My Willys 3A and 3B Community

3A, 3B, DJ Technical Knowledge Base => "Original"-- Technical Questions, Answers, Observations => Topic started by: PaulS on July 03, 2013, 04:14:52 PM

Title: Body compatibility: 3A vs 2A vs M38
Post by: PaulS on July 03, 2013, 04:14:52 PM

How similar are the bodies on the 3A, 2A, and M38?  To what extent can one be swapped out for another?

I presume that most or all of the other parts can be easily swapped.  Correct?

Thanks,

-Paul

Title: Re: Body compatibility: 3A vs 2A vs M38
Post by: 1955CJ-5 on July 03, 2013, 04:57:25 PM

I'll tell you what I know...

The wheel house tops are 2" longer on a 2a, that translates into less leg room.

The 3a windshield frame is taller than the 2a, but I don't know by how much.

The M-38 has a larger opening for the fuel filler neck, and the floor pan over the transmission is removable on an M-38, much like the early CJ-5. Some M-38's have a larger/deeper fuel tank..

M-38 dash is very different-gauge location, switches and it has a glove box....2a and 3a are very similar..

I'm sure there are a multitude of other M-38 vs 3a differences..top bow fastening, grab handles, hinged grill, brush guards on the headlights etc

I don't know about frame mounts....

Title: Re: Body compatibility: 3A vs 2A vs M38
Post by: garage gnome on July 03, 2013, 08:47:21 PM

All the 2A, 3A and M38 body parts will bolt together on any one of those chassis. Randy cover the major differences though.