WANTED: M38A1 PARKING BRAKE ASSEMBLY

dpcd67 · Post by **dpcd67** » Tue Nov 09, 2021 5:55 pm

I find myself in possession of an M38A1 from which the previous owner thoughtfully removed all traces of a parking brake, from lever to drum and everything originally thereto attached. He, or She, did leave the holes in the floor.
So, I am looking for someone with an M38A1 who is parting it out, and can get me the parking brake assembly. I have seen some of the vendors sell new parts, but when you add it up, it becomes, a lot of $.
Thanks, PM me.

RICKG · Post by **RICKG** » Thu Nov 11, 2021 6:16 pm

Not mine. There's a fellow over on the cj2a page offering this.
https://www.thecj2apage.com/forums/cj5- ... 50254.html

dpcd67 · Post by **dpcd67** » Fri Nov 12, 2021 9:52 am

Thanks for the tip; but access is denied, and the M38A1 parking brake is unique to it, having both an internal and external shoe, levered against the drum from both sides.
He is selling a CJ5 brake setup which uses the common internal shoe type of system. The M38A1 design is actually the best type.

RICKG · Post by **RICKG** » Fri Nov 12, 2021 10:25 am

Sorry about that! not being A1 familiar I just assumed and you know what happens.

Post by **wesk** » Fri Nov 12, 2021 10:45 am

The M38A1 emergency brake system was innovative yes. The best of any brake system NO! It was prone to rattle since it's parts were prone to wear and shoes & hinged linkages being exposed to the elements fell victim to many issues.

The buildup of rust on the external face of the drum always accelerated wear on the outer shoe.

dpcd67 · Post by **dpcd67** » Fri Nov 12, 2021 12:51 pm

Yes they do tend to get loose and rattle, but still seem to be the most effective jeep brake if you want a truly solid "emergency" brake: a term I cringe when I hear it applied to most jeep parking/hand brakes. If you are really in an emergency, best to jump out. Not nearly as good as the Dodge brakes of the period that had a 5 to 1 mechanical advantage. You can fairly easily stop an M37 or WC with them.
The inner and outer shoes are forced into the drum by some relatively good mechanical advantage. But to my knowledge, this system was not used on any other vehicle. They were used for the life of the M38A1 though.
Anyway, the previous owner of this jeep completely removed the whole thing.
I guess he liked a "clean" look.