Axel / Differential

The Dana Axles of the Willys M38 – From the Korean War to the Restoration Shop.

Introduced in 1950 as the military successor to the CJ-3A, the Willys M38 saw service in the Korean War, recognizable by its one-piece windshield and low-mounted wipers designed to work with a helmet on. Power reaches the wheels through the sturdy Dana 25 front axle and Dana 44 rear axle, both original equipment for decades. Over the years, moisture, vibration, and simple age take their toll: seals harden and start leaking, wheel bearings and U-joints wear from constant load, and axle shafts and knuckles suffer from off-road use. Anyone keeping an M38 on the road or restoring one will eventually need to inspect both axles closely – especially since many wear parts are now only available as reproductions.

For the front axle, the Dana 25 front axle category covers axle shafts, wheel hubs, and knuckle seals – largely from Crown Automotive, complemented by wheel hubs and knuckle housings from Omix. A particularly frequently needed part here is the U-joint for the propeller shaft as well as the inner axle shaft seal, which is worth replacing whenever the axle is opened up anyway.

For the rear axle, the Dana 44 rear axle category offers ring and pinion sets and U-joints, including parts from Dana Spicer – like Crown and Omix, a US manufacturer with a long track record in the Jeep/Willys segment. Two other frequently requested items are the differential cover gasket and the outer wheel bearing seal, which is usually replaced together with the wheel bearing once it starts leaking.

Whether you need a single seal or a complete axle overhaul, we're happy to advise you on the right combination of front and rear axle parts, gear ratios, and compatibility with other early Jeep and Willys models. Your order ships from our warehouse as fast as possible, so you can keep your M38 project moving.