confused than I am.

Contact your area shops that specialize in 4 Wheel Drive repairs. Ask them where they get their transfer cases rebuilt. Often you will find out they do them in house.

When you find a good rebuild shop they will not be confused on how to rebuild a Dana 18.

Here are a few links that both you and the rebuilder should review:

http://www.fourwheeler.com/how-to/trans ... spicer-18/
A good "What is a Spicer/Dana D18" web site.

http://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge/tr ... s/model-18
The Novak D18 guide

http://www.advanceadapters.com/tech-vau ... dana-1820/ The Advanxced Adapters D18 guide

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/jeep-wil ... bible.html
The Pirate 4x4 web site tech page dedicated to the D18 information.

http://www.willystech.com/wt/Model18TCa ... rCase.html
Great step by step D18 rebuild guide from the Willys Tech site.

http://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge/tr ... uild-guide
The Novak D18 rebuild guide.

Any mechanic worth a salt can do a good job rebuilding a D18 using the above web site's information.

donthedickens · Post by **donthedickens** » Sat Nov 14, 2015 8:52 pm

http://hermtheoverdriveguy.com/?page_id=1488

I've never used Herm but hear good things about him on line.
At least it'll give you a reference point on price.

DanS · Post by **DanS** » Sun Nov 15, 2015 8:28 am

I have rebuilt two cases. Not that difficult with the provided links and instructions. Saves a bunch of $$$$$.

dgmond · Post by **dgmond** » Wed Nov 18, 2015 8:51 pm

Thank you all. I am going to have to put this on hold. Busted up my hand and cant turn a wrench yet.

4x4M38 · Post by **4x4M38** » Wed Nov 18, 2015 9:52 pm

Ahhhh, Man.

Got to be more careful.

Almost cut my left index finger off with a cut off wheel
on the 4-1/2" a while back. Scared the bejesus out of me
when the nurse was cleansing the cut and said,
"Ooooh, look at that bone...."

I have slowed down and taken a more serious look
at my PPE's.