willysmjeeps.com

I just purchased a 1952 M38 (MC-33825) and am trying to get it home this weekend. The only problem is that it won't roll! I have taken it out of gear and the thing still won't budge?
I am sure that the hubs/brakes aren't locked up/frozen.
Maybe just the parking brake? I am not even sure if these Jeeps have a parking brake! lol
I am VERY new to this type of vehicle...am I missing something obvious?
I would appreciate any ideas...Thanks!
Rich

Make sure buth the transfer case and transmission are in neutral, the parking brake is a pull handle to the left of the steering wheel on the dash - turn and push in to release if the handle has been pulled back. If it still won't roll, get underneath and unbolt the drive shafts from the front and rear axles. There are two U-bolts that hold the drive shaft to the X-shaped bearing. Remove the nuts and you can push the drive shaft out of the way. Use wire or rope to support the loose ends temporarily. A bit of tape over the bearing caps will keep them together (otherwise the end can fall off and then you loose all those little roller bearings). It should roll then. If not, your problem may be in the axles or wheel brakes.

Congratulations on your new acquisition! The fun has only just begun. And it sounds like your fun is starting right off the bat.

1. How are you sure that the hubs and/or brakes aren't stuck? Did you jack it up and turn one wheel and watch the wheel on the other side turn the opposite direction?

2. They sure do have a parking brake - it's on the rear output of the transfer case. It is an internal-shoe drum design, actuated by a L-shaped pull handle on the dash.

Avail yourself of the technical manual resources to be found in the download section of this website: parts manual (ORD 9), operation and maintenance manual (TM 9-8012), Power Train, Body and Frame (TM 9-1804B), and M38 Engine and Clutch (TM 1804A ), are the main ones. More readable (better clarity) versions can be purchased from numerous vendors. These manuals will have the answers to many of your future questions.

Jim

Skyjeep and Jim...thanks for the quick response.
I didn't realize that the transfer case had to be in neutral also..maybe thats all it is.
I didn't check the wheel rotation off the ground, but when pushing it, it feels like it is still in gear...a little bit of travel, but then it stops.
Hopefully it's just the transfer case is still engaged.
I am planning on downloading every manual I can find on here...lol.
I have a lot to learn about these Jeeps.
I usually deal with muscle-cars, so I know how addicting these special vehicles can get.
I will get back to it later tonight or tomorrow and will see if I can roll it now with this extra bit of info.
I will let everyone know how it goes.
Thanks again...and I am sure I will be asking a lot more questions!

Good news...the 52 M38 is now in my garage! Yeah!
It helped knowing to put the transfer case in neutral! lol.
Got a new set of tires and tubes to go with it.
It is rough, but very restorable.
Unfortunately, I have to get the 65 Mustang finished and out of the shop before I can do much to the Jeep.
Maybe I can at least do a bit of cleaning and inventory what I will need to do when the time comes.
Pleanty of time for me to do some research before I get started on it.
Thanks again for the info!
Rich

If it'll help you can just dump that old '65 stang here in
my barn and you'll have all the space you need to work
on your nice new jeep. Just trying to help

RICKG,
I am open to a deal on the Stang...lol.
I was rebuilding it for a friend and about $8K into it, he decided he didn't want it.
I actually has a 71Boss351 that is waiting for a rebuild too. The plan was to do it next, but now that this Jeep is here....mmmm
Email me if you are interested in the Stang...we might be able to work out something.Rich

WAS JUST TRYING TO RATTLE YOUR CAGE..