All Willys Jeep vehicles came equipped with mechanically operated hand brakes of two basic designs. 

TRANSFER CASE MOUNTED HAND BRAKE SYSTEM

The first type as used on the MB/GPW/CJ-2A/CJ-3A/CJ-3B/CJ-5/CJ-6/FC-150/FC-170/M38 and M38A1 consists of a hand operated lever that operates a cable through a conduit that mechanically expands or contracts a unit mounted on the back of the transfer case.  The M38A1 incorporates a hand operated lever that operates a rod through the floor which actuates a unit mounted on the back of the transfer case.

REAR BRAKE DRUM MOUNTED HAND BRAKE SYSTEM

The second type as used on the Jeepster, Utility Wagons, Utility Trucks, the DJ-3A and some FC-150 and FC-170 vehicles consists of a hand operated lever that operates a cable through a conduit that actuates a crossmember mounted lever that in turn actuates another cable or pair of cables that actuates the rear brake shoes with a system of struts and levers.

HAND BRAKE LEVERS

Several types of hand brake hand levers were used on Willys Jeep vehicles. Identifying these hand levers will help in correctly identifying the parts for the system that was originally installed on your vehicle.

The “CANE TYPE” hand brake lever was used on the MB/GPW/CJ-2A/CJ-3A/CJ-3B/M38/Jeepster and the early Utility Wagons and Pickups.

"CANE TYPE" HAND BRAKE LEVER

The “TEE TYPE” hand brake lever was used on late model CJ-3B/CJ-5/CJ-6 the DJ-3A and Utility Wagons and Pickups.

The “ORSCHELN TYPE” adjustable hand brake lever was used on late model Utility Wagons and Pickups.

"ORSCHELN TYPE" HAND BRAKE LEVER

The “PULL AND SQUEEZE TYPE” hand brake levers were used on the Forward Control Trucks and the M38A1.

“PULL AND SQUEEZE TYPE” HAND BRAKE LEVER

HAND BRAKE CABLES

It seems that the engineers at the Willys Overland Motor Company could never find the right hand brake system or agree on a system that was acceptable for even one vehicle model in one production year.  The MB and GPW have two totally different systems, the CJ-2A has four different cables and three different hand levers,  the CJ-3A has two different cables, so on, so on and so on.  The same goes with the Forward Control Trucks, the Utility Wagons, Pickup Trucks, DJ’s, etc. etc.

Therefore, it is very important to identify the correct system on your vehicle and especially the correct cable for your vehicle.  Willys hand brake cables have many different terminals both fore and aft.  Some may have swedged balls, others swedged pellets, some swedged threaded rods, eye bolts and clevis ends etc,etc.

Cable lengths can vary in one production year and cable terminal connections can vary as well.  Take a look at the images and match up the ends as used on your vehicle before ordering.  Longer cables can be used in any application but a shorter one will not work at all.  We have more Willys Jeep hand brake cables and parts that anyone.  Call or email us if you have questions.