Short radiator question...

Herrmann_Sherman · Post by **Herrmann_Sherman** » Sat Sep 06, 2014 7:54 am

Will a original Cj-2A radiator fit to an M38 Jeep?
Sometimes I can find some offers for used an also for new radiators which both notations...??

Thanks
HS

Post by **wesk** » Sat Sep 06, 2014 9:10 am

The mounting at the front cross member is different. You will have to do some custom fabrication work. If you must use only a CJ radiator choose one from a similar chassis like the CJ3A and CJ3B.

Herrmann_Sherman · Post by **Herrmann_Sherman** » Sat Sep 06, 2014 9:19 am

Thank you, Wesk!

Bill_F · Post by **Bill_F** » Sat Sep 06, 2014 1:16 pm

cj3b radiator will not work in an m38, they mount to the grill. An early cj3a or an cj2a radiator will fit. Later Cj3a's changed to grill mounted as well.

billybob · Post by **billybob** » Sat Sep 06, 2014 6:38 pm

Did any other radiator besides the one for the M-38 have the brackets for the support rods that went back to the motor mounts. Thanks.

Bill_F · Post by **Bill_F** » Sat Sep 06, 2014 7:31 pm

no..m38 only item

Post by **wesk** » Sat Sep 06, 2014 8:26 pm

Are you sure Bill? Look at the early m38A1 powerplant illustrations from TM 9-8014.

billybob · Post by **billybob** » Sat Sep 06, 2014 9:25 pm

Thanks for the quick replies. The reason I ask is, a few years ago I bought a 47 Cj2a that came with a whole pickup load of various jeep parts including a 45 MB engine. There was also a radiator that was identical to the one in My M-38 only better. I just thought it was odd because I think everything else is for a Cj2a. Thanks again.

Bill_F · Post by **Bill_F** » Sat Sep 06, 2014 9:32 pm

Yes the m38a1 used the rods but I believe they are different shaped, does not really matter since an m38a1 radiator wont fit in an m38 without mods.

Post by **wesk** » Sat Sep 06, 2014 10:39 pm

Actually it probably does matter to Billybob. He now has the correct answer to his question.

Herrmann_Sherman · Post by **Herrmann_Sherman** » Sun Sep 07, 2014 7:38 am

So a CJ2A or 3A will fit...with a little modification?

Post by **wesk** » Sun Sep 07, 2014 9:07 am

Yes. Note the shrouds are different between 2A and M38 and between 2A std radiator and 2A HD radiator.

45auto · Post by **45auto** » Mon Sep 08, 2014 9:17 am

Of interest on this topic--My 52 M38 has a M151 radiator that I thought was installed by its first civilian owner--until I came across 5 of them at a military swap meet. He didn't know what they fit, I did as they looked just like the one in my M38. I now know it was a military modification. I have the paper work on my M38 and it was surplus in 1970 which indicates the military was making do to keep the few M38s in inventory running. Other than looking like a M151 radiator, its not a bad looking modification.

Good original M38 radiators are hard to come by---until I find one, I will be using the modified M151 radiator.

If anyone would like pictures of the set up--check my photo album.
http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules. ... _album.php

BullRun · Post by **BullRun** » Mon Sep 08, 2014 11:44 pm

45auto... thanks for that picture I'll have to check my M38... it has a similar radiator. My M38 is also fairly modified by the military.

My favorite modification is the 24 volt fuel sender on a CJ3A fuel tank. It is clever and well done. So far I have kept it!

Herrmann_Sherman · Post by **Herrmann_Sherman** » Tue Sep 09, 2014 10:54 am

Thanks for all the information about the military modification and that it will work!

But I want a M38 optic...now I found a replica of the original Radiator incl. shroud in a shop in the netherlands...