Tossing around the idea of reworking M725

[alosix]

A few years ago we picked up a jeep M725 (5/4 ton ambulance) to use as a parts truck for our offroad shop. Being completely stock we had a little fun with it

Before:

After:

Updates:
2005 Hemi/545RFE (30k miles) from dodge durago. ECU reprogrammed and tuned.

Chevy 14 bolt rear with disk brake conversion (needed to clear the rear springs on the 725).

D44 front (to be replaced with a D60). Complete 2nd Gen Dodge 2500 front suspension. Yes, its now a coil spring front end.

What I've been thinking. We're out growing the Jeep (1997 TJ) and need something bigger. I've been seriously looking at a J8 though it puts a hurting on the budget. I've also been looking at importing a D110. The next option was to pickup a diesel 2nd Gen ram and start building that.

Out of the current 'add a vehicle' ideas I like the 2nd Gen ram cummins the best. But, I already own the 725. Downside being gas, but the upside is that it isn't all that bad on fuel so far (much better than my TJ).


What I'm thinking:
Swap in an Atlas t-case, D60 front. Lock the front and rear, ensure decent cooling system is in place, and start modding the box area for expo travels. Would probably raise it another foot or so behind the driving area to make sure you can stand up in the back.

I'd question reliability of such an old vehicle, but honestly its got less rust on it than any of the parts trucks we worked with when building it. The engine is nearly new and has low miles to it. The frame is VERY well built. The drivetrain also has all nearly new and easily serviceable parts.''

Its also a 1967 vehicle meaning we can pretty much do what we want to it 'smog' wise and not have to worry about cali being a pain.

http://picasaweb.google.com/jpower2/M725#

Thoughts?

 

[1leglance]

I dig it alot...
you have the drivetrain sorted out & should be able to find parts.
with some heat/sound isulation the inside should be fine.
plenty of room to build up the sleep/eat/sit area.

go for it

 

[redthies]

You pretty much gotta go with the jeep! You've got the engine and tranny done so what is a bit more for axle and t-case? The coolness factor is way high as well! Best part... you own it already!

 

[Desert Dan]

Looks great. What a Camper. I have allways liked the 715 and 725 Jeeps

That body would be great on a new Power Wagon...

 

[BlueBomber]

build the jeep up!!! then post pics!!!

 

[78Bronco]

I love the M725 so I would continue with the upgrades. Maybe making the rear box a pop-up to keep a lower profile during transit.:smiley_drive:

You could always swap in a 6BT cummins+drivetrain out of a wrecked late model dodge later on if a good deal presents itself. I'm hating most of the newer vehicles these days.

 

[chasespeed]

I agree.. thats a slick rig....

Keep your eyes out for a wrecked cummins...

IF you dont want to make serious power... I would tell you to look for a VE pumped cummins... still a cummins... still reliable, easier starting in the cold (or even not), than a P-pump...... and easier and cheaper to find... those would be the 89-92(or 93) Cummins... all are turbo.. 91.5 and up are I/C....

I am on my second 6bt... cant beat'em with a stick.....

That, and either a 6spd, or a NV4500(with the 5th gear nut mod), you will be golden.... plenty of power, and fuel mileage...

Chase

 

[neverestablished]

I vote jeep. That thing is just too cool.
Other than it being a little tall and the boxy windshield its perfect. And since you've replace half the stuff already reliability shouldn't be too bad. And the non smog is priceless.

 

[alosix]

This truck was originally supposed to have a full 1989 Gen I cummins drivetrain swap. But the deal fell through and it was getting to be pretty expensive to source all of the necessary parts to do that swap.

The 6bt is a tight fit in those trucks. Its long enough that you need to go cutting into the firewall to get it to sit back far enough to have a reasonable size radiator. After that there's pretty much no room for a reasonable front mount intercooler. Could possibly source a water/air one so who knows.

Got the Hemi, 545rfe, and t-case for $1200, couldn't pass that up. Was looking at 5-7k for the Cummins once I had all of the odds and ends figured into it. Not to mention how much heavier that engine is.

This truck would honestly be powered pretty well by a 4bt, but finding one of those at a price that makes sense just hasn't happened yet.

At least with the Hemi, its a pretty common engine. Its got better oil pan clearance then I'd be able to manage with a cummins. With the nearly 37s and 4.10s the truck really gets out of its own way.

 

[BlueBomber]

This truck was originally supposed to have a full 1989 Gen I cummins drivetrain swap. But the deal fell through and it was getting to be pretty expensive to source all of the necessary parts to do that swap.

The 6bt is a tight fit in those trucks. Its long enough that you need to go cutting into the firewall to get it to sit back far enough to have a reasonable size radiator. After that there's pretty much no room for a reasonable front mount intercooler. Could possibly source a water/air one so who knows.

Got the Hemi, 545rfe, and t-case for $1200, couldn't pass that up. Was looking at 5-7k for the Cummins once I had all of the odds and ends figured into it. Not to mention how much heavier that engine is.

This truck would honestly be powered pretty well by a 4bt, but finding one of those at a price that makes sense just hasn't happened yet.

At least with the Hemi, its a pretty common engine. Its got better oil pan clearance then I'd be able to manage with a cummins. With the nearly 37s and 4.10s the truck really gets out of its own way.

So.....are you gonna use it?

 

[redthies]

While I already said keep the jeep, I am trying to figure out what you want. You said you have"outgrown" it, and then mention jk platforms as an alternative? I assume you have outgrown the utilitarian basicness of the big jeep. You already have the hemi etc in it so power is no issue. I am a huge fan of the cummins engines but when you look at the cost of swapping in a 4BT or 6BT it doesn't make sense. For the same money you could modernize almost every other aspect of the jeep. At the end of it you would have a very capable and comfy rig that nobody else has. The only rare parts are going to be body and maybe some interior stuff. Thus ease of maintenance should not be an issue. Best of luck which ever way you go!:sombrero:

 

[alosix]

While I already said keep the jeep, I am trying to figure out what you want. You said you have"outgrown" it, and then mention jk platforms as an alternative? I assume you have outgrown the utilitarian basicness of the big jeep. You already have the hemi etc in it so power is no issue. I am a huge fan of the cummins engines but when you look at the cost of swapping in a 4BT or 6BT it doesn't make sense. For the same money you could modernize almost every other aspect of the jeep. At the end of it you would have a very capable and comfy rig that nobody else has. The only rare parts are going to be body and maybe some interior stuff. Thus ease of maintenance should not be an issue. Best of luck which ever way you go!:sombrero:

Ah, no.. haven't out grown the 725 Jeep. Starting the outgrow the little Jeep (1997 TJ) for the longer trips. I'm not getting rid of my TJ if we go this route. Still need something to play with for the more technical trails and shorter trips.

 

[chasespeed]

Personally, I would probably go with a 1G Cummins, sans the I/C... more pumbing, to have problems with, and an I/C to puncture.... minor blessing in disguise not having room...

Unless you are towing heavy, and/or really turn the fuel up, the lack of I/C is really not an issue....

6bts are kicking around....

Anyway, good luck with your choice...I am watching.... been wanting to build one of these for a long while


Chase

 

[alosix]

The engine is done, running and happy .. Not really looking to mess with that in this version of the build.

If it becomes and issue later I'll play with it, but there's plenty of room under the truck to carry enough gas to get the range needed.

 

[sojourner]

Jason,
I like what you've done with the M725. What are your plans with it now?

I'm about to start a similar build but with a 6bt. I have a M725 with no engine and I'm going to swap over the 6bt, 727, NP205, dana 60 front and 70 rear from a 93 Dodge W250.

How long did it take you to do all the work?