SOLD —> 1961 M422A1 Mighty Mite - with VW Turbo Diesel -$25K

mspeters

New member
1961 M422A1 USMC Mighty Mite

Background information - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M422_Mighty_Mite

Ground-up, well-sorted build for desert trail exploring/camping and forest service roads. Driven with respect for the 1/4 ton independent suspension driveline, this has proven capable on the mining roads of Nevada. 2,500 miles since build was completed in 2016. California-title with current ‘23 tags. Cruises readily at 50-55 mph.

Drivetrain
Built with a new VW 1.9L Turbo Diesel long block, new Bosch injection pump (modified by Giles Perf., Canada), stock VW K14 Turbo; and a new Jeep AX15 5-speed overdrive transmission with the 2” shorter Toyota R150 input shaft. Rebuilt Spicer Model 18 transfer case with 3.2:1 Tera-Low gearing. Utilizes Acme & Novak adapters. SPAL brushless variable-speed fan & custom aluminum double-pass radiator.

Toyota clutch assembly: 22RE-Turbo bell housing, pressure plate/disc & hydraulic clutch.

Front & rear differentials fully rebuilt with new: bearings/races, stub axles, yokes & Power-Lok clutch packs. Larger diameter Spicer rear-halfshaft assemblies.


Body & chassis
Leaf springs converted to coilover Fox units. 215x85-16 Firestone Destination MT tires. 2 spare rims & tires. Toyota 2WD truck power steering box, disc brake conversion with Wilwood rotors/calipers & GM hydroboost. Aluminum body, epoxy primer & urethane satin paint. Powder coated frame/suspension arms/roll cage & bracing/rims etc. Easy-to-clean SEM 2-part urethane bedliner inside & undersides. 12 volt system, dual AGM batteries w/marine combiner, Sealed fuse box, LED head & tail lights.

Reproduction Mite canvas winter top with side curtains & doors. Custom stainless fuel tank. Includes a plethora of spares. Well-equipped hauler trailer potentially available.

$25K. Located in El Dorado Hills, California (Sacramento region)

URL for _more_ photos - files too large to upload to ExpoPortal
https://forums.g503.com/viewtopic.php?f=100&t=333116 ( click on the images for full size photos)

http://www.m422a1.com/Mites for sale.html


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Last edited:

micahd

Member
Love it, what a cute trail rig. I envision this convo...

“Hi, NAPA, I need an oil filter for a…[looks up motor again], a shock for a…[looks up coilovers again], wipers for a…click...hello?”
 

mspeters

New member
35XJ - yes, that was the red Disco 1 that I sold to the Land Rover corp. employee.
I know it moved from BAT to Washington state. I miss the limber suspension and 3-link rear axle..
 
Last edited:

35xj

Adventurer
Cool! That was a great truck. I eventually drove her home to NC. Mostly off road. I did end up Leaving it at LAX for almost a month due to being nutty busy!
For anybody interested in the MM. this guy does incredibly nice work. His garage is cleaner than ANY room in my house.
Solid guy, with an affinity for odd ball stuff
 
Last edited:

workerdrone

Part time fulltimer
The M422 'Mighty Mite' is a lightweight ¼-ton 4x4 tactical truck, suitable for airlifting and manhandling.

We just don't discuss the lack of manhandling suitability in overlanding enough :)

GLWS
 

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