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1st Willys- a little guidance, please

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wild1joker View Drop Down
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    Posted: 06 Oct. 2021 at 6:11pm
I have been a member for a few years, but until recently - I was unable to find one. I purchased a 1951 Willys M38 off of Ebay- from California- shipped to North Carolina. ( NO RUST )
It has a T98 4 speed transmission-and a 283 SBC motor.
My 1st question I'm facing is tire size. It has later CJ wheels =15x8 with N78 tires. 
It needs tires- should I go 235/75/15 or 31x10.50-15, or 32x11.50 -15?
It has plenty of power- no rock crawling here in N.C.
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wild1joker View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote wild1joker Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Oct. 2021 at 7:10pm
A little more information.. I have removed the mirros, the horn,the wood front bumper, and the other oddities that were mounted on it.
the hoodbump was because the P.O. had installed a air compressor on the engine. It has been removed alone with all the air lines, tank etc.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote JeepGuyintheBurbs Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Oct. 2021 at 7:17pm
I guess the big first questions are can it be driven and does it have brakes? You can drive it around and evaluate what it needs and what you want to change or not change. Is it purely an off road vehicle or do you want it for regular road use? Did it come with a title in the name of the seller? You need that if you want to easily get state registration for on road use. If it doesn't run it's now time to start developing your troubleshooting skills. You will shortly amaze yourself (and others) with your newly acquired knowledge and repair skills. Start seaching this great forum and the rest of the internet for answers to any questions or problems you have. Oh, and Welcome to the Wonderful World of Willys Jeeps. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote oldtime Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Oct. 2021 at 7:41pm
Yes, absolutely drive it around if possible so that you can get a feel for it.
Ideal tire size depends on many factors besides the wheels you have to work with.
If you presently have or plan to use a Ross box; then narrow tires will be the wise choice.
Optimum tire size and tread design is relative to the main type of terrain you will encounter.
Show us a pic of your wheels….


Edited by oldtime - 06 Oct. 2021 at 7:45pm
Currently building my final F-134 powered 3B .
T98-A Rock Crawler using exclusive factory parts and Approved Special Equipment from the Willys Motors era (1953-1963)
Zero aftermarket parts

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wild1joker View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote wild1joker Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Oct. 2021 at 8:07pm
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote wild1joker Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Oct. 2021 at 8:12pm
All of the accessories have been removed. Tanks and reels.
Light trails here. 50% trails /50% street. I would like to be able to run 50 mph . I will be looking into an overdrive.
It runs great,clutch and brakes are good too. I have ordered new king pin bearings,seals etc.
The drivers side - I can grab the wheel at 12 and 6 and a lot of movement.
Lights work,it's charging, doesn't run over 180 degrees either.

The only thing I haven't removed yet is the rear huge bumper. It welded on to the original bumper.


Edited by wild1joker - 06 Oct. 2021 at 8:13pm
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote wild1joker Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Oct. 2021 at 8:18pm
The left rear tire-- tread is pealing off- thats why I need tires. It is unsafe to take a chance with. I have driven it around the block up to 40 mph but I don't trust the tire to hold. I do have the title-


Edited by wild1joker - 06 Oct. 2021 at 8:19pm
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oldtime View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote oldtime Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Oct. 2021 at 8:18pm
O.K. Unknown wheels; however they do look decent.
Something close to a 32x10.50x15 would be a good tire to fit those wheels and your Jeep.
Stay under actual 32 measured diameter and 10.50 is about as narrow as you can go with 8” wide wheels.

Currently building my final F-134 powered 3B .
T98-A Rock Crawler using exclusive factory parts and Approved Special Equipment from the Willys Motors era (1953-1963)
Zero aftermarket parts

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote wild1joker Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Oct. 2021 at 8:24pm
A friend think the wheels are made by Kelsey.
Currently it has no play in the steering - very tight and smooth.
If skinnier wheels and tires would be better- What would you then suggest ?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote wild1joker Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Oct. 2021 at 8:26pm
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote wild1joker Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Oct. 2021 at 8:27pm
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote wild1joker Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Oct. 2021 at 8:28pm
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote oldtime Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Oct. 2021 at 8:31pm
No not Kelsey Hayes.
For Ross box I would go no smaller than 6.00 x 16” and no larger than 7.50 x 16”.
That indicates the section width at widest point of the tire.
Obviously the rim width matters as to what tire section width you can fit.
Original tires and wheels were ideal. 
7.00x16” mounted on heavy duty 5x16” KH wheels.
The bad is that 7.00 x16” tire selection is extremely limited.


Edited by oldtime - 06 Oct. 2021 at 9:03pm
Currently building my final F-134 powered 3B .
T98-A Rock Crawler using exclusive factory parts and Approved Special Equipment from the Willys Motors era (1953-1963)
Zero aftermarket parts

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote oldscot3 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Oct. 2021 at 9:01pm
Those wheels look to have a lot of offset to the outside.

With all that compressed air equipment, I guess your Willys was set up to service, or at least inflate, tires for off road equipment.


Edited by oldscot3 - 06 Oct. 2021 at 9:06pm
James 4:6 God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Mark W. Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Oct. 2021 at 7:32am
I haven't seen anyone mention its a M-38 yet. I wouldn't think with a 283 it would have the least bit of trouble going down the road faster then your going to want to. 3000rpm with a 30" tire is 50mph with a 25% OD its 66mph and a 283 runs very well at higher rpms

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1948 2A Body Customized
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Late 50's 134L 9.25"clutch T90A D18 (1.25") D44/30 flanged E-Locker D25 5.38 Since 1962
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote Oldpappy Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Oct. 2021 at 4:54pm
He mentioned it was a 1951 M38 in the first post. 

I had a M38 years ago which had been converted to the 225 V6 and had an overdrive. I used to drive it on the freeway, and it would certainly go faster that it is safe to go in a short wheel base Jeep. 

Nowadays I don't want to drive an old Jeep on the freeway, and consider 45 MPH to be as fast as I want to go in one. 

I have unintentionally field tested roll bars and seat belts before, and seen the road flash by on the wrong side of the windshield. That made me no longer want to drive these things fast. 

I saw that Jeep when it was listed on Ebay.


Edited by Oldpappy - 07 Oct. 2021 at 5:00pm
If you can't get there in a Jeep you don't need to be there!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote muley Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Oct. 2021 at 8:40pm
Hey Wild1, it appears the responsible agency plate (lower rt plate on dash) is still in place.  Whats the DOD and SN on it (if you don't mind posting it).
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote havasujeepn Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Oct. 2021 at 8:44pm
Glad your jeep was delivered safely cross country. Hope all went well, with the driver keeping you updated. Congrats!
48 Lefty
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