Hi
What are the major differences between the two jeeps, wheelbase length width etc the front end seems longer and squarer door opening but apart from that iam not sure.
I would be looking to convert the skybow m38 kit, how suitable or easy do you think this convesion would be?
cheers

I don't have measurements for you. I do know the M38 and the CJ5 are basically the same. The CJ7 was a longer wheel base. AFAIK, the hoods were the same length. The CJ7 was lengthend from the rear of the doors to the rear of the Jeep. To my knowledge there is no difference in width either. HTH

M38A1 and CJ-5 are the basically same vehicle, minus a few militarized items like the tow pintle, lift rings, different taillights, etc. Both had a wheelbase from 81"-83", depending on the model.

From a Jeep history website on M38A1C,
"This is the model that inspired the CJ-5. Differed from the CJ-5 in that it had a stronger frame and suspension, reversed front spring shackles, standardized GI instruments, and 24-volt electrics. "

M38A1:


CJ-5:


The CJ-7 was lengthened to a 93.5" wheelbase, this added length can be seen in the full door opening, as opposed to the rounded rear of the door opening that follows the same curvature as the raer wheel well opening on the M38A1 and CJ-5.

CJ-7:


Full lineage of the Jeep and all its versions can be found here.
We Be Jeep'in website.

Hi
Thanks for the replies just the info i needed, got a couple of pics of somali technicals based on cj7s one with a rr and one mounting a kpv machine gun, something different to a landrover or landcruiser.
cheers

If you are looking for a CJ-7 to make into a technical, Monogram and Revell each had 1/32 Snap-Tite Jeep CJ-7s that would work great. They are OOP, but come up on Ebay often for about $5-$10. A little scratch work and they look great.

Using one of them would be much easier than attempting to stretch an M38A1. There were many other small details that changed as well. For example, the CJ-7 windshield and frame are different, there is no step around the top of the body where the top attaches, dash board is different too.