I'll never understand youth with obviously more money than they know what to do with running good vehicles into the ground instead of performing regular and preventative maintenance. Also, I hope you paid for the chair you shouldn't have sat in.
Yet here you are watching him and not only that but taking time to comment something. This kid has hundreds of thousands of people interested in watching him be himself. I could imagine you could count the same for yourself on one hand.
You sir are also the type of old fart who complains kids these days don't appreciate or care for history, yet here is this young man and many others of us who care, love, and restore history. Apart form that, thank you for your service.
If you want to get it running in time for the seller and still have time to enjoy do full bearing kit get it on the road and make a trip to the veteran that sold it, and give him the chance to drive it again
My daily driver was the M715 Kiser Jeep during my time in the Army 1972-1974. Used for troop transport and supply run details. The one I drove had the canvas cab roof and bed cover. It never failed to do its job. It was finally replaced by the K5 Blazer 1975 and the M561 Gamma Goat 6 wheel drive. Brings back memories from 52 years ago. Good luck with your renovation.
Thanks for a great video. You are so fortunate to have a dad and the resources to even be able to take on a project like this to save this old vehicle. Carry On and hope the project is a success.
Those old flat heads are as simple ae they come ... go for rod bearings, mic it all out to make sure the crank is good and drive it. I have done some old dodge flat heads back in the 80s and 90s and I'm sure they are still running today. Nice rig.
I agree with you. Definitely drop the pan and put in new rod bearings. It will also fix your oil leak. The rest of the engine sounds great! Great channel too, I always look forward to your videos. I see the Silverado in the background, are you going to fix it?
That engine is quite rebuildable, I have done it. I would rebuild that engine, why risk it failing a few months down the road. Do it right and never worry about it again.
Wow that od girl is really good shape! Ive had 3 of these M37s, I worked on US mil base an island we used one for work it was a 64 and I got one out of the scrap yard running then I bought one in Florida for $1500 didnt need a thing other then to mill the head down. I also had a WM300. that old flat head 6 is a decent motor and the running gear is solid good find!
Brother I almost pissed my pants when you went to sit in that rocking chair. Just a typical day when all feels like it's just wrong. Nice army truck tho!!!
stoked for you man, thank you for filming through the challenging moments, thank your also saving this steel soldier and giving it another life. i would also go with inspect / replace the rod bearings. seems like it was designed for this sort of maintenance i.e. remove the cross member and drop the pan. Any way man I'm following and I've subbed you btw I have a m151 that I saved and a unimog 404 before that so I understand your struggles.
Writing from Oz, long time MB/GPW fan, your truck is a once in a lifetime find, complete, even the pioneer tools on the back. Beautiful engine bay. People here in OZ would give their left test***e to find one like this. Please put some fresh oil in the engine before you run it any more. Agree with the comments, if you can give the Vet as last ride that would be awesome. Will keep an eye on the channel. Puppies as always are too cute. Cheers, Jeeperjaffas.
The bumper numbers say a lot. your truck is from headquarters company, 47th Aviation battalion. My first driver assignment when I arrived in 2-28 Inf in 1962 was our S4 section's 3/4 ton. I was immediately surprised by how difficult it was to steer and brake (no power assist). A real chore to drive, assigned to the newest recruit. Official nomenclature was Truck, utility, 3/4 ton, M1937.
21:41 you can see the mvpa on the reflector. Dont know much about it other than that it stands for military vehicle preservation society. “The largest international historic military vehicle group, the Military Vehicle Preservation Association (MVPA) includes roughly 3500 members and nearly 80 affiliate groups in the United States and around the world. But it wasn’t always that way…”
Well sir, an old mechanics rule of thumb is this. Do the cheapest, easiest thing first and then go to the more expensive and complicated stuff if the first option doesn't work. Who knows? A set of rod bearings just might do the trick. Best of luck to you!!!!
