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{{Short description|Military truck of the United States}}
{{Infobox Automobile
{{Infobox weapon
| image = [[Image:1953 M37.jpg|250px|1953 M37 used by Tennessee Division of Forestry & volunteer fire department]]
| name = M37
| name = Dodge M37
| image = RAFBF 90th Birthday Air Show, East Kirkby - geograph.org.uk - 1440198.jpg
| manufacturer = [[Dodge]]
| image_size = 300px
| parent_company = [[Chrysler]]
| caption = M37 cargo truck
| aka =
| origin = [[Warren Truck Assembly]], Michigan, United States
| production = 110,838<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.g741.org/ProductionSummary.html|title=Production Summary|accessdate=2007-07-28}}</ref> (1951 - 1968)
| type = {{frac|3|4}}-ton 4x4 truck
| assembly =
<!-- Type selection -->
| predecessor = [[Dodge Power Wagon]]
|is_vehicle=yes
| successor = [[Kaiser Jeep M715]]
<!-- Service history -->
| class = [[Full-size]] [[pickup truck]]
|service = 1951 until varying per country
| body_style = [[Truck]]
|used_by =
| layout = [[Four-wheel drive]]
|wars = [[Korean War]]<br />[[Vietnam War]]<br />[[Laotian Civil War]]<br />[[Cambodian Civil War]]<br />[[Nicaraguan Revolution]]<br />[[Salvadoran Civil War]]<br />[[Guatemalan Civil War]]
| platform =
<!-- Production history -->
| engine = [[Chrysler Flathead engine|Dodge]] T245 [[Flathead]] [[straight-6]] 230 CID
| designer =
| transmission = 4-speed [[New Process]] ''NP420'' [[manual transmission|manual]]
| design_date =
| wheelbase = Cargo M37: 112" (2.84 m)<br/>
| manufacturer = Dodge
Command M42: 112" (2.84 m)<br/>
| production_date = 1951-1968
Ambulance M43: 126" (3.20 m)<br/>
| number = 115,838 – across:<br />— '''M37:''' ~63,000 units (1951–1954)<br />— '''M37B1:''' 47,600 units (from 1958)<br />— '''M37CDN:''' 4,500 Canadian (1951–1955)
Tele. Maint. V41: 126" (3.20 m)
| variants =
| length =
<!-- General specifications -->
| width =
| spec_label = with winch<ref>{{cite book|url=http://m37.crwdesigns.com/documents/Tech%20Manuals/TM9-2320-212-10.pdf|title=TM-9-2320-212-10 Operator's Manual for M37 series trucks|publisher=[[United States Department of the Army#Headquarters, Department of the Army|Headquarters, Department of the Army]]|work=Technical manual|date=30 November 1973|access-date=30 Aug 2015}}</ref>
| height =
| weight = M37 without winch: {{Auto lb|5687}}<br/>
| weight = {{convert|5,917|lb|abbr=on}} (empty)
| length = {{convert|15|ft|10|in|m|2|abbr=on}}
M37 with winch {{Auto lb|5987}}
| width = {{convert|6|ft|2|in|m|2|abbr=on}}
| fuel_capacity = 24 [[US gallon]] (95 [[Liter|L]])
| height = {{convert|7|ft|5|in|m|2|abbr=on}}
| related =
<!-- Vehicle specifications -->
| designer =
| engine = Dodge T-245
| engine_power = {{convert|78|hp|kW|abbr=on}}
| transmission = 4 speed X 2 range
| suspension = Live beam axles on leaf springs
| vehicle_range = {{convert|225|mi|abbr=on}}
| speed = {{convert|55|mph|abbr=on}}
}}
}}
[[File:1960DodgeM-37-34Ton.jpg|thumb|An M56 used as a fire truck in the [[Lane Motor Museum]]]]


