Bought a new toy

[RAMMONT]

I decided to pickup a truck that I can use for hunting and working around my homestead. I still need to set it up with a snowplow and some tire chains.

[Orlando]

Nice!!!!!!,I love it

[Phil McGrath]

Are you going too restencle it with USMC markings?

[Jersey Devil]

That's awesome!! I love those vintage military trucks!!

[RAMMONT]

are you going too restencle it with usmc markings?

absolutely!!

[RAMMONT]

This truck is in pretty good shape, the previous owner was in the process of bringing it back to original condition so a lot of the work is already done. It was converted to 12 volts and I'm not sure if I want to change it back to 24 volt or leave it alone. A 12 volt system is so much easier to find parts for but it's easier to find original parts for a 24 volt system. I haven't picked it up yet, that will happen in two weeks so I'll look things over in greater detail then and make my decision. I know the one part that doesn't work is the original winch and I'd love to get it working but if it looks too expensive I'll just buy and install a 12,000 lb electric winch instead. While I love the traditional look and style the reality is that newer parts work better and are safer - if you choose the right stuff. The old tires are nostalgic but a new set of Toyo Open Country M/T tires would probably work better, whatever I settle on I think I'll make the tires a little taller, maybe 38" or a little bigger.

[Phil McGrath]

Taller yes, wider no... What is the rim size?

[RAMMONT]

They are stock rims, 16x6.5, the stock tires are about 35" in diameter.

[RDS]

Is it a Dodge and what year war it built?

[RAMMONT]

1958 M37 3/4 ton truck

Engine
Model...T245 Dodge
Type..."L" Head, 6 Cylinder
Horsepower...BHP-78at 3200 RPM
Displacement...230.2 cu. in.
Bore...3 1/4" Stroke...4 5/8"

Transmission
New Process...Model 88950 (or NP420)
4 Speed, Synchro-Shift in 3^rd and 4^th gear

Transfer Case
New Process...88845 (or NP200)
Ratio...High 1:1, low 1.96:1
Twin lever operation, one for 4x4 or 4x2 selection, one for hi or low range

Axles
Dodge Full Floating (Hypoid) Ratio...5.83:1
Front Universal Drive...New Process (tracta joint)

Wheelbase
Cargo Model M37...112"

Weight
M37 w/winch 5987 lbs.

Tire Size
9.00 x 16 - 8 ply Non-Directional Military

Highway
Speed 55 MPH, Range 150 miles (6mpg)

Winch
Braden LU-4, PTO operated, 7500lb capacity (250’ 7/16" wire rope – 10’ chain w/hook)

[Garanditis]

Looks like a workhorse .. awesome man-toy!

[m14brian]

Awesome truck!
m14brian

[Phil McGrath]

16 and 17's are pretty common tires and I know some guys that were picking up new Good Year Kevlar Wranglers DERMO'd for HUMVVs at good prices...But I don't know if the current military wheel is still 16in or the larger 17in rim now?

[RAMMONT]

I haven't got a clue Phil, right now I'm just going to work on making sure that all of the controls are operational and I'd like to make most everything like original unless I feel a need to modernize for better performance. Money of course will dictate how fast I work on things. In the end I'd really like to have upgraded tires, carb, ignition, fuel pump, and lubrication system. One of the parts that I really want to keep is the old 3 switch style light control. It's one of those old clunking military things that isn't really convenient but it's just so iconic that I really want it on my dash.

[Phil McGrath]

I think Dodge used the same 230 L head 6 all the way up too 68 with the original flat fender Power Wagon. As for the intake Clifford is the only game in town at one time they made a dual two bbl or maybe it was dual 1BBL anyway it was good for almost another 20hp and about the same 20ftlbs for torque. Doesn't sound like much, but that's huge for what it does make and you might pick up a extra mile or two per gallon. Fuel pump is a easy upgrade use a small electric pump too keep the mechanical primed. Oil pump? I don't think there ever was a HV pump made but they don't pull a ton of rpms anyway, I would look too have the stocker or its replacement blueprinted and deburred, same for the passages in the head and block for better flow and drain back.

If it matters much you might want too look into getting a fresh NOS cam there has too be a ton of wear on the current one or you might want too look in having a new cam ground or the current one reground, keep the duration the same but have some lift added. This way you don't effect any of the engines grunt but gain a little on the top end so you don't jack up traffic as bad. Fresh springs, valve job and a clean up on the ports will only help.

I know money is always a issue but while I'm spending your hard earned dollars have you given the thought of doing a Cummins 4BT conversion? That will really extend your range and road manors.........