chris ruffell 2709 Posted September 24, 2015 Share Posted September 24, 2015 (edited) Hi there , New to this site... Can anyone help ? I've just purchased a M38A1 Jeep 1953 It has a lean to the left about 2".. I've bought and installed 2 rear leaf springs but this hasn't made any difference.. Has anyone got any ideas what I need to do ? Also anyone got ideas what the colour is ? I've been told it maybe Dutch Army but I did purchase this in Belgium and was told it came from the Belgium Army... Nato Green is one surgestion. Thanks Chris Edited September 24, 2015 by chris ruffell 2709 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shermania84 Posted September 25, 2015 Share Posted September 25, 2015 Show me what it says on the firewall tag for the production factory and I may have something interesting for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris ruffell 2709 Posted September 25, 2015 Author Share Posted September 25, 2015 Hi there , Is this any help ? Regards Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shermania84 Posted September 25, 2015 Share Posted September 25, 2015 I should have probably mentioned the factory is likely noted on the VIN tag. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shermania84 Posted September 25, 2015 Share Posted September 25, 2015 Reason for asking is that in 1953 distributorship was assigned to a particular factory and given the year you state with your Jeep it could be one of the first ones produced there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ruxy Posted September 25, 2015 Share Posted September 25, 2015 The alloy re-# plate could tell the truth (CJ5) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris ruffell 2709 Posted September 25, 2015 Author Share Posted September 25, 2015 I should have probably mentioned the factory is likely noted on the VIN tag. Bit confused ? Where or what is the VIN tag ? As this is my first Jeep - can any one help with the issue of the jeep leaning to one side even after I've replaced the rear springs... Also the numbers on the bonnet ! do they mean anything or are they random numbers copied from another jeep just to make it look US Army ? Many Thanks Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ruxy Posted September 25, 2015 Share Posted September 25, 2015 It could be bad springs , however - what I suggest. Slack off rear spring fixings , front & rear (shackle plates) , grease the bolts with graphite grease. Place abt. 1/2 payload on tub , paving slabs , 50 kg bags sand / cement etc. Water weight in kegs , must be evenly distributed fore/aft port s'board. Bit of nip on fixings & drive round the block a few times. Return & secure bolts to full torque with tub still loaded. Try and get the vehicle on a good flat concrete floor (often a factory is good). Does it look level ? Straight batten & known sound spirit level across tub , check against floor as datum. Measure floor to U of wheel arch / axle case top to underside of chassis / compare.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris ruffell 2709 Posted September 28, 2015 Author Share Posted September 28, 2015 Hi there, Thanks for the info... will try this weekend and have a go ... I keep getting told most jeeps lean to one side anyway ? Is this true ? Still looking for bits to add to jeep . Can anyone advise on best place to get a bumper rope , really want the authentic type ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ruxy Posted September 28, 2015 Share Posted September 28, 2015 Hi there, Thanks for the info... will try this weekend and have a go ... I keep getting told most jeeps lean to one side anyway ? Is this true ? Still looking for bits to add to jeep . Can anyone advise on best place to get a bumper rope , really want the authentic type ... Lean , can't see how unless a chassis is bent. They do twist - so always check for unequal spring shackle plates used as a cheat to level out. Early civilian CJ's such as CJ3 & long production run CJ5 had either front or rear springs (as did military M38 types), same spring fitted nearside or offside on same axle. Unlike a Land Rover spring , different Part No. & curvature for each corner (that on a public highway camber makes the lean look even worse (that is if the springs are sound).. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveJ Posted September 29, 2015 Share Posted September 29, 2015 This site has very good info and technical support and might help with your problem. http://www.willysmjeeps.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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