The '''Dodge M37''' (G-741) was a three-quarter ton [[four-wheel drive]] truck. It superseded the Dodge [[WC-51]] and [[WC-52]] trucks in US service and was used extensively by the [[United States]] armed forces during the [[Korean war]]. A number of variants were produced with slightly different configurations: the '''M42''' command truck, '''V41''' telephone maintenance vehicle, '''M43''' [[ambulance]], '''M152''' enclosed utility truck, and '''R2''' air field fire engine.
The '''Dodge M37''' was a {{frac|3|4}}-ton [[four-wheel drive|4x4]] truck developed for service in the United States military as a successor to the widely used [[Dodge]]-built [[Dodge WC series|WC Series]] introduced during [[World War II]]. Put into service in 1951, it served in a variety of configurations in frontline duty in the [[Korean War]] and [[War in Vietnam]] before being replaced by two [[commercial off the shelf]] (COTS) based {{frac|1|1|4}}-ton trucks: the [[Kaiser Jeep M715|Kaiser M715]] (introduced in 1967 and supplied through 1969) and the [[Commercial Utility Cargo Vehicle#Dodge M8XX Series|Dodge M880/M890]] series (in the 1970s).


It bore the designation [[List of U.S. military vehicles by supply catalog designation#G700 to G799|(G741)]], and after its military phase-out was both put into domestic Federal government agency use and auctioned to civilians in the U.S., and adopted by foreign militaries.
==Development==
The six prototypes of the vehicle were produced in early to mid 1950 based on the WC series Dodge vehicles used in World War Two, with the first pre-production pilot vehicle rolling off the assembly line on 14 December 1950 <ref>{{cite web|url=http://m37.crwdesigns.com/diagrams.htm|title=1953 M37 Dodge Restoration}}</ref>. Many of the components on the M37 are similar or identical to the World War Two vehicle and many deficiencies of the previous series were corrected in the M37. Notably, a conventional pickup truck style bed replaced the platform on the World War Two vehicle simplifying production. The powerplant was identical to the World War Two era WC vehicles line as was most of the drivetrain. The [[straight-six]] cylinder engine was derived from a 1930s era passenger vehicle engine that was widely produced. This was in line with a long standing military procurement strategy that attempted to used commercially produced vehicle variants in military service. Many of the accessories on the M37 engine are identical to the engines from that era. There was significant drivetrain and powerplant commonality with the WDX series civilian Power Wagons. Outside of the fenders, there were sheet metal differences between all the vehicles.


== History ==
Production of the M37 began in earnest in January 1951, with approximately 11,000 vehicles produced by the end of the year. By mid-1954 63,000 of the vehicles had been produced. In 1958 a number of modifications to the design resulted in the new vehicles being designated as M37B1. From mid-1958 until the end of production 47,600 M37B1 vehicles were produced. Approximately 4,500 Canadian M37CDNs were also produced between 1951 and 1955. These vehicles continued in service worldwide in the Israeli and Greek militaries.
Many of the components on the M37 are similar or identical to the [[Dodge]]-built World War II [[Dodge WC series|WC series]] vehicles, and many deficiencies of the WC series were corrected in the M37. Notably, a conventional pickup truck style bed replaced the platform on the World War II vehicle, simplifying production. There was significant drivetrain and powerplant commonality with the immediate postwar WDX series civilian [[Dodge Power Wagon|Power Wagons]], but no sheet metal was shared. Six WC-based prototype W37s were produced in early-to-mid 1950, with the first pre-production pilot vehicle rolling off the assembly line on 14 December 1950.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://dodgem37.com/ |title=1953 M37 Dodge Restoration |author=creinemann |access-date=16 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320131741/http://dodgem37.com/ |archive-date=20 March 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


In total some 115,000 Dodge M37s were produced between 1951 and 1968. Manufacture of the M37 began in earnest in January 1951, with approximately 11,000 vehicles made by the end of that year. By mid-1954 63,000 of the vehicles had been produced. In 1958 a number of modifications to the design resulted in the new vehicles being designated as M37B1. From mid-1958 until the end of production 47,600 M37B1 vehicles were produced. Approximately 4,500 Canadian M37CDNs were also produced between 1951 and 1955. M37s continued in service worldwide in the Israeli and Greek militaries.
In total between 1951 and 1968 115,000 M37s were produced. Spare parts for these vehicles are widely available and inexpensive to procure. Many deficiencies with aging design became apparent in the 1960s including a tendency of the connecting rods to fail at high rpms due to the long cylinder stroke of the engine. As the average speed of the vehicles in the military increased these engine failures became commonplace due to the low gear ratio of the vehicle which was originally designed as a multipurpose vehicle capable of transporting heavy loads of ammunition. It was common in the 1970 and 80s to encounter many of these vehicles with failed engines in government auctions. Many of the vehicles were transferred to civilian agencies and some are still in use today in rural areas.

