differences in frames between CJ2A, CJ3A, M38 and even Willys MB?

[maddawg308]

Was there any appreciable differences in the frame design between the WWII Willys MB/GPW, the CJ2A/3A, and the M38? Or for the most part, are they the same?

 

[MWMULES]

There were even differences between the MB Willys and GPW Ford, Front cross member is an easy clue. For most of us it's a Jeep but for the more serious collector there are various differences they all had 80" wheel base.
https://www.willysjeepparts.com/Willys_Jeep_1.htm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ortkr6_RhA

 

[maddawg308]

Okay, great, thanks! What about the post-war jeeps I mentioned? Are the body tubs swapable for the most part, between them?

 

[dependable]

The body tubs should be pretty swappable. The 2a and 3a are very similar, major difference I recall being the windshield frame. The M-38s and MBs don't have tailgates.

 

[M813rc]

One of the guys in our club built a replica MB by putting a tub on a 1948 CJ-2A. He said he did it all with bolts. Looks great to me, but I'm one of those folks who call them all jeeps.

He isn't on here, but I can put you two in touch with each other. He is a super nice guy, and won't mind explaining to you how he did it.

Cheers

 

[gerrykan]

The M-38s and MBs don't have tailgates.

The MB does not have a tailgate.
The M38 has a tailgate that is bolted shut.
The M38A1 does not have a tailgate.

 

[zak]

Drivers side body mounts are inside the frame on the mb, outside on the cj2. Inside brackets are on the cj2 so they can be swapped for a mb body. Rear shocks are vertical on the mb, angle to the front on the cj2.