Hello everyone. I recently purchased a 1952 M38 (MC68037) and I am in the process of getting her running and road worthy. She's a bit rusty (driver's side floor and most hat channels are shot), but I was able to get the engine running pretty good off of an auxiliary tank.
She did not come with a front propeller shaft which gets me a bit worried. Why was it off in the first place?! I was able to locate the used one below. Seller says its from a M38A1. Does anyone know if this will fit my M38?
Thanks in advance. I have learned so much from this site already.
M38 originally used the PN 800125 front shaft. The M38A1 & M170 used two other shafts PN 807691 & 925895. All three are within a 1/16" of being the same length. All three will interchange.
It is not unusual for a highway cruiser to remove the front driveshaft to help both gas mileage and speed.
You asked why the front shaft was removed in the first place. One possible explanation is that the PO wanted to use low range but with only rear wheel drive. If the front wheels don't have lockout hubs, that is one way to get a creeper speed for parades, etc.
Thanks guys. I appreciate the help. At the price, I think I'll give it a try even though I'm not sure it'll work. From the pic, it looks like a1 length, but m38 grease zerk position.
If you convert the decimal inch reading for the M38A1 to the standard inch & compare it to the reading for the M38 they are within a 1/6" of each other. The one in your photo is clearly a M38 unit and as I said they are completely interchangeable. Your only issue to be concerned with on the purchase of that shaft is "How worn is it".
