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-   -   Differences between Army & Civilian Versions (https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/4x4-vehicles/76319-differences-between-army-civilian-versions.html)

OK, the answers are all there somewhere buried in the various 4x4 threads, but I just thought that it would be useful to us if the experts could dig out the info and spoon feed it to novices like us.

The most popular ex-Army vehicles here are:
1. CJ3B
2. MM540/550
3. MG410/413
4. RE350 Std.

All these vehicles were sold to civilians. However people still prefer to buy the Army disposal vehicles and restore them. Why? Because there are some differences between the Army & Civilian versions. Please list out all the differences here for reference. Please note the last vehicle does not belong to this section (since it's not a 4x4) but I think it can be included in this thread for convenience.

its cheaper to restore an ex army vehicle as per one's taste!

thats why!

I know that it's one of the reasons. The other reason being the differences between the Army & Civilian versions. Any that's what I'm trying to find out from you guys.

Hi L2J.. there are few differences. Like special Army equipment like blackout lights, fuel pumps, Stronger steering rods etc.

However rest of the things are pretty much same. specially for Gypsy.
M&M have some stronger components used for Arny version of the Jeeps.

You can check this thread for some details

I have learnt the following on the CJ3B front from experts

1. Military chassis got additional reinforcement plates welded on the shackle mount attached areas (like a box)

2. The army jeep's front grill got 2 small rectangle plates to support the monkey light with 3 screw holes.

3. Map reading light on the dash board

4. 5ltr can holder on the left hand side outer area of the firewall

5. Army jeep had black out light on the driver side fender

6. The front bumper got two D rings as an option to tow the vehicles

7. RCL CJ3Bs had a verticle cut on the windscreen to provision the weapons tube.

8. Four handles two on each side of the body tube on the middle and rear corner were fitted on Army jeeps

9. The rear bumber had two bumperette

10. Air force used CJ3Bs had drop down tail gate with swing open spare wheel mount (I think the army versions also had the same, but i'm not sure though)

11. Insect net on the front grill were first introduced to Army jeeps

12. Army CJ3Bs were all had only bench seats where the CJ3B siblings CJ340 and CL340 and Classics had bucket seats as well.

13. There was no roll bars fitted in old CJ3Bs

14. Options to fix shawl on the outer right hand side body tub were available on army versions

15. Pic axle head and holder on passenger side fender for army jeeps

16. The army cj3b and all the CJ3B were never had windscreen washer but the siblings had one

Thanks Tramway. This is the kind of answer I was looking for.

Can you elaborate that?

my Civilian MM550, had a sort of 'sequential' 4wd selector, whereas the Army on that i use now is having the 'U'type mechanism, as also it has a LSD, and i am told that it has a 'hi torque' gearbox, i cant elaborate this but it rocks , and i mean that, i can take on a gypsy in first gear. lol:

@headers: He is refferring to the hand shovel attachment the older CJs had to attach a hand shovel/spade to the side of the jeep.

One big difference i have seen in the army mm550 and the mm540, is that transfer case oil pan and the PTO cover plate are very thick on the mm550 where as in the mm540 the same oil pan and PTO cover are just plain sheet metal. Even the cross member metal gauge is ver thick. I would like to know if the jeeps supplied to the army have some kind of bullet proofing for their engine and gearbox as per some army rule.

the army 550 has thicker body gauge than the civilian 540's apart from reinforced chassis. The army rimes i have heard is also bullet resistance but the downside is that they are very heavy. just my 2 bits.

I will have a look at your Jeep when I am in Margao.

Can you post a picture?

Here is a pic, ill click close up pics tomorow

Another difference in favour of the Army XD3P engines; they come equipped with an oil cooler that results in an additional 2.5 BHP (Total = 75 versus 72.5 for the civilian version).

I'm dead sure that the Army Jeeps are built to tighter tolerances. Of course, that should NOT be a motivation in buying used Army Jeeps as they are well worn by the time they get to market.

GTO do army Jeeps really have more BHP?. I am attaching a pic of specification sheet which tells the other way round. Is there any other evidence which makes you say so? Why will an oil cooler lead to an increase in BHP?

Spike