I just got my first ever Jeep, it's a 1953 M38A1 and it's a Fire Brush Truck. I've been playing with antique cars and trucks for almost 50 years and thought this would be a fun retirement project.
My first question is what manual do I need for restoration and repairs? I'd like to get a paper copy as it's easier to use on the shop. From looking around I see lots of different cataloge numbers, so I'd like to make sure I get the best one for my 1953. Do the later year manuals cover all of the changes for the early years or do I need the suppliments as well?
For user maintenance the first TM was TM9-804A dated JUN 1952. The second was TM 9-8014 dated April 1955. These are the most complete sources for daily general maintenance. TM 9-2320-208-20 Dated Jan1966 would have been the last general user maintenance manual but I have never been able to find one.
Motor pool level maintenance:
TM 9-8015-1 Dated Mar 1954 Engine & clutch. Very detailed.
TM 9-8015-2 Dated Aug 1954 Power Train, body and frame. Very detailed.
Parts manuals:
ORD 7 SNL G-758 Dated Jun 1952 Organizational Maint. Allowances
This manual is of little use to you. It's for determing what spare parts can be stocked at what maint. level.
ORD 8 SNL G-758 Dated Mar 1956 Field & Depot Maint. Allowances
This manual is of some use to you and includes kit #'s. It's for determing what spare parts can be stocked at what maint. level.
ORD 9 SNL G-758 Dated Sep 1956 List of All Service Parts
This is the most complete & usefull parts manual.
TM 9-2320-208-34P Dated Jul 1966 Depot level parts manual
Has it uses occasionally.
TM 9-2320-208-20P Dated Jan 1966 organizational Parts List.
Not needed but is nice to have.
Nearly all are available for FREE (thank you Wes) in PDF form on this website. Read, learn, print the pages you need.
The link to page 1 (of 2) of the M38A1 manuals is:
