Posted: Mon Jan 20, 2020 2:28 pm Post subject: M38 manuals - what do I need?
Hi. I am restoring my June 1952 M38 including rebuilding an RMC stamped engine. I have manuals TM9-1804A, 1804B and 8012. Is this enough to restore my Jeep? I’ve seen posts that say the Willys service manual and parts lists are essential but these TM manuals seem pretty complete to me. _________________ Gary
M38 - June 1952
Last edited by Harleygaz on Tue Jan 21, 2020 8:43 am; edited 1 time in total
Unless you are a seasoned professional mechanic the book will always be your best friend and in many restoration processes you will need more than the basic 4 book collection (TM 9-8012, TM 9-1804A, TM 9-1804B and ORD 9 SNL G-740). Any item you decide to restore you will need some reference material specific to that item. The Army used a specialized manual system to support all maintenance on their vehicles. For example the Army published minor servicing info in the basic manual set for the 24V electrical equipment. the Army also published three other manuals to cover that equipment in much greater detail (TM 9-1825B Autolite Equip., TM 9-8627 Delco Remy Equip., TM 9-1825E Bendix Equip., and then there are a multitude of TB's and other service pubs that go into even greater detail on very specific items.
My advice is to first determine what levels of restoration you intend to tackle with your jeep. Then evaluate your own personal experience level, technical capabilities and limitations. Then decide by making a careful review of available technical data what additional technical help you will need.
Quote:
Also, any tips that won’t be in the manuals? I’ve not rebuilt a 134 before so any info on particular quirks would be much appreciated.
This is not the best place to ask these two questions. It would be wise to pose them individually on our technical board to keep the replies focused on each one specifically. I would suggest you edit your post here and remove these two questions and repost them separately in two new postings.
Here is my list of publications applicable to the M38:
Quote:
M38 Manual and TB List
Based on data initially compiled by Howard Sabin for Army Motors
Updated and Edited By Wes Knettle
________________________________________________________________________
M38 Technical Manuals
TM 5-5213 17 FEB 53
Engine, Gasoline driven, L-head and F-head, Models MC38-MC38A1 basic engine: Conversion for stationary power, Willys Overland Motors.
TM 9-224 22 APR 43
Machine Gun Mounts for Trucks
TM 9-238 6 OCT 61
Deepwater Fording of Ordnance Material.
TM 10-500-10 11 AUG 65
Airdrop of Supplies and Equipment: Rigging 1/4-ton Utility trucks.
TM 10-500-10 Change 1 ? _________
TM 10-500-10 29 JAN 71
Airdrop of Supplies and Equipment: Rigging 1/4-ton Utility trucks
Supercedes 10-500-10 dated AUG 65.
Note: There are many TM 10-XXX series manuals that cover the basics of vehicle maintenance in great detail. Most are WWII vintage but can still be applied to vehicles of the 50’s. Also the TM 11-XXX series covers radio installations and operations.
Canadian Manuals:
CDN-OM9-804 JUN 52
Canadian M38 Operator’s Manual.
________________________________________________________________________
Technical Bulletins
TB ORD 247 14 May 51
Wll Transport Vehicles, Headlight adjustment
TB ORD 370 9 AUG 54
1/4-ton, 4x4, trucks, Ford Model GPW, Willys Model MB, M38, and M38A1: 3/4-ton Dodge trucks models WC51, WC52, WC53, WC54, WC56, WC57, WC58, WC59, WC61, WC64, M37, M42, M43, M56 and M201: 1 1/2-ton 6x6 trucks, Dodge Models WC62 and WC63: Use of front axle non driving flanges for temporarily converting vehicles from four-wheel drive to two-wheel drives.
TB ORD 434 14 Mar 52
Combat & Transport vehicles with 24-volt electrical systems: Instructions for checking 24-volt instruments that do not zero.
TB ORD 445 7 MAY 52
TB ORD 465 2 APR 54
1/4-ton, 4x4, utility trucks M38 and M38A1: Installation of pedestal truck mount M31A1 and M31C.
TB ORD 467 11 AUG 52
1/4-ton and 3/4-ton, 4x4 trucks and 2 1/2 and 5 ton, 6x6 trucks "M" models: Use of proper fuel tank filler caps.
TB ORD 470 9 SEP 52
1/4-ton and 3/4-ton, 4x4 trucks and 2 1/2 and 5 ton, 6x6 trucks "M" models: Instructions for proper cleaning of crankcase valve assembly.
TB ORD 479 21 NOV 52
Ordnance motor vehicles: Standardization of electric type instruments.
TB ORD 485 19 JAN 53
1/4-ton and 3/4-ton, 4x4 trucks and 2 1/2 and 5 ton, 6x6 trucks "M" models: Servicing data plate corrections.
TB ORD 487 3 FEB 53
Identification and maintenance of fuel filter.
TB ORD 499 4 MAR 53
1/4-ton and 3/4-ton, 4x4 trucks and 2 1/2 and 5 ton, 6x6 trucks "M" models: Identification and replacement of hydraulic stoplight switches.
TB ORD 524 8 JUN 53
Installed metal fuel tanks: Cleaning and preserving
TB ORD 547 18 DEC 53
1/4-ton, 4x4, utility trucks M38 and M38A1: Prevention of crankshaft pulley failures.
TB ORD 554 1 MAR 54 Rev 7 JAN 55
1/4-ton, 4x4, truck M38 series; 3/4-ton, 4x4, truck M37 series; 2 1/2-ton 6x6, truck M34 series; and 5-ton, 6x6, truck M40 series: Removal of flywheel housing drain plug.
TB ORD 560 13 MAY 54
1/4-ton, 4x4, utility trucks M38 and m38A1: Revision of tire pressures on servicing data plates.
TB ORD 570 9 AUG 54
1/4-ton, 4x4, trucks, Ford Model GPW, Willys Model MB, M38, and M38A1: Use of front axle non-driving flanges for temporarily converting vehicles from 4 WD to 2 WD.
.
TB ORD 589 7 JAN 55
1/4-ton. 4x4, truck M38, M38A1, M170: Installation of distributor point set.
TB ORD 610 13 JUN 55
1/4-ton, 4x4, utility truck M38, M38A1C, 1/4-ton, frontline ambulance truck M170: Operating of fording valve.
TB ORD 621 2 DEC 55
Tandem hitch 2540-735-8343 (8-H-1826): Installation on 1/4-ton, 4x4 trucks MB, GPW, M38 and M38A1.
TB ORD 625 5 Jan 56
All tactical wheeled vehicles: Cleaning of power train case ventilating valves
TB ORD 626 1 OCT 57
Tactical transport vehicles: Excessive fuel tank pressure.
TB ORD 1007 2 DEC 57
1/4-ton, 4x4, utility trucks, M38, M38A1, and M38A1C, and 1/4-ton, 4x4, frontline ambulance truck M170: Instructions for reinforcing clutch release fork at fulcrum seat or pivot point.
TB ORD 2300-20/4 18 AUG 58
1/4-ton, 4x4 trucks M38, M38A1, (etc): Stowage locations for pioneer tools and brackets
TB 746-93-1 26 OCT 64
Color & Marking of Military Vehicles
TB 9-804-1 8 JUL 52
1/4-ton. 4x4, Utility truck, M38: Prevention of damage to the oil filter flexible line.
TB 9-804-12 3 DEC 53 Rev 9 MAR 53
1/4-ton, 4x4, utility truck, M38: To prevent contact of front wheels against chassis frame, fender and lifting hook.
TB 9-804-13 29 APR 54 REV 1 NOV 55
1/4-ton, 4x4, utility truck, M38: To prevent chaffing of fuel and vent lines at fuel tank.
