The CCKW was equipped with the GMC 270 engine, an overhead valve inline-6 with 91匹馬力（68千瓦特） at 2750rpm and 216英磅力·英尺（293牛頓·米） at 1400rpm. A 3²⁵⁄₃₂英寸（96 mm） bore by 4英寸（102 mm） stroke gave a 269.5 cu in（4.4 L） displacement.^[7] This (gasoline) engine was designed for commercial trucks, and was reliable in service.^[8]

The transmission was a Warner T93 5-speed with a direct 4th gear and overdrive 5th gear. The transfer case had high and low gears, and engaged the front axle. Originally all axles were a Timken split type, later trucks also used GM "banjo" types.^[9][10]

The CCKW had a ladder frame chassis with three driven beam axles, the front on leaf springs, the rear tandem on leaf springs with locating arms. There were two wheelbases, the short Model 352 and the long Model 353. The short, 145英寸（368 cm） (Measurements are from the centerline of the front axle to the centerline of rear bogie) was used with a short cargo bed as an artillery prime mover for 75 mm and 105 mm howitzers. All other models used the long 164英寸（417 cm） wheelbase. Tires were 7.50-20, brakes were hydraulic with vacuum assist.^[8]

Some were fitted with 10,000磅（4,500公斤） front-mounted winches. A winch added 300英磅（140公斤） and 14英寸（36厘米）.^[11]

Some open cab chassis were cut in half behind the cab for air transport. Each half was a load, at the vehicle's destination, the halves were bolted back together.^[8][12]