willysmjeeps.com

I was thinking of mounting the spare tire on the rear right fender of my M38 for a different "look" and to be able to use the tailgate. I have Ryan Miller's excellent new book - M38 Reference Guide - but it does not have a picture of that mount. My M38 has bolts through the fender for a side mount and the book confirmed that some versions had a side tire mount. Actually, I was surprised to see the reinforcements under the fender for the mount - so maybe my Jeep had a side mount at one time.

Does anyone know what the side mount looks like??

Can I unbolt the two halves of the rear mount and use the upper half on the fender??

The standard CJ2A, 3a, 3B & CJ5 side spare mount bracket bolts on there. Although there is no written documents supporting the right rear side mount spare except of course the SNL listing for the inner support plate it can be seen on several M38's today and it is assumed when the USAF who made common practice of using the tail gate the spare was moved to the right rear. If I recall correctly they all left Willys with the reinforcement in there.

The experimental recoiless rifle versions of the M38 moved the tire to the hood.

Yes the top part of your mount should bolt right up on the side. Your rear mount is worth more un-modified. Save it and just order a brand new civvy mount.



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http://www.4wd.com/HardParts/HPDetail.aspx?hpID=74



[quote]
Part #: OAI12025.27
Back to Top
$20.99
Qty:
Add To WishList Model: Vintage Spare Tire Carrier
1946-75 CJ2A-CJ6[/quote

In Miller's book, the photos on pages 18 and 39 are of the prototype and an airforce M38, respectively, with the fender spare tire mount. Also on page 39 is a priceless pic of a M38 being operated underwater by a driver in a deep sea diver's suit.

Thanks Wes - I know you were a contributor to the book as well - great job!

Yes, I am aware of those photos. But as I stated above there is no written data available to support the mod that was done fairly often in the field. When I say support I say there's to this date no offical serrvice document, tech bulletin or service letter available to dictate how the mod was to be accomplished and using which parts. The six pilot models or prototypes are interesting but they are not the established norm for the M38.

My m38 had the spare tire mount on the passenger side when I first bought. The holes in the tailgate where filled with carriage bolts just like the holes for my top bow brackets, It had a hard top.