TB 9-804-14 6 JUN 54 REV 19 OCT 55
1/4-ton, 4x4, utility truck, M38: Identification of speedometer flexible shaft assembly by vehicle serial number.
TB 9-1804B-1 24 FEB 54
1/4-ton, 4x4, utility truck M38: Kingpin bearing cap screw selection
TB 9-1825E-1 18 JUN 53
Electrical connector repair kit41-K-103-100: Proper use of tools.
TB 9-1859-8 9 MAR 53
1/4-ton, 4x4, Command Reconnaissance Truck: Time schedule guide.
TB 9-2300-206-15 28 NOV 58
1/4-ton, 4x4 trucks, M38, M38A1, M38A1C, M170 equipped with high capacity AC-DC 100 ampere 28v generating systems: Test and rebuild of generating system.
TB 9-2300-206-15 Change 1 ?_________
TB 9-2300-210-20 21 JAN 59
Truck, 1/4-ton, 4x4, M38, M38A1, M38A1C, M170: Interchangeability of air and oil pressure sending units and gauges and installation instructions.
TB 9-2300-228-20
Tactical Transport and Combat Vehicles: Troubleshooting for Instrument Cluster Gages, Switches, Circuit Breakers, Sending Units and Related Wiring dated 8 July 1960
TB 9-2300-233-20 31 JAN 61
Truck, 1/4-ton, 4x4, M38, M38A1, M38A1C, M170: Increasing length of generator belt tension brace.
TB 9-2830-55 23 May 55
Truck ¼-ton M38 Windshield glass conversion to 2 piece. It authorizes replacing a one piece windshield with a two piece windshield when replacement glass is in critically short supply. It states that if over half of the broken windshield is usable, then you cut the glass in half, ditch the broken half and cut a matching other half from a piece of scrap glass. The two halfs were joined together using a cut piece of aluminum flat stock and two lengths of weatherstripping and rubber strip filler.
TB 9-2855-2 23 DEC 52
Instructions for the installation of personnel heater kit for 1/4-ton, 4x4, utility truck M38 (Willys MC) (24V) (G-740).
TB 9-2855-3 16 DEC 52
Instructions for the installation of power plant heater kit for 1/4-ton, 4x4, utility truck M38 (Willys MC) (24V) (0 to -65 degrees F).
TB 9-2855-4 27 OCT 52
Instructions for installation of hardtop closure kit for 1/4 - ton, 4x4, utility truck M38 (Willys MC) (G-740).
TB 9-2855-37 10 DEC 56
1/4 - ton 4x4, utility truck M38: Instructions for installation of hot water personnel heater kit.
TB 9-8012-2 11 OCT 56
1/4-ton, 4x4, utility truck M38: Replacement of fuel pump.
TB 9-8012-1 20 JUN 56
1/4-ton, 4x4, utility truck M38: Elimination of interference between front spring rebound clips and tie rods.
MWO ORD G1-W35 16 FEB 63
¼, ¾ 4x4 and 2 ½ and 5 ton 6x6 M models; provision for positive polarizing device for trailer receptacles.
MWO ORD G1-W43 12 JAN 54
¼ ton 4x4 utility truck M38 & M38A1, Removal of axle lube fitting.
MWO ORD G1-W44 12 JAN 54
¼ ton 4x4 utility truck M38 & M38A1, Welding rear shock absorber brackets
MWO ORD G1-W50 9 AUG 54
¼ ton 4x4 utility truck M38 & M38A1, Anchorage of front pass seat.
MWO ORD G1-W54 15 SEP 54
¼ ton 4x4 utility truck M38 & M38A1, Installation of new eng timing indicator
MWO ORD G1-W63 19 SEP 57
1/4-ton, 4x4, trucks M38, M38A1, M38A1C, and M170: 3/4-ton Replacement of air and oil pressure gauges, sending units, and installation of pipe coupling
MWO ORD G1-W76 26 AUG 57
1/4-ton, 4x4, utility truck M38, M38A1, Reinforcement of spare wheel support bracket.
