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Couple of questions on my new project hoping someone can help me out. There are some numbers on the left side of my frame on the vertical outboard horn next to the bumper. Not finding a lot of info. They are as follows.
871-4401 S476
28089670

Both body and dash tag are as follows
Ser# 28477
Engine is
MC34570
There are some things that don't line up on this jeep but appear to be original. Delivery date is 8-51. Is it possible this is an M38E1? What do the frame #s mean? Sure it is a military frame it has the M reinforcements but the front axle has a civil mount for the steering not used and the windshield does not have a vent. Both have OD paint when sanded??

Look like assorted frame inner weld-in panel part numbers.

MC28477 was an Aug 1951 M38. No such animal, M38E1. The M38 was built Sep 1950 thru June 1952. The M38A1 was built from June 1952 thru 1971.

Thanks Wes. I read somewhere in 51 they made an experimental m 38 based on a cj 4? What do you mean by frame inner panel numbers?

The frame is a CJ3A frame with the military panels welded to the inside of the frame rails for the military frame boxing, firewall to bumper. Each segment carried a number so the production line guys could weld the right piece in the right spot.

Do you mean the front axle has a pitman arm bracket welded in place? That would be a WWII MB/GPW characteristic. If yes you will want to confirm what ratios are installed in front and rear differentials. WWII jeeps did not share axle types with the M38
The M38 windshield does not have a vent.

The windshield vent is in place on a M38 as it was on a CJ3A - its just been screwed shut by brackets.

Thank you for the reply's!!! Front axle is suspect for sure. Tearing into it left side has a removable drum and the right side does not. I checked the ratio the old fashion way by turning the wheel 2 times and counting the rotations of the prop shaft and it was 4.6 turns. Not good. Have not done the rear as it is all apart trying to fix the brakes so I can give it a once over on a road trip before I make a restoration plan. Rear has a tag. On it isW43. Will post what I find. Trying to figure out how to post pics. Overall it seems pretty correct minus these issues. Engine date code is same month as build date but head is MB. Plan is to get it driving and stopping to figure out what is needed. No rust anywhere which is blowing my mind. Harness has been smoked by a poor 12 v conversion.

If you have a full floater in the back then you have either a MB/GPW or Early 45 CJ set of axles (These can be either WWII 4:88-1 or CJ 5:38-1). If you have a 41 or 44 in the back then most likely it is 5:38-1.

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Nailed it. Front is GPW F script 4.88:1. Received M38 reference guide today and the rear is correct for the jeep and 5.38:1. W 43/8. I guess I need to find the correct front axle

The model 25 axle is fairly easy to find. It was used on the CJ2A, CJ3A, CJ3B and CJ5. Tougher is the correct brakes for the M38. Only used on the M38/CJ3A.