From 1968 onwards, the U.S. military replaced the M37 with the heavier-rated {{frac|1|1|4}} (or five-quarter) ton [[Kaiser Jeep]] manufactured [[Kaiser Jeep M715|M715]] family of vehicles. Rather than purpose-built tactical vehicles, these "militarized" [[commercial off-the-shelf]] ('COTS') trucks were considered underpowered and fragile compared to the M37.<ref name=OD_M715>{{Cite web |url=http://ftp.olive-drab.com/od_mvg_www_kaiser.php |title=M-715 Kaiser 5/4 Jeep – Olive-Drab |access-date=8 August 2019 |archive-date=8 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190808123758/http://ftp.olive-drab.com/od_mvg_www_kaiser.php |url-status=dead }}</ref> After seeing service in the [[Vietnam War]] the M715 was replaced in 1976 by the similarly rated [[Dodge]]-built COTS [[Commercial Utility Cargo Vehicle#Dodge M8XX Series|M880 series]].

In addition to those M37s that were sold or offered as military aid to allied foreign countries, many were transferred to civilian agencies or sold domestically at government auctions, becoming a not uncommon sight in government and private use in the 1970s and '80s; some are still seen today in rural areas.

[[File:M37 at typical military show.jpg|thumb|1953 Dodge M37]]


Engine upgrades were made commercially available by the Hercules company. The vehicles were out of significant military service by the late 1970s, replaced by the [[M715]] series of military trucks.
==Variants==
==Variants==
[[File:Dodge G-741 Dodge M42 pic1.JPG|thumb|Dodge M42 in the [[Overloon War Museum|Overloon Museum]]]]
* '''M42''' command truck,
[[File:HAFm 7054.JPG|thumb|Dodge R2 at the [[Hellenic Air Force Museum]]]]
* '''V-41''' telephone maintenance vehicle,
[[File:ArmyDodgePowerWagon.jpg|thumb|1952 Dodge M152]]
* '''M43''' [[ambulance]],
* '''M152''' enclosed utility truck,
* '''M42''' command truck
* '''R2''' air field fire engine.
* '''M43''' [[ambulance]]
* '''V-126''' truck, for AN/MPX-7 radar
* '''M53''' cab-chassis
* '''M283''' Long Wheel Base (LWB) Cargo Truck
* '''M56 ''' tool truck, has a bumper-mounted winch
* '''MB-2''' Fire and Rescue Truck (M56 with Gichner body)
** '''MB2''' Fire and Rescue Truck (M56 with Gichner body)
** '''R2''' air field rescue truck (w/winch)
* '''M152''' modified enclosed utility truck, Canadian variant
* '''M201''' / '''V41''' telephone maintenance vehicle
* '''M283''' Long Wheel Base (LWB) Cargo Truck
* '''M506''' truck, hydrogen peroxide servicer, [[PGM-11 Redstone]]
* '''V126''' truck – for AN/MPX-7 radar
'''experimental:'''
* '''XM142''' experimental bomb service truck
* '''XM152''' experimental enclosed utility truck used in small numbers by the USAF
* '''XM195''' experimental lighter, compact version of M37
* '''XM708''' experimental dump truck used mostly by airborne units
* '''XM711''' experimental wrecker truck


==[[Dodge]] M37 Specifications==
== Specifications ==
=== Engine ===
The M37's flathead [[Chrysler Flathead engine#Straight-6|Chrysler Straight-6]] engine was carried over from the World War II-era WC vehicle line, as was most of the drivetrain. Using an engine and drivetrain derived from a widely-produced 1930s era passenger vehicle was in line with a long-standing military procurement strategy that attempted to use commercially produced vehicle variants in military service.{{cn|date=March 2024}}

Many deficiencies with aging design became apparent in the 1960s, including a tendency of the engine's connecting rods to fail at high rpms due to the long cylinder stroke of the [[undersquare engine|undersquare]] engine. As the average speed of the vehicles in the military increased (overwhelmingly during peacetime, on sound roads) these engine failures became commonplace due to the low gear ratio of the vehicle, which was suited for a multipurpose vehicle capable of transporting heavy loads in rough terrain.