MWO ORD G1-W85 22 MAR 57
1/4-ton, 4x4, trucks M170, M38, and M38A1: Installation of castellated nut and cotter pin on steering bellcrank pivot shaft.
MWO ORD G1-W88 3 OCT 56
1/4-ton, 4x4, utility truck M38, M38A1, M38A1C and front line ambulance truck M170: Modification of clutch release pedal rod.
MWO ORD G1-W94 29 OCT 56
1/4-ton, 4x4, utility truck M38: 1/4-ton, 4x4, utility trucks (Ford model GPW and Willys Model MB): Installation of 105-mm rifle M27A1 with 105-mm rifle mount M75A1 or 106-mm rifle M40 (M170E1) with 106-mm rifle mount M79.
MWO ORD G1-W104 23 APR 57
1/4-ton, 4x4, utility truck M38, M38A1, M38A1C, M170; Alteration of wiring harness used with switch 7729684 to make them applicable to switch 7368702.
MWO ORD G1-W105 8 MAY 57
1/4-ton, 4x4, utility truck M38, M38A1, M38A1C and front line ambulance truck M170: Installation of radio power feed kit.
MWO ORD G1-W108 26 SEP 57
1/4-ton, 4x4, utility truck M38, M38A1, M38A1C and front line ambulance truck M170 and ¾ ton……….: Removal of 330 ohm fixed resistor from generator regulator assy 8699744.
ORD 8 SNL G-740, Vol. 9 25 JAN 55
Winterization Equipment for truck, utility, 1/4-ton, 4x4, M38 (SNL G-740)
ORD 7 SNL G-740 26 FEB 51
Organizational Maintenance Allowances for Truck, utility: 1/4-ton, 4x4, M38
ORD 7 SNL G-740 Change 1 29 APR 52
ORD 7 SNL G-740 26 FEB 53
Organizational Maintenance Allowances for Truck, utility,: 1/4-ton,4x4, M38
ORD 7 SNL G-740 Change 1 26 OCT 54
ORD 7 SNL G-740 15 FEB 55
Organizational Maintenance Allowances for Truck, utility,: 1/4-ton,4x4, M38
ORD 7 SNL G-740 25 JUN 56
$21 ebay feb 04 Organizational Maintenance Allowances for Truck, utility,: 1/4-ton,4x4, M38
ORD 7 SNL G-740 Change 1 25 APR 60
ORD 8 SNL G-740 1 DEC 50
Field and depot maintenance allowances for Truck, utility: 1/4-ton, 4x4, M38
ORD 8 SNL G-740 16 MAR 53
Field and depot maintenance allowances for Truck, utility: 1/4-ton, 4x4, M38
ORD 8 SNL G-740 16 FEB 55
Field and depot maintenance allowances for Truck, utility: 1/4-ton, 4x4, M38
ORD 8 SNL G-740 25 JUN 56
Field and depot maintenance allowances for Truck, utility: 1/4-ton, 4x4, M38
ORD 9 SNL G-740 ? 1950
ORD 9 SNL G-740 19 NOV 51
$212 Ebay Feb 04 List of all service parts of truck, utility: 1/4-ton, 4x4, M38
ORD 9 SNL G-740 1 SEP 55
List of all service parts of truck, utility: 1/4-ton, 4x4, M38
ORD 6 SNL J-16, SEC 38 OCT 52
Tool Sets, Field and Depot Maintenance for: Truck, ¼ ton 4x4, (Ford model GPW and Willys Model MB) (SNL G-503); Truck, ¼ ton 4x4x, (Willys Moedle M38) (SNL G-740); Truck, ¼ ton 4x4, Utility, M38A1 (SNL G-758).
