M38A1 Front Axle Forensic Identification

[Brian W. Emry]

The front axle of my most recent project has a data plate on the top of the front axle that reads:

AGD ODMS JUNE 55
JOB 2-55 - 407
MWO ORD G740 -W 7

The back of the front differnetial has four 3/8th threaded holes that protude into the interior of the differential. They were open to the elements.

The rear differentila has two holes above the pinion that are visable to the rear. Each is filled with the end of a bolt from the inside.

What is going on??

Brian _ Sacramento

[Ben Dover]

MWO ORD G740-W7 is the addition of the Seals under the front Hub Caps, 804821 is the part Number and they are an O-Ring that fits over the groove on the Front Drive Flanges and seals the Front Hub Cap. This originated on 15 July, 1953 and was done if and when the Jeep visited a support unit. Those holes you are seeing are the 1/2" threaded holes for the bolts that secure the Differential Bearing Caps to the Axle Housing. Thy are normally sealed with a liquid thread sealer such as Permatex #3 to prevent the gear oil from seepage.