Bellcrank install and torque

[1955CJ-5]

I think it's odd that Walck's offers the identical kit for 2a's, 3a's, FC150's, M-38, etc etc, yet there is no extra dust seal or washer for that gap....

Where's Bretto? Doesn't he have an M-38?

[athawk11]

I agree with Randy.  I think Bretto is our key.

This could have been a design change, but why would everyone sell the same repair kit that is interchangeable between so many different Willys versions?

Tim

[athawk11]

Here is a picture of Bretto's frame.� This tells me it is conclusive that there was a design change for the M38.� Is there some type of shim pack available?

[1955CJ-5]

I went through Bretto's build pics but I guess I didn't go back far enough.

That picture clearly shows a bushing or sleeve..

Ryan's post on the willysmjeeps forum got a response that shows some special washers/shims/spacers in there...here is the picture

I think Ryan needs to call Carl or John Bizal....

[Ryan_M]

There was a change. I'm still not sure if my bracket "sleeve" is correct but there did appear to be that protrusion there - whether sleeved or originally cast. The parts diagram for the M38 also shows a spring washer (which I don't have) and the thicker boot/seal that I do have in my pic. Those are parts #9 and #10 in the M38 diagram. If I can find a suitable spring washer replacement I think it'll be OK.

I am still a big fan of Walck's, but the "Bell crank kit 7/8" CJ2A, CJ3A, CJ3B, CJ5, CJ6, DJ, FC 150, M38, M38A1 Part Number: 920556" is another part that should not be advertised as completely suitable for the M38.

[Bob W]

Here is an M38 bellcrank bracket. It's difficult to see in the photo but the shoulder is part of the bracket and that's where the seal rides. The seal has a metal "spring" around it to provide more pressure on the sealing surfaces.

[Ryan_M]

Interesting. My seal does not have that spring. Is that the "6. SPRING, TENSION, SEAL" in the M38 Fig. 24 above? Fig. 24 seems to show #6 above the #7 seal but maybe it was meant to wrap around it?

I'm confident I can make my set-up work and I'm pushing this now solely out of curiosity. See what happens when you guys allow this step-child 3A variant to hang with the 3A family?�

[athawk11]

See what happens when you guys allow this step-child 3A variant to hang with the 3A family?�

I wouldn't have it any other way!� 8-). We're all learning new and interesting variants.�

Now, the million dollar question...�

What advantage/improvement does this design change offer?

The M38 was designed to "ford".� �Assuming all the seals are correct and fresh, would this be more water tight?

Tim

[1955CJ-5]

Interesting, isn't it? 

I think of the M-38 as a military CJ-3a but there are probably more differences than there are similarities.

I have a friend who has one and he swears it drives better than any CJ....maybe the steering box to bellcrank geometry is just a little different..

[Ryan_M]

I suppose the M38 would be more water tight with the added seal and spring. I know when I sloshed through deep water in my 3A last year I saw A LOT of water squeeze out of the bell crank when I regreased it.

I plan on taking the M38 on the same trip next year so I'll be able to compare test results....

[Kirkski]

Interesting thread, I am intending to install the bell crank repair kit today� hopefully its pretty straight forward...

[Kirkski]

Nothing can be straight forward can it?

No what pray tell....

[Kirkski]

Pressing, pounding etc ... Any words of wisdom here? Nothing on the web that I have found...