I am finally thinking about getting a 5 ton. I want a M925 or a M813a1. From general searching I see that the M925 series 5 ton has a few upgrades over the M813a1 series trucks. I was wondering if the M813a1 would have any advantages over the newer M925 besides probably being cheaper? Any help would be appreciated. This would just be a hobby truck and it would not be used as a daily driver or anything like that.
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M813a1 advantages over a m925?
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wsucougarx
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Get them both
. They both have their advantages and disadvantages. I think the 813 has a couple things going for her though. I like the manual tranny and the looks of the 813. However, I don't care for the sprag transfer case on the 813. Also you're more likely able to register an 813 as a historical vehicle depending on where you live.
. They both have their advantages and disadvantages. I think the 813 has a couple things going for her though. I like the manual tranny and the looks of the 813. However, I don't care for the sprag transfer case on the 813. Also you're more likely able to register an 813 as a historical vehicle depending on where you live.
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A straight 925 when compared against a M813 comes out on top in my opinion. The only advantage the M813 might have is it's a manual transmission (if you prefer a manual), and some parts may (just guessing on parts availability) be more readily available. I have found a source for anything I need for my 813, and anything I anticipate I'll need. I haven't looked for a 939 truck, but others have stated here that some parts are hard to come by. Also, you'll probably need a cdl or air brake endorsment for the 925, whereas you can get by without it on an 813. Opinions vary on that, so check your state laws.
They have the same engine, but the 925 has an automatic transmission. I understand the 925 has a faster road speed. The 925 is a bit roomier in the cab. The 925 has airbrakes as compared to the 813's air over hydraulic. The 925 has an air shift front axle vs. the sprag on the 813. Also, the 925 is probably going to be newer. In terms of weight and dimensions they are comparable with the 925 weighing a little more than a 813w/w.
That's all my 5 ton rookie opinion, take it for what it's worth. Many here have extensive experiance with both trucks. I own an 813, but I've only "owned" a 939 truck in Army service and havent had much hands on one at all. As a hobby truck the 813 is sweet. The 925s were terribly expensive when I bought my 813, but the prices have come down in some areas quite a bit.
Which M925 series were you looking at? A M925A1 has super singles, and a M925A2 has some significant differences over an A0/A1.
They have the same engine, but the 925 has an automatic transmission. I understand the 925 has a faster road speed. The 925 is a bit roomier in the cab. The 925 has airbrakes as compared to the 813's air over hydraulic. The 925 has an air shift front axle vs. the sprag on the 813. Also, the 925 is probably going to be newer. In terms of weight and dimensions they are comparable with the 925 weighing a little more than a 813w/w.
That's all my 5 ton rookie opinion, take it for what it's worth. Many here have extensive experiance with both trucks. I own an 813, but I've only "owned" a 939 truck in Army service and havent had much hands on one at all. As a hobby truck the 813 is sweet. The 925s were terribly expensive when I bought my 813, but the prices have come down in some areas quite a bit.
Which M925 series were you looking at? A M925A1 has super singles, and a M925A2 has some significant differences over an A0/A1.
What are you going to do with it ?
If its going to be a highway vehicle I think the 925 might be a little better. The 925 is more complex than the 813, many safety features. I have a new to me 932a1 and am spending time in the tm's to fix the little issues and learn the truck. Technical expertise on this forum is better on the 813. Part availability will be better for the 813. I like the looks of the 813 better but since I'm planning on doing some towing I thought the 9 series truck would be easier. I didn't spend anymore for my m932a1 than I would have for a 8 series tractor. The cab is great on the 9 series as well as the air shift front drive. Many things to consider. Study about both and decide. Either will be fun.
If its going to be a highway vehicle I think the 925 might be a little better. The 925 is more complex than the 813, many safety features. I have a new to me 932a1 and am spending time in the tm's to fix the little issues and learn the truck. Technical expertise on this forum is better on the 813. Part availability will be better for the 813. I like the looks of the 813 better but since I'm planning on doing some towing I thought the 9 series truck would be easier. I didn't spend anymore for my m932a1 than I would have for a 8 series tractor. The cab is great on the 9 series as well as the air shift front drive. Many things to consider. Study about both and decide. Either will be fun.
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I never even thought about aesthetics, but yea the 813 wins. The 939 series isnt bad at all, but everyday I look at the 813 and think, "dam, that's a sexy looking old truck". 
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813 all the way...how can you not love that dead sexy 809-series punim
![[thumbzup]](https://www.steelsoldiers.com/images/smilies/icon_smile_thumzup.gif "Thumbs Up [thumbzup]")
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The 925 is easier to drive, AND quieter (hood insulation and exhaust routed behind the cab). The cab sits higher making it a taller step to climb in. The body on the 800 series will last you longer, better quality steel used. The 925 is prone to some serious rust issues, especially the hood and window frames.
Flyingvan911
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Congrats on the new truck. It looks great.
Derrickl112
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The tilting hood on the m939's is nice too.
The 800 series are easier to work on, imo. The 2 biggest problems with the 800's is the hole between 3rd and 4th, and the top end issue. It doesn't bother me to cruise at 50mph in my 814, but some others like going faster. The other issue are the brakes. Single circuit, soso drum brakes will keep you always checking the system for leaks and problems.
The best thing about the 900's is the cab space and air brakes. I have driven a 925, and it had sweet brakes. It would stop on a dime, and give you 9 cents change.
The best thing about the 900's is the cab space and air brakes. I have driven a 925, and it had sweet brakes. It would stop on a dime, and give you 9 cents change.
indy4x4fab
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The best part about the 809's are that u dont even need batteries to make them run. Thumb screw in on the electric fuel shut off and and just pull start it. It may take a block or two to prime that way but it WILL START. I have found low range in the t-case third in the trans is just about perfect.
quickfarms
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Yes the 925 brakes are air brakes but they are wedge brakes and not the common s cam brakes found on most commercial trucks.
wedge brakes are great until you have to rebuild them.
wedge brakes are great until you have to rebuild them.
Lockers
Thank you everyone for your input. I have another question. I read that the 809 trucks do not have lockers in them except for a few marine corp outfitted ones. Is that true? Also, do all the M939 series trucks come with lockers or is it a special additon as well?
Thank you everyone for your input. I have another question. I read that the 809 trucks do not have lockers in them except for a few marine corp outfitted ones. Is that true? Also, do all the M939 series trucks come with lockers or is it a special additon as well?
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The M939 series trucks are in the same boat as far as lockers are concerned. Most did not have lockers, except the USMC and Navy trucks. I have never seen an A2 with lockers even if they were used by the Navy.
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809's can be made to have more leg room. Put a smaller aftermarket steering wheel on it and the power steering will allow it to be comfortable for a 6'8" fellow to drive.
Big wheels will get you up to some nice highway speeds, but it is truly gutless getting there.
Momentum is your best friend.
And as mentioned before they are just plain sexy to look at.
Big wheels will get you up to some nice highway speeds, but it is truly gutless getting there.
Momentum is your best friend.
And as mentioned before they are just plain sexy to look at.
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Derrickl112
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My m923 is a former USMC with Detroit lockers in both rear axles 
Ord22
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I've had both in the military. They're both nice trucks. bottom line, its all what you want in a truck. they both have their pros and cons. Personally, i like the 800 series trucks.
RobinF
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Find myself in a similar boat, looking at an M925A2, handsome truck, what do I need to look for in a pre sale/buy inspection?
any and all help would be greatly appreciated
any and all help would be greatly appreciated