What do you want to know about five-ton history?

[DDoyle]

Greetings all,
After over a decade of work, my five-ton (M41/54/656/809/939 et al) book is now rushing headlong toward completion. This book will be similar to my two-volume Dodge set from a couple years ago.

After having been deeply immersed in this subject so long, I fear that in some cases I may not see the forest for the trees.

So - I ask, what would you like to see in this book? Keep in mind, this is not a how-to or maintenance manual - but a history. (and saying "a photo of MY truck in active military service" won't be meaningful.

Best to respond here, or send an email, rather than PM.

Basically, your responses will be sort of a check list (and no promises that all questions will be answered, some things remain unknown).

Best wishes,
David Doyle
www.DavidDoyleBooks.com
David@DavidDoyleBooks.com

 

[SETOYOTA]

5 ton missle trucks. Any sort of offensive capability . Guntruck field mods

 

[M813rc]

As much detail information as practical on the PIP of the M54 et al series that lead to the M809 series. New build versus conversion numbers (roughly is fine).
I gather my M813 was converted from an M54, rather than being an all-new truck.

Looking forward to seeing this end product!

Cheers

 

[gimpyrobb]

I gather my M813 was converted from an M54, rather than being an all-new truck.

I would love to hear more about this (in a different thread of coarse)! Sorry for the hijack Mr.D!

 

[clinto]

I'd like to see how the military kept trying to keep the 5 ton relevant, going from M39 to M809 to M939, then A1 and A2, whereas the M44 series stayed basically the same.

I gather my M813 was converted from an M54, rather than being an all-new truck.

Wait, isn't the M809 frame longer than the M39 to accomodate the NHC250?

 

[ReoRider]

Hi David,

How about something concerning the reduction in truck weight classes after WW11. The selection of 2 1/2 and 5 then later 10 ton was quite a change from the range of war time weights. What was the thinking?

The cab configuration is always interesting, was it part of the spec. at the beginning to have a single cab design for all three weight classes?

When you go back to 1950, the 5 ton was a really big truck. Was that part of the reason that the multiple configurations were initially made on the 2 1/2 chassis and then only later migrated to the 5 ton?

Your work will be eagerly awaited!

Thanks,
John

 

[MWMULES]

What is the real differences between a XM818 and a M818?

 

[AMGeneral]

I'd like to see how the military kept trying to keep the 5 ton relevant, going from M39 to M809 to M939, then A1 and A2, whereas the M44 series stayed basically the same.



Wait, isn't the M809 frame longer than the M39 to accomodate the NHC250?

Yes, about 10 inches.

 

[DDoyle]

I'll knock this one out right away, since I've gotten so many emails about this through the years.

In 1984 the USMC awarded a $52.2 million contract (with extensions), that ultimately converted 2,028 M54 trucks to M813. The Corps rebuilt the cabs, axles, transfer case and drive shaft. They then installed AM General-supplied conversion kits which included: Frame, NHC-250, transmission, fenders, hood, no-spin differentials, fuel tank, power steering, radiator, exhaust, springs, seats and instrument panel, and data plates - all packed into 35 boxes.

Why this was ever called a rebuild escapes me (unless it was some way to sidestep budget restrictions) - 'cause as you can see, the end result is basically a new truck with rebuilt transfer case, axle housings/wheel bearings and brakes.

Thanks for the other good input -- y'all brought to mind some things I'd not thought about. I look forward to more such input.

Best,
David
www.DavidDoyleBooks.com

 

[Csm Davis]

Would love to see what all you find about the 939A3 that was being worked up.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[M813rc]

I'll knock this one out right away, ........Why this was ever called a rebuild escapes me (unless it was some way to sidestep budget restrictions)....

Thanks David.

And more than likely, that is exactly why it was done that way. Along the lines of the M38 - M38A1.
"Can we have a new jeep?"
"No!"
"Can we upgrade our M38s then?"
"Okay, you can do that..."

Cheers

 

[swiss]

I would like to know of the design problems they found over the years and what was done if anything to mitigate them.

 

[71DeuceAK]

I'd like to know more about some of the less common models (M942, etc) of the M939 series.

P/S, when this thing goes to press, I'd love to get a copy!

 

[Willyk]

I'd definitely buy the book!