willysmjeeps.com

So, the driver's side front leaf spring assembly is pinned on the back of the spring through a hole in the frame. It punched out (I am told this is common on M38A1s that were driven hard, as the springs are so stiff, all the flex goes to the frame). I am having my local off road shop weld in a plate and re-attach the spring assembly. I'll have a rebuilt, 0 mile engine, rebuilt tranny, and rebuilt transfer case in this. I don't want the frame to be the weak link. Any opinions on whether I should get a strengthening plate welded in on the other side?

You are the only one who knows how hard you will be driving the jeep, but the frame is plenty strong for normal use.

I'm not going to be driving it that hard, I'm just afraid that the right side might be about ready to go, seeing as to what happened with the driver's side. Sort of a "Maybe I should just take care of it while it's up on a lift" thing.

If you are worried about it then do it. But I would think that you would be able to see some distortion or cracking if there was any damage there.

I believe you will find that high torque application in low 4WD has caused that issue with the left front spring's rear perch. The WWII MB dealt with that issue by adding a short auxiliary torque reaction spring to that position. I doubt there is the same effect on the right side.

Wow, I hadn't heard that before. Was that issue corrected in later jeeps?