My Diesel M37

[G744]

I built this over two years, starting back in '73.

What I wound up with:
3-53N Detroit 3 cyl engine.
Spicer 3053 5-speed OD trans w/PTO.
Full air-over-hydraulic brake system w/gladhands for trailers.
Johnny-bar for trailer brake actuation.
11.00-18 Goat tires/wheels on homemade adapter plates. (those were steel-belted bias tires, BTW)
Warn lockout hubs.
Nasty-assed LOUD military air horns.
Arctic hardtop with 450 watt spotlight.
Stock pedals and steering.
5-ton dashboard.
55 Gal. aux Diesel tank.
15mpg average.
Top speed with the 18's @ 68mph. Earplugs recommended...

Sold like an idiot. Presently gathering the parts to build another one.

The last photo is my Nephew and a friend.

Dennis

 

[Mullaney]

I built this over two years, starting back in '73.

What I wound up with:
3-53N Detroit 3 cyl engine.
Spicer 3053 5-speed OD trans w/PTO.
Full air-over-hydraulic brake system w/gladhands for trailers.
Johnny-bar for trailer brake actuation.
11.00-18 Goat tires/wheels on homemade adapter plates. (those were steel-belted bias tires, BTW)
Warn lockout hubs.
Nasty-assed LOUD military air horns.
Arctic hardtop with 450 watt spotlight.
Stock pedals and steering.
5-ton dashboard.
55 Gal. aux Diesel tank.
15mpg average.
Top speed with the 18's @ 68mph. Earplugs recommended...

Sold like an idiot. Presently gathering the parts to build another one.

The last photo is my Nephew and a friend.

DennisView attachment 855231View attachment 855232View attachment 855233View attachment 855234

.
Dang that was neat!

I like it... That little Detroit is so cool and weight wise - I bet it wasn't awful. Air, oh my! Heck, I thought I was cool with a pair of air tanks and a schrader valve was neat. Real air and air brakes for a trailer would be incredible.

Let's gather the parts for two.
One for me and one for you!

 

[G744]

The early days, I finally have something started.

Chassis & axles done!


I got really good at swapping out rear ends...this truck went on to absolutely ruin 13 sets of ring & pinion!

DG ps...like the flowerpot?

 

[ldmack3]

Is that Groucho on the T?

 

[G744]

indeed!

"Outside of a dog, a book is Man's best friend. Inside of a dog it's too dark to read."

DG

 

[GT4U]

Just saw this....
Another 3-53 swapped M37

 

[G744]

I saw that some time ago. I contacted the guy, thinking it might just be my old one.

It's not.

DG

 

[GT4U]

Did you have to do a front lift or anything to the M37? Considering a 353 swap but not sure if I'm up for it yet....

 

[G744]

I beefed up the front springs a bit, as the engine and winch add a bit of poundage.

I took some leaves from M37 rear springs and interleaved the fronts to get a taller, beefier setup. The lasted many, many miles. I did have to make up longer U-bolts for them.

When I went to Goat tires/wheels, I had to trim the bottoms of the splash pans as they would rub on full lock turns.

DG

 

[G744]

Some other photos turned up.

I like the production line: Birth of a great truck!





DG

 

[Atomic]

Did you have to add leaves to front springs?

 

[G744]

Yeah, a couple on each side.

DG

 

[Atomic]

Yeah, a couple on each side.

DG

Thanks bud. Thinking about it.