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Page 181 of the M38 ORD 9 calls for part no. 7355938:
BRACKET, polarizing, electrical connector (type Q28) (used on vehicles after serial No. 65781)

My M38 is an earlier serial number; is this bracket a critical installation (i.e. retro-fitted to the earlier jeeps), or will the trailer socket function fine without it?

Also, the diagrams in the various parts & maintenance manuals show the trailer receptacle door in different orientations. So, should the receptacle door be fitted with the spring hinge to the top, bottom, left or right?

Thanks in advance...

I believe that late bracket ensures the receptacle gets indexed correctly to the tub. There's a TB 9-804-9 dated May 53 that instructs you to rotate the hinge of the cover bracket along with the receptacle from the spring being top horizontal to the spring being inboard vertical. This kept the rubber plug's spring loaded dust cap from damaging the red reflector below the trailer receptacle.

Aha! That makes sense now.
Thanks for the fast response, Wes.