*Model: T245 Dodge
*Model: T245 Dodge
*Type: "L" Head, 6 cylinder
*Type: "L" Head, 6 cylinder
*Power: {{Auto bhp|78|1}} at 3200 rpm
*Power: {{convert|78|bhp|kW|1|abbr=on}} at 3200 rpm
*Displacement: {{convert|230|cuin|L|1}} (Canadian version used the larger {{convert|250.6|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} engine)
*Displacement: {{Auto CID|230}}
*Bore: 3 1/4" (83 mm), Stroke: 4 5/8" (117 mm)
*Bore: {{convert|3+1/4|in|mm|sigfig=3|abbr=on}}, Stroke: {{convert|4+5/8|in|mm|sigfig=3|abbr=on}}
*Oil capacity: 6 US qt (5.7 L)
*Oil capacity: {{convert|6|U.S.qt|L}}
*Radiator capacity: 25 US qt (24 L)
*Radiator capacity: {{convert|25|U.S.qt|L}}

'''Clutch'''
*Borg & Beck Model 11828 10" (254 mm) single plate dry disc

'''Fuel System'''
*Carter carburetor Model ETW-1 downdraft
*Carter carburetor Model ETW-1 downdraft
[[File:Dodge M37 B1 4x4 ¾-ton truck, Military Standard Dimensions.jpg|upright=1.35|thumb|M37 B1 Standard specifications sheet (1968).]]
*24 US gallon (95 L) tank (vented through engine air intake for fording purposes)

'''Electrical'''
*Ignition, starting, lights, 24 volts


=== Driveline ===
'''Clutch'''
*Borg & Beck Model 11828 {{convert|10|in|mm|abbr=on}} single plate dry disc (Borg & Beck 11 inch clutch on Canadian version.)
'''Transmission'''
'''Transmission'''
*New Process Model 88950 (or NP420)
*New Process Model 88950 (or NP420)(Acme Model T-98 on Canadian version)
*4-speed, Synchro-Shift in 3rd and 4th gear
*4-speed, Synchro-Shift in 3rd and 4th gear

'''Transfer Case'''
'''Transfer Case'''
*New Process 88845 (or NP200)
*New Process 88845 (or NP200)
*Ratio: High 1:1, low 1.96:1
*Ratio: High 1:1, low 1.96:1
*Twin lever operation, one for 4x4 or 4x2 selection, one for hi or low range
*Twin lever operation, one for 4×4 or 4×2 selection, one for hi or low range

'''Drive Shaft'''
'''Drive Shaft'''
*MFG Universal Products
*MFG Universal Products
'''Axles'''

'''Axles'''
*Dodge Full Floating (hypoid), ratio 5.83:1
*Dodge Full Floating (hypoid), ratio 5.83:1
*Front Universal Drive New Process ([[Tracta]] joint)
*Front Universal Drive New Process ([[Tracta]] joint)


=== Chassis ===
'''Fuel tank'''
*{{convert|24| U.S.gal}} tank (vented through engine air intake for fording purposes)
'''Electrical'''
*Ignition, starting, lights, 24 volts
'''Brakes'''
'''Brakes'''
*Wagner hydraulic drum
*Wagner hydraulic drum
*Parking&mdash;external contracting band, 48 in<sup>2</sup> (310 cm<sup>2</sup>)
*Parking&mdash;external contracting band, 48 square inches (310&nbsp;cm<sup>2</sup>)

'''Steering'''
'''Steering'''
*Gemmer Model B-60, worm and sector type
*Gemmer Model B-60, worm and sector type

'''Wheelbase'''
'''Wheelbase'''
*Cargo Model M37: 112" (2.84 m), Command Model M42: 112" (2.84 m)
*Cargo Model M37 and Command Model M42: {{convert|112|in|m|abbr=on}}
*Ambulance Model M43: 126" (3.20 m), Tele. Maint. Model V41: 126" (3.20 m)
*Ambulance Model M43 and Tele. Maint. Model V41: {{convert|126|in|m|abbr=on}}

'''Weight'''
'''Weight'''
*M37 without winch: {{Auto lb|5687}}, M37 with winch {{Auto lb|5987}}
*M37 without winch: {{convert|5687|lb|kg||abbr=on}}, M37 with winch {{convert|5987|lb|kg||abbr=on}}

'''Tire Size'''
'''Tire Size'''
*9.00 x 16 - 8 ply non-directional military
*9.00 × 16 - 8 ply non-directional military

