Old Military Jeep wheels

[staninlowerAL]

I'm looking for alternate rims that will replace the 16 inch 5 hole rims on a M38A1 military jeep from the 1950's. This is the flat fender style body and prior to CJ3B civilian version. I think it may even be WW2 vintage as it has a 4cyl flathead engine with valves in the block. I know that FORD pickup truck 15 inch rims 5 hole bolt style will fit the rear axle but the 4 wheel drive hub on the front is too large to fit in the center hole of the FORD rims. Any suggestions/fixes/work-around ideas for this? Thanks, Stan

[birddog]

I don't know just how big the jeep hub is, but some of the older Ford rims had a large center hole. I know I have had some with different size holes.

[Barnyard]

Stan, the Ford 4x4 wheels have the larger hole as well as any of the pre 1987 jeep CJ's. Any of those should fit. Just measure your lug spacing and you're good to go.

[tst]

1/2 ton ford truck up to 1996 are 15" same pattern, just had different width's, also IH scout
Tim

[staninlowerAL]

Thanks to everyone who responded. I've checked some of my old manuals and now believe that the JEEP in question is actually a M38, given the style of the hood/flat fenders and flathead L engine along with some other minor details. The M38A1 would have a F head engine and hood style/fenders like the CJ5. Stan
EDIT: The tailgate is also missing.

[tst]

A true m38a1 if unmolested would have a 24 volt charging system if I remember correctly, waterproof ignition

[staninlowerAL]

A true m38a1 if unmolested would have a 24 volt charging system if I remember correctly, waterproof ignition

Looking at the butcher job on the dash where the second battery would sit, it apparently had a 24v system at one time but none of that remains. No civilian markings, flat fenders/low hood and a L head engine like a CJ3A is about all that remains other than the military style lighting to ID this vehicle. The 2 existing rims are 16 inch.

[Urbish]

You can buy the 16 X 6 rims brand new from Omix-Ada, 4wd.com, and other vintage jeep supply houses. I've been saving up my pennies to get five new 16" rims and appropriate skinny tires (including a spare) for my 1953 CJ3B. I have 15 X 7 rally rims on it now and some worn out snow tires. I'd like to get it back to the original look. Also, keep in mind that any bozo can buy some military looking lights on ebay and slap them on his old jeep. You should try looking at the outside of the left front frame horn, behind the bumper. The serial number will be there if it is a CJ2A. Look at the front of the rear wheel well behind the passenger seat. If there is an ID tag there it may be a M38. Got any pictures?

[staninlowerAL]

No tags or other ID info from the M38 has been found. The tailgate is also missing. It would definately be a project to make anything out of it and based on the parts prices that I've seen it would be cost prohibitive for me. I might use the other CJ2A/CJ3A's that I have for parts and try to get it running at some point in time. The CJ5 has better potential but none of this will fit in with everything else that I have to do right now so it will just have to wait. Maybe at some point I can get it out and get some pictures. Stan

[staninlowerAL]

I don't know just how big the jeep hub is, but some of the older Ford rims had a large center hole. I know I have had some with different size holes.

The center hole must be 4 1/8 inches to install over the front 4wd hub. The 15 inch old style f150 rims will fit on the rear OK. Stan

[staninlowerAL]

Found the SN ID plate on the inside of the "tub", right rear wheel well, behind the passenger seat. After much work the number (the best I can tell) is MB 32149. The L-134 engine is SN 3544499, no letters before or after so I'm questioning if this is not a replacement engine block since the CJ2A that I have has a letter J as prefix in the engine ID code. I believe this carried over for the CJ3A, CJ3B and MB (M38) based on the CJ3A chassis and frame.