Engine Type
The M-170 (MD-A) was powered by the same 4-cylinder, 134 cubic inch “Hurricane” engine as the M38A1. It produced 72 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and 114 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 M-170 (MD-A) had a 3-speed manual transmission with a floor-mounted shifter, just like the M38A1. 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 M-170 (MD-A) had the same Spicer 18 transfer case as the M38A1. It allowed the driver to switch between 2-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive and had a low range option for additional torque. However, the M-170 (MD-A) had a unique “Emergency Drive” mode, which locked the front and rear axles together and allowed the vehicle to move at a slow, steady pace in emergency situations.
Front Axle
The M-170 (MD-A) had a Dana 25 front axle with a 5.38 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 2-piece design, which made it easier to repair and replace if necessary.
Rear Axle
The M-170 (MD-A) had a Dana 44 rear axle with a 5.38 gear ratio, just like the M38A1. The axle was equipped with a differential lock, which provided additional traction and stability on rough terrain. The rear axle also had a 2-piece design, which made it easier to repair and replace if necessary.
Other Features
The M-170 (MD-A) had a number of unique features that made it suitable for use as a military ambulance. It had a longer wheelbase than the M38A1, which allowed for additional space for patients and medical equipment. It also had a folding canvas top, which could be removed to allow for easier access to patients. The vehicle had two benches on either side of the rear compartment, which could be used to transport patients on litters. There were also two fold-down jump seats behind the driver and front passenger seats, which could be used to transport additional patients or medical personnel.
Conclusion:
The M-170 (MD-A) was a specialized military vehicle that was designed to serve as a military ambulance. It was based on the JEEP® M38A1 and was powered by the same 4-cylinder “Hurricane” engine. It had a 3-speed manual transmission with a floor-mounted shifter, a Spicer 18 transfer case with a unique “Emergency Drive” mode, a Dana 25 front axle with manual locking hubs, and a Dana 44 rear axle with a differential lock. The M-170 (MD-A) also had a number of unique features that made it suitable for use as an ambulance, including a longer wheelbase, a folding canvas top, and benches for transporting