'''Highway'''
*Max Speed 55 mph (90 km/h), Cruising Speed 45 mph, Range: 150 mi (240 km), 6 mpg US (39 L/100 km)

'''Winch'''
'''Winch'''
*Braden LU-4, PTO operated, 7500 lb (3,400 kg) capacity (250’ of 7/16" wire rope [75 m by 11 mm] – 10’ [3 m] chain with hook)
*Braden LU-4, PTO operated, {{convert|7500|lb|kg|abbr=on}} capacity (250’ of 7/16" wire rope [75 m by 11&nbsp;mm] – 10’ [3 m] chain with hook)


== Aborted replacement competition ==
'''Torque Specifications'''
During the late 1960s a competition was initiated by the Army, which requested the leading U.S. automotive companies to submit proposals as a replacement for the M37. Several prototype vehicles passed through the preliminary examination, eventually leading the military to accept General Motors [[XM705]] 1{{frac|1|4}}-ton Truck and derivative [[XM737]] Ambulance, which were supposed to replace the M37, instead of the militarized [[Commercial off-the-shelf|COTS]] M715 series of trucks. However, Congress cut funds for the program, and the XM705 never reached the assembly line.<ref>Accessed 20 October, 2021 http://www.vintagemilitarytrucks.com/XM705_M705_Chevrolet_4x4_Military-Trucks_Page.htm</ref>
*Clutch (Borg and Beck Model 11828) main bearing cap screws, 80&ndash;85 lb·ft (108&ndash;115 N·m), connecting rod hex nuts, 45&ndash;50 lb·ft (61&ndash;68 N·m), cylinder head bolts, 65&ndash;70 lb·ft N·m), cranking jaw, 110 lbf·ft (150 N·m) minimum, intake and exhaust manifold stud nuts 15&ndash;20 lb·ft (20&ndash;27 N·m). (TM 9-1840A, Ordnance Maintenance Engine (Dodge Model T-245, p. 124)


Below table lists the comparative specifications of the vehicles involved.<ref>[https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uc1.aa0014408116;view=1up;seq=154 Statement of Maj. Gen. Henry A. Miley, Jr., Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff, United States Army], Department of Defense Appropriations for 1970, pt.3, pp. 146-148.</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!colspan="3"|Vehicle||XM705||[[Kaiser Jeep M715|M715]]||M37
|-
|colspan="3"|Engine||Chevrolet 8-307||Kaiser Jeep 6-230||Chrysler T-245
|-
|colspan="3"|Maximum horsepower||200 at 4,600 rpm||132.5 at 4,600 rpm||94 at 3,400 rpm
|-
|colspan="3"|Net brake horsepower||140 at 4.000 rpm||116 at 4,000 rpm||79 at 3,400 rpm
|-
|colspan="3"|Speed (miles per hour) on 3{{frac|1|2}} percent slope with towed load in 4th gear||41||0||0
|-
|colspan="3"|Cruising range (miles)||300||225||122
|-
|colspan="2" rowspan="2"|Weight distribution (percent)||Front||44||36||42
|-
|Rear||56||64||58
|-
|colspan="3"|Ground pressure (maximum)||128||16.1||12.75
|-
|colspan="3"|Ground clearance under axles (inches)||11.8||10||10.75
|-
|rowspan="3"|Angle (degrees) of||rowspan="2"|Approach||With winch||61||33||38
|-
|Without winch||61||45||44
|-
|colspan="2"|Departure||45||25||32
|}


== Gallery ==
<gallery>
<gallery mode="packed">
Image:1953 M37 engine.jpg|1953 straight six
File:1953 Dodge M37 Display.jpg|1953 M37 and 1953 M101 trailer<ref>Reinemann, Carl http://m37.crwdesigns.com/ {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070715053331/http://m37.crwdesigns.com/ |date=15 July 2007 }}</ref>
Image:1953 M37 front.jpg|Front view of 1953 M37
Image:1953 M37 interior.jpg|Interior view of 1953 M37
File:1953 M37 engine.jpg|1953 straight six
File:1953 M37 front.jpg|1953 M37

