M-422 Military Jeep Description
Although design started in the mid-1940s, M422 jeep production records show 3,922 were built by American Motors starting in 1959 and ending in 1962. After a few hundred were built, it was replaced by the M-422A1 which was about six inches longer and had a few other improvements. With an aluminum body, independent suspension, differential-mounted brakes, and an AMC V-4 air-cooled engine, this unique, small jeep is prized by collectors. More photos on this page about the M422 jeep in the jeep section of the Olive-Drab.com Military Vehicle Charts.
Another version, the M422A2, was designed but there is no record of actual production. An M416B1 1/4 ton trailer was available for use with the M422.
M422 and M422A1 Characteristics
The M422 and M422A1 shared the AMC AV-108-4 4 cyl., 107.8 cid engine that developed 55hp at 3600rpm, mated to the New Process 4300, 4 speed transmission and integral single speed transfer case. Front and rear axles had locking differentials. The vehicles are rated at 1/4 ton for their 500 lb cross-country payload.
| M422; | M422A1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Weight, Gross | 2700 lbs | 2780 lbs |
| Weight, Net | 1700 lbs | 1780 lbs |
| Max Towed Load | 1500 lbs | 1500 lbs |
| Length | 107 in | 113 in |
| Wheelbase | 65 in | 71 in |
| Width | 60 5/8 in | 61 in |
| Height | 59 1/2 in | 64 1/2 in |
| Fuel tank | 12.5 gal | 12.5 gal |
For both the M422 and M422A1, the 4 ply nylon tire size is 6.00x16 and the maximum authorized road speed is 55 mph. Both have the military standard 24 volt electrical system.
M422 and M422A1 Manuals
The manual set for the M422 and M422A1 1/4 ton trucks included:
- TM9-2320-225-10 Operators Manual
- TM9-2320-225-20 Organizational Maintenance and Repair
- TM9-2320-225-35 Power Train, suspension, Brakes, Steering, Body
- SL-4-00882A USMC Stock List, Repair Parts List
M-422 Military Jeep Internet Resources
Daryl Bensinger is considered the leading expert on the Mighty Mite. His web page has a number of photos of his restored USMC jeeps.
The Development of the M422 provides all the background on the history of the M422 and M422A1.
The Mighty Mite Page has all the specifications for the M-422.
This page from Webshots has a nice collection of M422 photos.
Find More Information on the Web
There are many fine websites that have additional information on this topic, too many to list here and too many to keep up with as they come and go. Use this Google web search form to get an up to date report of what's out there.
For good results, try entering this: jeep m422 OR m422a1. Then click the Search button.
