Jeep Models by Year > Jeep M38 > JEEP® M38 (MC) (1949-1952)

JEEP® M38 (MC) (1949-1952)

The JEEP® M38 (MC) was an exceptional military vehicle that was in production from 1949 to 1952. As a successor to the Willys MB and Ford GPW models, it was designed to be a more advanced version that met the demands of modern warfare. The M38 was a rugged and capable vehicle, capable of handling even the toughest terrain and harsh conditions.

One of the most significant upgrades to the M38 was its improved frame, which was stronger and more durable than its predecessors. This allowed the vehicle to handle heavy payloads and navigate through rough terrain with ease. The M38 also boasted a 24-volt electrical system, which was a significant improvement over the 6-volt system used in earlier models. This upgrade provided more power and allowed the vehicle to operate more efficiently.

Another significant upgrade in the M38 was its waterproof ignition system, which allowed it to operate in wet and harsh environments. This was a critical feature for military operations, as it allowed the vehicle to be used in amphibious assaults and other situations where water was a factor. The M38 also featured a 2.2-liter, four-cylinder engine that provided plenty of power and torque for off-road use.

Engine Type

The JEEP® M38 (MC) was powered by a 4-cylinder, 134 cubic inch “Go-Devil” engine, which produced 60 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and 105 pound-feet of torque at 2,000 rpm. The engine had a bore of 3.125 inches and a stroke of 4.38 inches, and was capable of running on gasoline or low-octane military-grade fuel.

Transmission Type

The M38 had a 3-speed manual transmission with a column-mounted shifter. The transmission was synchronized in second and third gears, which made shifting smoother and easier. It also had a Borg-Warner T-90 transmission, which was stronger and more reliable than the transmissions used in previous JEEP® models.

Transfer Case

The M38 had a Spicer 18 transfer case, which allowed the driver to switch between 2-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive. The transfer case also had a low range option, which provided additional torque for climbing steep hills or driving through deep mud.

Front Axle

The M38 had a Dana 25 front axle with a 4.88 gear ratio. It was equipped with manual locking hubs, which allowed the driver to engage or disengage the front axle from the drivetrain as needed. The front axle had a 1-piece design, which made it stronger and more durable than previous models.

Rear Axle

The M38 had a Dana 44 rear axle with a 4.88 gear ratio. The axle was equipped with a differential lock, which provided additional traction and stability on rough terrain. The rear axle also had a 1-piece design, which made it more durable and reliable than previous models.

Other Features

The JEEP® M38 (MC) was a military vehicle that was designed to be tougher and more reliable than previous JEEP® models. It was powered by a 4-cylinder “Go-Devil” engine and had a 3-speed manual transmission with a column-mounted shifter. It also had a Spicer 18 transfer case, a Dana 25 front axle with manual locking hubs, and a Dana 44 rear axle with a differential lock. These features made the M38 an ideal vehicle for military use in rough terrain and harsh conditions.

JEEP® M-38A1 (MD) (1952-1971)

M-170 (MD-A)