File:1953 M37 interior.jpg|Interior of 1953 M37
File:Side view M37.JPG|M37 in front of a B-17G operated by the [[Experimental Aircraft Association]].<ref>Reinemann, Carl http://dodgem37.com/ {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070715053331/http://m37.crwdesigns.com/ |date=15 July 2007 }}</ref>
</gallery>
</gallery>



==See also==
==See also==
* [[Dodge WC series]]
* [[G-numbers]]
* [[G-numbers]]
* [[List of Dodge automobiles]]
* [[List of Dodge automobiles]]
* [[List of U.S. military vehicles by model number]]
* [[Weapons of the Salvadoran Civil War]]


==References==
== References ==
{{refbegin}}
* {{cite web|url=http://www.olive-drab.com/idphoto/id_photos_m37.php3|title=Olive Drab}}
{{refend}}
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}
*{{cite book|last=Crismon|first=Fred W.|title=US Military Wheeled Vehicles |edition=3|year=2001|publisher=Victory WWII Publications |isbn=0-970056-71-0|pages=243–245}}
*{{cite book|last=Doyle|first=David|title=Standard catalog of U.S. Military Vehicles|year=2003|publisher=Krause Publications|isbn=0-87349-508-X|pages=62–69}}
*{{cite book|title=TM 9-2320-212-10 M37 Series Operator's Manual|publisher=US Dept. of the Army|date=1973}}
*{{cite book|url=https://www.scribd.com/doc/183017787/TM-9-2800-1-1953-INCLUDING-C1-EN-C2-pdf|title=TM 9-2800 Military Vehicles|publisher=US Dept. of the Army |date=February 1953|pages=169, 172, 174|access-date=1 December 2014}}
*{{cite web
| title = Dodge M37 History, Restoration, Documentation
| url = http://dodgem37.com/
| last = Reinemann
| first = Carl
| access-date = 26 July 2007
}}


==External links==
== External links ==
{{commons category|Dodge M37}}
* [http://dodgem37.com/ Dodge M37 Resource - Reinemann, Carl]
* [http://www.g741.org/ Dodge M37 Registry]
* [http://www.g741.org/ Dodge M37 Registry]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20140116080356/http://www.warwheels.net/M37ArmoredPersonTruckINDEX.html M37B1 {{frac|3|4}} Ton Gun Truck]
* [http://m37.crwdesigns.com/ 1953 M37 Restoration]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110308205600/http://www.tpub.com/content/radar/TM-11-487C-1/TM-11-487C-10436.htm V-126 radar truck]
* http://www.t137.com/ serial numbers
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2017}}

{{Post-WWII US Soft Vehicles}}


[[Category:Dodge vehicles|M37]]
[[Category:Dodge vehicles|M37]]
[[Category:Military trucks]]
[[Category:Military trucks of the United States]]
[[Category:Pickup trucks]]
[[Category:Pickup trucks]]
[[Category:Military vehicles of the United States]]
[[Category:Military vehicles introduced in the 1950s]]
[[Category:Korean War vehicles]]

[[it:Dodge M37 4x4]]

Revision as of 19:46, 29 March 2024

Dodge M37
M37 cargo truck
Type3⁄4-ton 4x4 truck
Place of originWarren Truck Assembly, Michigan, United States
Service history
In service1951 until varying per country
WarsKorean War
Vietnam War
Laotian Civil War
Cambodian Civil War
Nicaraguan Revolution
Salvadoran Civil War
Guatemalan Civil War
Production history
ManufacturerDodge
Produced1951-1968
No. built115,838 – across:
— M37: ~63,000 units (1951–1954)
— M37B1: 47,600 units (from 1958)
— M37CDN: 4,500 Canadian (1951–1955)
Specifications (with winch[1])
Mass5,917 lb (2,684 kg) (empty)
Length15 ft 10 in (4.83 m)
Width6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Height7 ft 5 in (2.26 m)
EngineDodge T-245
78 hp (58 kW)
Transmission4 speed X 2 range
SuspensionLive beam axles on leaf springs
Operational
range
225 mi (362 km)
Maximum speed 55 mph (89 km/h)
An M56 used as a fire truck in the Lane Motor Museum

The Dodge M37 was a 3⁄4-ton 4x4 truck developed for service in the United States military as a successor to the widely used Dodge-built WC Series introduced during World War II. Put into service in 1951, it served in a variety of configurations in frontline duty in the Korean War and War in Vietnam before being replaced by two commercial off the shelf (COTS) based 1+1⁄4-ton trucks: the Kaiser M715 (introduced in 1967 and supplied through 1969) and the Dodge M880/M890 series (in the 1970s).

