M37 but not an M37?

[Wooden_Idea_4100]

Hi folks,
I recently became a proud owner of a 1956 M37 and joined the military vehicle community.
I was working on getting the brakes working, then realized that the brakes didn’t match what was in the manual. The wheel cylinder was different, brake lines, brake bleed port and the brake back plates were different as well. Further more, the differentials are centered with the vehicle instead of off to the right. A military vehicle enthusiast stopped by and said the diffs appear to be dyna 70, dyna 60’s but was unsure as what vehicle it could be from. But was suspecting a 1 1/4 ton truck possibly.
There are also 8 lug nuts instead of5 on the wheels and split rims. So nothing from an M37.
The rest of the vehicle is all M37 and matches the manual. Please see the attached photos, any clue as to what vehicle these parts came from?

 

[Valley Rock]

Well if they are Dana axles and they still have the tag bolted to the cover it has a long number on it called the bom number that will give you detailed information from Dana and will break down every part in the axle including years used .

If the tags are missing there's also the same number stamped into the axle tube, it can be a little hard to find after years of grease and paint but it's there usually starts with a #6 .

 

[nattieleather]

The truck was reaxled which isn't a bad thing unless you wanted an M37 that was all original. IMHO those axles are better than the originals, but if you don't know what truck they are out of getting parts can be difficult. I'm just guessing here but I'm thinking a late 60s or early 70s dodge or chevy truck.

 

[G744]

Has it been repowered?

 

[ODAddict]

I'll add my input because the owner (my son-in-law) has been taken up with work, a construction-caused house disruption, and a new baby. (yeah, I'm a new grandpa)...At the risk of getting off track....

The engine appears to be original, that is, a T245. It has conventional spark plugs, after market (non waterproof) distributor, and external coil powered by a 12 volt pigtail directly from one of the batteries.

As to the running gear, the transmission has the winch PTO installed...but no winch! The PTO lever is even installed up through the floor. Data tag clearly shows WO/W (without winch for those who may be unfamiliar).

Others have agreed that the installed axle set is better than the original. One area of potential concern: Because the rear differential is centered on the axle, there is a fairly significant offset angle for the rear drive shaft from the transfer case. The truck drives well, and there is no evidence of binding. Could this turn into a longer term problem?

The more immediate challenge is finding wheel cylinders without a known ID. There is a casting number on the wheel cylinders, and an online search shows good availability against that casting number, so Wooden Idea will probably go that route to start.

And, welcome to the hobby Wooden Idea! We're glad you joined!

 

[nattieleather]

On the drive line replace the NP200 with an NP 205 with a center out for the rear axle and he'll be golden.