M38A1 front Motor Mount Unknown Rod?

Mike_B · Post by **Mike_B** » Fri Dec 22, 2017 11:06 pm

I have a 3/8" rod that lays in the groove in the middle of the front motor mount rubber on both sides. The rod comes out of the mount and turns 90* towards the front running along the top of the frame for about 10" and then 90's straight up for about 1" right along side the radiator. The rod is not connected to anything on either end. What is it's purpose?

Thanks,

Mike B

mdainsd · Post by **mdainsd** » Fri Dec 22, 2017 11:32 pm

Radiator support rods, one on each side. There should be a provision for attaching them to the radiator. The M38 and the M381 had a feature for a quick power unit change out. A few bolts and the grille would fold down far enough to be removed from the pins. A couple of bolts here and there and a GI could lift out the entire power plant: radiator, motor, transmission and transfer case/

Mike_B · Post by **Mike_B** » Sat Dec 23, 2017 1:02 am

I must be missing parts as I didn't see anything to attach the rods to, they are just laying loose on top of the frame. Were they used for alignment or support?

Thanks,

Mike B

Post by **wesk** » Sat Dec 23, 2017 1:23 am

They support the radiator so the radiator, engine, tranny & transfer can all be removed as a complete power plant package. Which is why your engine lift has the two humps. Forward hump for engine only and rear hump for the whole package.

Here you can see the entire powerplant package being lifted using the rear hump.

Note: this illustration is in your TM 9-8014. Usually a wee bit of page thumbing in the manual or thumbing thru my technical photo library album will answer these questions quickly.

http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules. ... _album.php