25 years ago I bought one of these painted exactly like this one from a fire station in Oregon. I paid $3500 and ended up with $15,000 invested with Chev 350 V8 running the original drive train. New paint, glass and VDO gauges, upholstery, roll bar, power steering and vacuum boost brakes. Due to the low gearing (5.89), I had an overdrive auxiliary transmission installed to enable a 65-70 mph cruising speed. Never got to try out the transmission as my mechanic doing the work had a "little fire" which burned the truck and his shop and other vehicles to a crisp. Remarkably, the insurance company paid all but the $50 deductible and I got $14950, and THAT in itself is another story as Paul Harvey might say if he was still alive. Even had a heater put in. Had A/C too...the front windshield on these things tilt out, or lays down.
Vintage Power Wagons has a special run of ARB air locking differentials made to fit these trucks. I've got one ordered for the rear diff on my M37. I use mine working in the woods. I have to agree with you, power steering is a nice addition. I'm not a 20-something GI, so a little help on rough terrain is welcome.
A friend of mine has a couple of M37's. When you drive them, it seems like you can hear every mechanical operation going on. It's not noisy, just a symphony of mechanical sounds.And yes, they need power steering!
An alternative to power steering might be a larger steering wheel with a jiffy knob. And don't sweat tight clearances - what ever it doesn't clear it will push out of the way.
A good test. I think from a safety point of view power steering would be a great addition, loosing control would not be good. I will be interested to see how you go about adding that. Thanks Steve.👍👍
Run a couple of brush cables from the cab corners down to the front of the hood or to the headlight guards - like your Discovery. Might find them helpful when out in the woods.
Did not see any real challenge for the M-37 maybe towing another offroader out or thru the trail might challenge the M-37.... Some. One of my favorites in your collection.
you could ad a steering damper - I have had them on manual steering offroaders and they help tremendously. I would still go with power steering if you plan on mud rocks etc
No reason at all not to add power steering. Remember, the target demographic for its users was a 20 year with more brawn than usual. My first crew chief on a cable crew was a former truck driver in Vietnam. He could back those short little cable trailers into any spot needed first shot.
The truck is fine with stock tires and used as intended but with giant Humvee tires and being used as a rock crawler the steering is not up to that task.
@@craigwiest772they were built for the lowest cost and reliability, beside they were generally not used solo so getting pulled out of a jam wasn’t difficult
you need Hydraulic Power Steering, so that the wheel is not whipped out of your hands. a typical 'power steering' unit is not going to be up to your needs
Age old wisdom don't drive esp old vehicles with thumbs wrapped around steering wheels or risk broken arms or thumbs it's a harsh lesson to learn but better to be told than to learn the other way
An alternative to power steering might be a larger steering wheel with a jiffy knob. And don't sweat tight clearances - what ever it doesn't clear it will push out of the way.
I used to have a 1967 Jeep M 715 pickup - No Power Steering - But very fun off road and in deep snow
25 years ago I bought one of these painted exactly like this one from a fire station in Oregon. I paid $3500 and ended up with $15,000 invested with Chev 350 V8 running the original drive train. New paint, glass and VDO gauges, upholstery, roll bar, power steering and vacuum boost brakes. Due to the low gearing (5.89), I had an overdrive auxiliary transmission installed to enable a 65-70 mph cruising speed. Never got to try out the transmission as my mechanic doing the work had a "little fire" which burned the truck and his shop and other vehicles to a crisp. Remarkably, the insurance company paid all but the $50 deductible and I got $14950, and THAT in itself is another story as Paul Harvey might say if he was still alive. Even had a heater put in. Had A/C too...the front windshield on these things tilt out, or lays down.
Definitely want to see you more with that
Vintage Power Wagons has a special run of ARB air locking differentials made to fit these trucks. I've got one ordered for the rear diff on my M37.
I use mine working in the woods. I have to agree with you, power steering is a nice addition. I'm not a 20-something GI, so a little help on rough terrain is welcome.
I repaired one many years ago good luck with it!
Don't worry about the speedometer - you aren't likely to break many speed laws in a weapons carrier....
I want one of these! Such a great shape and does the business too.
A friend of mine has a couple of M37's. When you drive them, it seems like you can hear every mechanical operation going on. It's not noisy, just a symphony of mechanical sounds.And yes, they need power steering!
Cool truck... loads of power and traction!!
Dodge is in its element.....not a highway cruiser .....but a backwoods cruiser.
An alternative to power steering might be a larger steering wheel with a jiffy knob. And don't sweat tight clearances - what ever it doesn't clear it will push out of the way.
amazing audio as usual
A good test. I think from a safety point of view power steering would be a great addition, loosing control would not be good. I will be interested to see how you go about adding that. Thanks Steve.👍👍
Run a couple of brush cables from the cab corners down to the front of the hood or to the headlight guards - like your Discovery. Might find them helpful when out in the woods.
I should do that!
Nice truck.
Looking forward to seeing you install power steering. Didn't know it could be an aftermarket option.
Did not see any real challenge for the M-37 maybe towing another offroader out or thru the trail might challenge the M-37.... Some. One of my favorites in your collection.
Now that’s a jungle cruiser.
Maybe consider tire width? Something a bit closer to non directional tires.
Limited slip dif would come before power steering IMO.
you could ad a steering damper - I have had them on manual steering offroaders and they help tremendously. I would still go with power steering if you plan on mud rocks etc
Great stuff thanks
No reason at all not to add power steering. Remember, the target demographic for its users was a 20 year with more brawn than usual. My first crew chief on a cable crew was a former truck driver in Vietnam. He could back those short little cable trailers into any spot needed first shot.
The truck is fine with stock tires and used as intended but with giant Humvee tires and being used as a rock crawler the steering is not up to that task.
Interesting project and a unique off-road vehicle. Is it really that quiet on the trails?
Yes it’s just idling around
How much did you give for this truck?
At least you don’t have to worry about scratching the clear coat. I’m surprised a military vehicle has an open differential.
Almost all American military trucks have open differentials.
@@ThisWeekWithCars that is amazing. I retired from the Army and didn’t know that. I wonder why.
@@craigwiest772they were built for the lowest cost and reliability, beside they were generally not used solo so getting pulled out of a jam wasn’t difficult
Power steering by Armstrong
You have "Armstrong" power steering.
PSteering? Yep looks you need it. How often did you need the granny gear?
Didn't use it
What are your rims and tires size please
The video about the tires and wheels
th-cam.com/video/3xeT1UdcYTI/w-d-xo.html
you need Hydraulic Power Steering, so that the wheel is not whipped out of your hands. a typical 'power steering' unit is not going to be up to your needs
Broken thumbs n arms a possibility with thumbs wrapped around steering wheel
If you can't make the turns, just knock the trees down. Its a M37. Cold rolled steel. Worried about scratching the paint?.
Age old wisdom don't drive esp old vehicles with thumbs wrapped around steering wheels or risk broken arms or thumbs it's a harsh lesson to learn but better to be told than to learn the other way
An alternative to power steering might be a larger steering wheel with a jiffy knob. And don't sweat tight clearances - what ever it doesn't clear it will push out of the way.