The Willys M38 US Army Jeep

Jeep

Jeep is an automobile marque of Chrysler . The first Willys Jeeps were produced in 1941 with the first civilian models in 1945, making it the oldest off-road vehicle and sport utility vehicle brand. It inspired a number of other light utility vehicles, such as the Land Rover which is the second...

, replaced the World War II

World War II

World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...

 models known as MB

Willys MB

The Willys MB US Army Jeep and the Ford GPW, were manufactured from 1941 to 1945. These small four-wheel drive utility vehicles are considered the iconic World War II Jeep, and inspired many similar light utility vehicles. Over the years, the World War II Jeep later evolved into the "CJ" civilian...

 and GPW. It was a 1/4 Ton 4 × 4 Utility Truck manufactured between 1950 and 1952 with a total production of 45,473 units. The M38 was based on the civilian model CJ3A. Willys designated it an MC. However, this version carried a beefier frame and suspension than the CJ3A. Some were assigned to the Korean theatre of operations

Korean War

The Korean War was a conventional war between South Korea, supported by the United Nations, and North Korea, supported by the People's Republic of China , with military material aid from the Soviet Union...

 and after that conflict was over in the mid 1950s, they were manufactured for export overseas.

Equipment

The water fording ventilation system and a waterproof 24 volt electrical system were the major upgrades on the M38 (MC series). These features evolved from the many experimental configurations performed on the WWII Willys (MB series).

Its windshield could be folded flat for firing and the body was equipped with a pintle hook for towing and lifting shackles front and rear. The headlights were no longer recessed as on previous models, but protruded with a guard wire in front. The "pioneer" tools (axe and shovel) which were carried on the MB's driver side were transferred to the passenger side of this vehicle.

Dimensions

It weighed 2750# (3950# on road -gross) and had an 80" wheelbase.
The M38 had a ground clearance of 9¼", a 74" height (top up) a width of 62" and a length of 133".

Engine

• Bore/Stroke: 3.125" × 4.375"
• Compression Ratio: 6.48:1
• Displacement: 134.2 Cubic Inches
• Torque: 105 Ft Lb @2000 RPM
• Main Bearings: 3
• Carburetor: Carter YS-637s

Powertrain

The whole air intake and axle system was fully vented to allow for proper operation under water. Its full floating front axle (Dana 25) was supported by the wheel hub, rather than the axle itself, and provided greater carrying capacity. The rear axle ( Dana 44) was semi-floating. Its powerplant was the L-head 134* with a T-90 transmission and Dana 18 transfer case.

Electrical system

The electrical system was upgraded to a 24 volt system which required dual 12 volt batteries connected in series. Its ignition and electrical systems were waterproof; a handy feature in rainy environments and where deep river fording was necessary.

See also

• List of U.S. military vehicles by supply catalog designation
• List of U.S. military vehicles by model number
• Jeep trailer
  Jeep trailer
  The Jeep trailer was a small 1/4-ton cargo trailer designed to be towed by U.S. Army Jeeps.-History:When the Army developed the Willys MB it needed a cargo trailer that would track behind the vehicle. The first trailer was called the "Trailer, 1/4-ton, 2W, cargo, Amphibian"...
  
  (M100)

External links

• http://www.g503.com/
• http://www.olive-drab.com/idphoto/id_photos_m38.php3