1953 Dodge M-37 offroad expedition cummins build

[Stroked 550]

well guys so after a lot of thinking I figured out what I want to build, which happens to bea 1953 Dodge M-37 with a 12v or 24v cummins :sombrero:


1. Will either a 12v or 24v fit in the engine compartment?

2. Can I squeeze a NV4500 or NV5600 in?

3. I would like to use an Atlas 2 speed transfer case, how should I spec it out to connect to said transmission options above?
http://www.davesoffroadsupply.com/Atlas-2-Speed-Transfer-Case--Trail-Case_p_649.html

4. I was thinking Dana 60 in the front & a Dana 70 in the rear, or are those too wide for it?

5. ARB diff lockers

 

[locrwln]

well guys so after a lot of thinking I figured out what I want to build, which happens to bea 1953 Dodge M-37 with a 12v or 24v cummins :sombrero:


1. Will either a 12v or 24v fit in the engine compartment?
Length - 40"/ Width - 24.9" / Height - 37.9", those are the quick measurements I found, so a tape measure will be your friend.

2. Can I squeeze a NV4500 or NV5600 in?

Sure, as long as you aren't too attached to the current floor/transmission tunnel.

3. I would like to use an Atlas 2 speed transfer case, how should I spec it out to connect to said transmission options above?
http://www.davesoffroadsupply.com/Atlas-2-Speed-Transfer-Case--Trail-Case_p_649.html

Advanced will have no problem hooking to a 4500 as they offer that as a package (a friend put a 4500/atlas in his jeep).

4. I was thinking Dana 60 in the front & a Dana 70 in the rear, or are those too wide for it?

Depends on wheel offset.

5. ARB diff lockers

Jack

 

[Stroked 550]

thanks Jack for the response


1. I will check out advance adapters website, ideally a Nv5600 would be ideal so I have a 6 speed but I could settle for the 4500 I dont mind changing the floor

2. I was planning on running a 35" or 37" tire, what wheel offset would you recommend?

 

[shortbus4x4]

Those are some big drive train components to fit in a M37. Do you currently own or have access to a M37? Look up Garbee and his M37 website. He has some pretty good info. One of the four wheeler magazines did a M37 project a while back, you should be able to find it online. Some day when I get a shop I will build my M37 project.

 

[Stroked 550]

thanks shortbus,

I am planning on buying the M37 tomrrow

thanks for the recommendation I checked out Garbee website, it looks like he did a 4BT swap
I found the 4 wheeler magazine article on the M37 but wow do they have a horribly laid out website the area of the article is very narrow and theres ads surrounding it on each side, the article is split into 4 parts and I cant find them in a organized manner, it didnt really talk about axles or anything like that but they did put a 6.0L chevy motor in it

 

[daddyusmaximus]

This should be an interesting build. I've seen them with the 4BT, but not the 6BT. I would want the old school 12 valve.

 

[shortbus4x4]

I've seen one with a 6bt on craigslist and I know they had to do some serious mods to get it to fit. Be ready for some firewall modifications. You might look into a Isuzu 4bd1t for a power plant or a 4bt if you are set on diesel. Remember cab insulation on these rigs is non existent so if noise bothers you a gas engine will be a better option.

 

[M35A2]

It can be done but you will find that motor a little too big and heavy for an M37.

A SBC will save weight over the flathead 6. Build it old school mechanical with a carb and so on.

If you need a diesel I wonder about the Mercedes units as they would package better and near enough bulletproof. 4BT so low on power.

 

[shortbus4x4]

Steel Soldiers is a website for MV collectors, more restoration but there are some modified ones on there. There is a company in one of the Carolinas that specializes in repowering and updating the drive trains on older military vehicles but I can't think of them right now.

 

[Stroked 550]

oh yeah Im definitely expecting some firewall modifications, I would like to stick with a 6bt for the durability, mpg and they dont sound too shabby either :wings:
Im on steel soldiers as well trying to throw a big net out there to learn as much as possible

I found a guy on another forum that fit a 6bt in his M37 from what I read so far it seems like hes done everything possible to avoid cutting up the firewall

reading through it so far I dont see any info on axles

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/dodge/811534-2-5-ton-m37-build-7.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgtLt5odZIc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QsmJegWHYm8

 

[shortbus4x4]

Looks like he's running deuce and a half Rockwells with a custom coil over suspension in front and leaf springs in back, can't tell if back are stock springs and hangers or not.

 

[Sponge]

Didn't read the thread but Fred Williams on Dirt Everyday built a M37. I believe it had 6.0 in it. Cool trucks, good luck with the project!

 

[mp_tx]

My M37 project has a 4bt/NV4500 in it. It's stuffed in there--can't imagine a 6bt would fit without major surgery.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Stroked 550]

m37dsl on pirate definitely put a 12v in there, I think he has more room because he mounted the radiator in the truck bed

I searched for Fred Williams M37 build and found it but it doesnt talk about the specs of the build it just shows some photos and thats it
his engine is a v8

 

[chilliwak]

Hey Stoked, and chance we can see some pics of your rig, that is if you have bought it now. Otherwise just some pics of the type of rig you are thinking of buying would be great. I love military trucks and am looking forward to following your build. Cheers, chilli..