Flatfender Spotter's Guide - Jeep Model MC - 4-Wheel & Off-Road Magazine

131 9803 Flatfender Spotters Guide M38 With Cj3a Windshield

This M38 has the identifiable gas filler, grille, and battery lid on the cowl. The windshield is close to original, but the hinged center vent makes it a CJ-3A.

This M38 has the identifiable gas filler, grille, and battery lid on the cowl. The windshi

M38
As the inventory of WWII Jeeps declined, the military decided to have a new Jeep designed to meet then-current mil-specs, and in 1950 the model MC (also called an M38) was introduced. It had a production run of only four years. While it is basically the same vehicle as the CJ-3A, all sorts of military brackets and fittings were included, along with a 24-volt electrical system. Subtle changes were made in the grille, windshield frame, tailgate, and fuel filler. Dashboard changes included a removable gauge panel and a driver-side glovebox. A removable lid was placed on the right side of the cowl for battery storage, and depressions and brackets were placed on the passenger side for an ax and a shovel.

131 9803 Flatfender Spotters Guide Jeep Cj3b Side Shot

Only the high-hood CJ-3B has the Willys name embossed on its grille, hood, and tailgate. The overall height of a 3B is the same as a 3A, but the windshield has a shorter bottom section that makes up for the extra height of the hood.

Only the high-hood CJ-3B has the Willys name embossed on its grille, hood, and tailgate. T

CJ-3B
Throughout production of the CJ-3A, the M38, and even the later M38A1 (a military CJ-5), a unique flatfender was produced. Built between 1952 and 1968 (the longest production run of any model), the CJ-3B is noted for its high hood and grille and short one-piece windshield frame-all due to the taller F-head motor placed in its engine bay. Although it is either despised or loved by Jeep owners, the 3B is becoming increasingly popular.

131 9803 Flatfender Spotters Guide Jeep Dj3a Front Shot

Most DJ-3As have been converted to four-wheel drive, such as this prime example found out in the rocks. Running gear usually features four-lug or small-pattern five-lug wheels, and they sometimes have the steering wheel on the right side of the vehicle.

Most DJ-3As have been converted to four-wheel drive, such as this prime example found out

DJ-3A
The last vehicle introduced with a flatfender designation was also the version that saw the most varied usage. The DJ-3A (Dispatcher Jeep) signified a two-wheel-drive version. These Jeeps looked similar to the CJ-3A, but lacked shift levers on the floor and the associated four-wheel-drive hardware. They were produced from 1955 to 1965 in a variety of formats, including postals, with the steering wheel on the right side, and Surrey Jeeps for use at Caribbean vacation resorts. Some had integral hardtops, while others had cowl-forward-only sheetmetal for fitting various service bodies.

131 9803 Flatfender Spotters Guide 1942 Willys Mb

Answer: 1942 Willys MB

To test your knowledge, try to ID this vintage flattie using the aforementioned information. Despite the extensive body modifications, custom top, and blurry photograph, the clues are readily visible. Two hints: the number of grille slats and the height of the windshield (which doesn't say Willys).

Swapping sheetmetal can cause all sorts of confusion in determining a Jeep's vintage. We swapped this MB grille into a CJ-2A one day and people still can't figure out what year it is.
Swapping sheetmetal can cause all sorts of confusion in determining a Jeep's vintage. We s
Stock rear axles of MBs and GPWs consist of a full-floating Dana 25 rear with 4.88 gears. The full-floating axle was a great idea; the differential interchanged with the Dana 25 front axle, which all the flatties used. But snapped rear axleshafts were common because the diameter was too small for rough service. The two bolts (arrows) are used to take out the axle once the retaining bolts are removed. The hub was flat under these bolts, so screwing them in would force the axleshaft out for removal.
Stock rear axles of MBs and GPWs consist of a full-floating Dana 25 rear with 4.88 gears.
A lemon-shaped cover identifies the Dana model 41 rear axle found in CJ-2As. This axle uses the same spider gears and axleshafts as the Dana 44 found in the CJ-3A and later CJs, but has different ring-and-pinion gears and carrier. While the Dana 41 was strong enough for most uses, the popular Dana 44 found its way into many a CJ-2A as the original 41 axles became shredded. Notice how severely the housing is offset to the right to match up with the output of the stock Dana 18 transfer case found in all 4x4 flatfenders.
A lemon-shaped cover identifies the Dana model 41 rear axle found in CJ-2As. This axle use