M38A1 Body on CJ2A Frame- Will it work??

  All dimensions as I recall, are the same from the pedals to the rear axle. The extra 1” in wheelbase is between the pedals and the front axle. So I think the A1 tub will sit on the 2A frame but the body will overhang the rear crossmember. A bumper could be built to overcome that. The front wheels will be 1” back in the fenders from where they would be in the stock A1. The grille will probably overhang the mounts as well. I think the pedals and the steering column will be ok. 

  Don’t take any of this as gospel, it’s what I remember and it’s been 20 years or so. Use it as food for thought. 

BW 

Edit to add:  you might run into interference between the engine and firewall. 

BW 

yes there is a 120 page project thread on CHUG A LUG in the project section. I can tell you what it takes to put a 2A on a 5 frame and you can infer from that So when it says things like to long think to short etc.

Early CJ-5 frame under 2A 3A 3B

From the Riser back the 5 frame is 2.5" to long. It will need to be either cut to fit or a filler put in place to allow the 4 rear tub body bolts something to attach to.

You will need to add 3 Body mounts to the sides of the frame and the mounts in the middle of the rear floor will not line up.

If you are going to use a 2A front engine plate you will either need to move the Left Motor Mount to the rear to line up or use some sort of adapter to relocate the
motor mount itself. 3A and 3B this should not be a problem.

You have to use the CJ5 Transmission cross member as it attaches to the frame completely different then a 2A cross member does. I believe 3A and 3B use the
same as the 5

The Front fender gussets will not match up to the threaded holes in the frame you will either have to relocate the Gusset or drill new holes and put in some sort
of threaded insert no access to the back.

The front shocks will hit the 2A inner fenders in a different place so new cut outs will have to be made in the inner fender panels. Again not a problem for 3A and later models

On a 2A you will have to add the bottom radiator mounts the 5 uses a grill mount as does the 3A and 3B

The 5 Frame uses longer springs then the earlier CJ's if you shorten the frame in the rear you will have to make custom rear shackle mounts that extend back
they have to be 44" from the Spring hangers.

I have  a 56-57 CJ-5 frame under my 2A tub. Its been there since before my dad bought the Jeep in 1962. The previous owner never did any mods to the frame
he just welded the front fender gussets to the frame and left the tub flap in the breeze in the back. Dad ran it that way cause it was working.