It bore the designation (G741), and after its military phase-out was both put into domestic Federal government agency use and auctioned to civilians in the U.S., and adopted by foreign militaries.

History

Many of the components on the M37 are similar or identical to the Dodge-built World War II WC series vehicles, and many deficiencies of the WC series were corrected in the M37. Notably, a conventional pickup truck style bed replaced the platform on the World War II vehicle, simplifying production. There was significant drivetrain and powerplant commonality with the immediate postwar WDX series civilian Power Wagons, but no sheet metal was shared. Six WC-based prototype W37s were produced in early-to-mid 1950, with the first pre-production pilot vehicle rolling off the assembly line on 14 December 1950.[2]

In total some 115,000 Dodge M37s were produced between 1951 and 1968. Manufacture of the M37 began in earnest in January 1951, with approximately 11,000 vehicles made by the end of that year. By mid-1954 63,000 of the vehicles had been produced. In 1958 a number of modifications to the design resulted in the new vehicles being designated as M37B1. From mid-1958 until the end of production 47,600 M37B1 vehicles were produced. Approximately 4,500 Canadian M37CDNs were also produced between 1951 and 1955. M37s continued in service worldwide in the Israeli and Greek militaries.

From 1968 onwards, the U.S. military replaced the M37 with the heavier-rated 1+1⁄4 (or five-quarter) ton Kaiser Jeep manufactured M715 family of vehicles. Rather than purpose-built tactical vehicles, these "militarized" commercial off-the-shelf ('COTS') trucks were considered underpowered and fragile compared to the M37.[3] After seeing service in the Vietnam War the M715 was replaced in 1976 by the similarly rated Dodge-built COTS M880 series.

In addition to those M37s that were sold or offered as military aid to allied foreign countries, many were transferred to civilian agencies or sold domestically at government auctions, becoming a not uncommon sight in government and private use in the 1970s and '80s; some are still seen today in rural areas.

1953 Dodge M37

Variants

Dodge M42 in the Overloon Museum
Dodge R2 at the Hellenic Air Force Museum
1952 Dodge M152
  • M42 command truck
  • M43 ambulance
  • M53 cab-chassis
  • M56 tool truck, has a bumper-mounted winch
    • MB2 Fire and Rescue Truck (M56 with Gichner body)
    • R2 air field rescue truck (w/winch)
  • M152 modified enclosed utility truck, Canadian variant
  • M201 / V41 telephone maintenance vehicle
  • M283 Long Wheel Base (LWB) Cargo Truck
  • M506 truck, hydrogen peroxide servicer, PGM-11 Redstone
  • V126 truck – for AN/MPX-7 radar

experimental:

  • XM142 experimental bomb service truck
  • XM152 experimental enclosed utility truck used in small numbers by the USAF
  • XM195 experimental lighter, compact version of M37
  • XM708 experimental dump truck used mostly by airborne units
  • XM711 experimental wrecker truck

Specifications

Engine

The M37's flathead Chrysler Straight-6 engine was carried over from the World War II-era WC vehicle line, as was most of the drivetrain. Using an engine and drivetrain derived from a widely-produced 1930s era passenger vehicle was in line with a long-standing military procurement strategy that attempted to use commercially produced vehicle variants in military service.[citation needed]

Many deficiencies with aging design became apparent in the 1960s, including a tendency of the engine's connecting rods to fail at high rpms due to the long cylinder stroke of the undersquare engine. As the average speed of the vehicles in the military increased (overwhelmingly during peacetime, on sound roads) these engine failures became commonplace due to the low gear ratio of the vehicle, which was suited for a multipurpose vehicle capable of transporting heavy loads in rough terrain.

  • Model: T245 Dodge
  • Type: "L" Head, 6 cylinder
  • Power: 78 bhp (58.2 kW) at 3200 rpm
  • Displacement: 230 cubic inches (3.8 L) (Canadian version used the larger 250.6 cu in (4.1 L) engine)
  • Bore: 3+1⁄4 in (82.6 mm), Stroke: 4+5⁄8 in (117 mm)
  • Oil capacity: 6 U.S. quarts (5.7 L)
  • Radiator capacity: 25 U.S. quarts (24 L)
  • Carter carburetor Model ETW-1 downdraft
M37 B1 Standard specifications sheet (1968).

