In your last picture does that front crossmember have a factory half circle notch in it for the winch driveshaft? My crossmember had been cut out and I replaced it but there was only a little on each end remaining when I removed it so didn't know there was this notch. I'm at the point I can fix that easily now before I go any further.
The main change to make it an A1 is the pulpit. Maybe it was a quick filed upgrade. Who did the upgrade per your ID plate and does the number on your plate match your frame? Not sure if this was brought up before. If the numbers do not match then it is not the correct plate. Not all M2A1's had all the extras such as the newer suspension, mine racks, pedestal lights, later brake hydrovac and so on. I know of two others in Northern California that my be similar to yours. I will have to check the next time I pass through. Steve A.