M-38 Truck 1/4 Ton 4x4

The M38 Jeep was the first post-WW II jeep, based on the civilian model CJ-3A, but upgraded for military use. It was known by Willys as the model MC. It featured flat fenders, a one-piece windshield, bottom-mounted wipers, a fuel filler on the left side near the driver's seat, protruding headlights, and an air vent at the bottom center of the windshield frame. The pioneer tools (axe and shovel) are located on the passenger side. The 80-inch wheelbase M38 weighed 2,750 pounds. Its nomenclature is Truck 1/4 Ton 4x4, M-38 (G-740).

When compared to the World War II Willys MB / Ford GPW, the M38 is a little larger, with better seating for the driver and passenger, and uses larger tires (7:00x16). It shares a 24 volt waterproofed electrical system with other post-war M-series vehicles, requiring a second battery to boost the voltage. The L-head, 4 cyl. 60 hp. engine of the MB was improved with a gear drive camshaft and was mated to a T90 transmission and 5:38 axle gears.

Willys produced about 45,500 of the M-38 jeeps from September 1950 through July 1952.

More information and photos are available on this Olive-Drab.com page about M-38 Military Jeeps.

M-38 jeep with top & side curtains and fording gear, Detroit Arsenal, June 1950.

Today in WW II: 21 May 1942 Sinking of the Mexican tanker Faja de Oro by German submarine U-160, off Key West, precipitates Mexican declaration of war against Nazi Germany.

M-38 Truck 1/4 Ton 4x4 (G-740)

Manuals for the M-38 Truck 1/4 Ton 4x4 include:

TM 9-804	Operation and Organizational Maintenance (1950)
TM 9-8012	Operation and Organizational Maintenance (1956). Supersedes TM 9-804.
LO 9-8012	Lubrication Order
TM 9-1804A	Maintenance of Engine and Clutch (1951)
TM 9-1804B	Power Train, Body and Frame (1951)
ORD 9 SNL G-740	Parts List (1955)

Date in parentheses may not be the only publication date for the manual.

Find additional photos and hi-res versions of the M-38 military jeep at the Olive-Drab Military Mashup:

M38 jeep and soldiers use the exit ramp of a BARC, landing on a beach during training, circa 1960.

2nd Armored Cavalry M38 jeep patrol at the Iron Curtain line, Germany, 1956.

XM51 Little John artillery missile towed by M38 jeep at Redstone Arsenal. After development in the 1950s, Little John reached the field in November 1961 and remained in the Army inventory until August 1969. It could carry either nuclear or conventional warheads.

Dick Morrow drives his 1952 M38 jeep with guests of honor, WWII veteran Arn Hilbert, Maj. Gen. Yves. J. Fontaine and his wife, Kathy, during the Rock Island Arsenal Armed Forces Day parade, 24 May 2011.

M38 Truck, 1/4-ton, 4x4 (jeep), manufactured 1951. Courtesty eBay seller dnelson1946.

M38 jeep from United States Army Southern European Task Force (SETAF), circa 1950s.

M-38 Military Jeep Photo Gallery

Former US Air Force M-38 serial #4799, photographed in 2006. Turn signals and other details are not original configuration.
Photo: Courtesy of eBay seller armydave2.

Former US Air Force M-38 serial #4799, photographed in 2006. Turn signals and other details are not original configuration.
Photo: Courtesy of eBay seller armydave2

M-38 with military hard top, gas fired heater and deep water fording snorkle.
Photo: Courtesy of Dennis P. Nolan.

M-38 Truck 1/4 Ton 4x4 (G-740). Photo: Courtesy of Steve Johnston.

M-38 on left with 1943 Willys MB on right. Photo: US Army National Infantry Museum.

M-38 Truck 1/4 Ton 4x4 (G-740). Photo: Courtesy of Steve Johnston.

M-38 Truck 1/4 Ton 4x4 (G-740). Photo: Courtesy of Reggie Caruso.

Recommended Book about the M-38 Jeep

U.S. Military Wheeled Vehicles