Driveline

Clutch

  • Borg & Beck Model 11828 10 in (250 mm) single plate dry disc (Borg & Beck 11 inch clutch on Canadian version.)

Transmission

  • New Process Model 88950 (or NP420)(Acme Model T-98 on Canadian version)
  • 4-speed, Synchro-Shift in 3rd and 4th gear

Transfer Case

  • New Process 88845 (or NP200)
  • Ratio: High 1:1, low 1.96:1
  • Twin lever operation, one for 4×4 or 4×2 selection, one for hi or low range

Drive Shaft

  • MFG Universal Products

Axles

  • Dodge Full Floating (hypoid), ratio 5.83:1
  • Front Universal Drive New Process (Tracta joint)

Chassis

Fuel tank

  • 24 U.S. gallons (91 L; 20 imp gal) tank (vented through engine air intake for fording purposes)

Electrical

  • Ignition, starting, lights, 24 volts

Brakes

  • Wagner hydraulic drum
  • Parking—external contracting band, 48 square inches (310 cm2)

Steering

  • Gemmer Model B-60, worm and sector type

Wheelbase

  • Cargo Model M37 and Command Model M42: 112 in (2.8 m)
  • Ambulance Model M43 and Tele. Maint. Model V41: 126 in (3.2 m)

Weight

  • M37 without winch: 5,687 lb (2,580 kg), M37 with winch 5,987 lb (2,716 kg)

Tire Size

  • 9.00 × 16 - 8 ply non-directional military

Winch

  • Braden LU-4, PTO operated, 7,500 lb (3,400 kg) capacity (250’ of 7/16" wire rope [75 m by 11 mm] – 10’ [3 m] chain with hook)

Aborted replacement competition

During the late 1960s a competition was initiated by the Army, which requested the leading U.S. automotive companies to submit proposals as a replacement for the M37. Several prototype vehicles passed through the preliminary examination, eventually leading the military to accept General Motors XM705 11⁄4-ton Truck and derivative XM737 Ambulance, which were supposed to replace the M37, instead of the militarized COTS M715 series of trucks. However, Congress cut funds for the program, and the XM705 never reached the assembly line.[4]

Below table lists the comparative specifications of the vehicles involved.[5]

Vehicle XM705 M715 M37
Engine Chevrolet 8-307 Kaiser Jeep 6-230 Chrysler T-245
Maximum horsepower 200 at 4,600 rpm 132.5 at 4,600 rpm 94 at 3,400 rpm
Net brake horsepower 140 at 4.000 rpm 116 at 4,000 rpm 79 at 3,400 rpm
Speed (miles per hour) on 31⁄2 percent slope with towed load in 4th gear 41 0 0
Cruising range (miles) 300 225 122
Weight distribution (percent) Front 44 36 42
Rear 56 64 58
Ground pressure (maximum) 128 16.1 12.75
Ground clearance under axles (inches) 11.8 10 10.75
Angle (degrees) of Approach With winch 61 33 38
Without winch 61 45 44
Departure 45 25 32

Gallery

See also

References

  1. ^ TM-9-2320-212-10 Operator's Manual for M37 series trucks (PDF). Headquarters, Department of the Army. 30 November 1973. Retrieved 30 August 2015. {{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help)
  2. ^ creinemann. "1953 M37 Dodge Restoration". Archived from the original on 20 March 2012. Retrieved 16 May 2012.
  3. ^ "M-715 Kaiser 5/4 Jeep – Olive-Drab". Archived from the original on 8 August 2019. Retrieved 8 August 2019.
  4. ^ Accessed 20 October, 2021 http://www.vintagemilitarytrucks.com/XM705_M705_Chevrolet_4x4_Military-Trucks_Page.htm
  5. ^ Statement of Maj. Gen. Henry A. Miley, Jr., Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff, United States Army, Department of Defense Appropriations for 1970, pt.3, pp. 146-148.
  6. ^ Reinemann, Carl http://m37.crwdesigns.com/ Archived 15 July 2007 at the Wayback Machine
  7. ^ Reinemann, Carl http://dodgem37.com/ Archived 15 July 2007 at the Wayback Machine

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Dodge M37.

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