Canadian Supply Manuals
Available from:
Alex Blair
1719 Heron Rd
Ottawa,Ontario
Canada,K1V-6A2
ablairca@yahoo.com
#71: 345 pages CV-31 CDN. ORDNANCE CATALOGUE PARTS LIST FOR TRUCK, UTILITY, 1/4 TON, 4X4, M38 CDN. (ILLUSTRATED) AUG. 1954.
#72: 594 pages CV-32 CDN. ORDNANCE CATALOGUE PARTS LIST FOR TRUCK, UTILITY, 1/4 TON, 4X4, M38CDN. TRUCK, UTILITY, 1/4 TON, 4X4, M38AICDN. (ILLUSTRATED) JULY 1957 ********************************* $90.00
_______________________________________________________________________
AR’s Army Regulations
AR 850-5 15 FEB 45
Marking of Clothing, Equipment, Vehicles & Property
Chg 1 17 MAY 45
Chg 2 24 SEP 45
Chg 3 7 FEB 46
Chg 4 21 MAY 46
Chg 5 23 JAN 48
Chg 6 18 JAN 49
Miscellaneous Military Pubs Do not overlook earlier and later model jeep manuals.
DA Pam 108-1
DA Pam 310-
DA PAM 310-29 ORD 1 Index of supply manuals, ordnance
ORD 3 SNL K-1 Cleaners, preservatives, lubricants, recoil fluids, special oils and related maintenance materials.
ORD 3 SNL K-2 Items of soldering, metallizing, brazing,and welding materials, gases and related items.
Maintenance Manual For Willys Model MC-38 Pilot Vehicles
Contract # W-20-089 OTD. 4758 USA Reg # 2368159 Thru 2368164
Civilian Manuals and pubs.
There are many quality civilian manuals and books that can be very helpful to the restoration and maintenance of the M38. Some are Willys/Kaiser pubs, some are restoration buff writer’s data manuals and some are very nicely done commercial ventures. Don’t overlook accessory brand name catalogs and service manuals ie. Auto-Lite, Prestolite, Carter, Bendix and so on. Below are just a few.
M38 Reference Guide 2009
By Ryan Miller First Restoration Guide specific to the M38.
SM-1002-R5 1965
Kaiser Jeep Universal Service Manual (L&F134)
SM-1046 AUG 1971
Jeep Corporation Universal Service Manual (F134 and V6)
IS-1009 1969
Kaiser Jeep Corp. Jeep Industrial Engine Service Manual & Parts List. (L&F134)
Military Vehicle Reference Series #4 SEP 87
Portrayal Press printing of Dennis Spence’s Parts Guide.
Thanks Wes. Original post edited as suggested. I realized after I posted that I had downloaded quite a few of the manuals in the downloads section of this forum but I’d forgotten I had done so. I do have the Green Book as well. As I get further into it I’ll post specific questions as needed. _________________ Gary
M38 - June 1952
Be sure to copy and save the list above. Print, Cloud or thumb drive it so you can always access it especially at car shows and flea markets when shopping for M38 stuff. _________________ Wes K
45 MB, 51 M38, 54 M37, 66 M101A1, 60 CJ5, 76 DJ5D, 47Bantam T3-C & 5? M100
One more note: Most manuals are written for use by an experienced (Usually formally trained) mechanic. The Haynes and Chilton guides tend to favor the less experienced hobbyist. But they also become less detailed in their attempt to simplify the work.
One group of manuals that are very helpful to restorers and hobbyist are those like the Moses Ludel series. He has published an excellent "Jeep CJ Rebuilder's Manual" for the 1946 thru 1971 Willys/Kaiser built CJ's.
Here's a PDF copy of the 85 edition you can download: https://www.liberatedmanuals.com/TM-9-8000.pdf _________________ Wes K
45 MB, 51 M38, 54 M37, 66 M101A1, 60 CJ5, 76 DJ5D, 47Bantam T3-C & 5? M100
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