Probably just do the bottom end since its not smoking. Doesn't cost a lot and you have to fix the leak anyway. If the crank is badly scored you would then have to rebuild it. Pretty cool rig.
I would say it's an M42 command truck, mine is a 1952. It's older, you can tell right away by the absence of a door mounted spare. M42 had a winch and you can see the antenna mounts and electrical plugs around the outside of the truck. They had a covered bed and a radio desk where a guy had a folding seat to operate the radio from. It has a snorkel and exhaust stack. My truck was used by a federal fire department, with truck having original numbers still visible it would be cool to try and keep it as it is and preserve it. I am putting a 4BT Cummins diesel in mine, after the army mine was in the Army Corps of Engineers and then MA Federal Fire so mine was not original when I got it. But the data plate was in the glove box and the equipment differences told me it was an M42.
"My wife might have one..." What?! Second video I've watched and I would have sworn that Braden was a high school student. Does he just look that young, or have I just gotten that old? lol Love the videos so far, keep it up!
You have to pull the pan to fix oil leak. If compression is good. If oil pressure is good. Do bearings. If it doesn’t work then you will have to pull the engine. Also what does the clutch look like? If really bad you might want to consider pulling the engine to avoid a clutch replacement later. A lot of things to consider. You are young, but it is still a lot of time and work. What is your time worth when you are not working your regular job?
The M37 is one of my favorite vehicles. They usually change the gear ratios in these because they only go 45 mph. They have a flat-head straight six but many put Dodge V8s in them. Some put Cummings 4-cylinder diesels in them.
Unfortunately, the previous owner over heated it and spun a main. You can tell he overheated because in the early images of the engine there is antifreeze around the spark plugs and the rad was low. Pull the pan, make sure none of the rods or crank looked blued from heat. Then wiggle each rod until you find one with too much play. I would, if nothing is blued, and the crank isn't scored...throw a full set of bearings in it and enjoy the truck. I bet a set of bearing will get it done and you will be good to go.
You might put in a bearing kit and fix the leak on the pan and have that last or you could wind up having more issues. Likely it been leaking for a long time and got low on oil pressure enough to kill the bearings. It might sound ok other than the knock but that doesn't mean there isn't other issues inside. It would not be easy to have to tow it back. It would make for content but I would still say do a full rebuild. It's going to be more reliable and last a lot longer. Especially, if the ideal is to preserve the truck instead of just have a bit of fun. Yes it might be cheaper to not rebuild the motor but it would help the truck to last a lot longer. Then once you have it rebuilt go ahead and redo the water proofing. Then you know it will be solid and not just good for now. Might be my opinion and one not everyone agrees with but its worth it to just go ahead and make sure it's 100% right. More money and time but as the old saying goes you get what you pay for.
Bearings only! Good content man. BTW the miserable comments make YT toxic. I only do a hand full of videos and people can be ignorant. Keep up the good work!
If you can afford it, Do it right and rebuild it now. Never know what other problem it may have which can screw it up beyond repair . Love the content !
I would just go ahead and throw some rod bearings in it and call it a day because you have to pull the oil pan anyways to fix that oil leak do it all in one swing
You shall first release each wheel free young man! In my country after the military auctioned these to public, all are now fitted with Bedford truck 4 cylinder diesel engines and carry 4 to 6 tons of mined rocks and potatoes down hills for the 30 ton trucks. The best and everlasting farm and miners trucks for now.
nice truck i wonder if its summat silly like a bolt has backed out on a flywheel or cluych plate check tht first also the flywheel cover had a cAR in the garage once tht made same noise and something had hit the cover bent it in lol
I had a 53 that I took down to the frame and restored. Drove to high school my senior year. I sold it not long after...55-60 downhill was just not fast enough for a 19 yo. Same old story, wish I held onto it. I got a M151 A2 10 years later as a second car. Sold that too...I never learned. Almost 60 now - if I get another I'll die in it
When I was in them AF I worked in a range support branch three of us worked on old army trucks and it was so exciting when one would start they went from jeeps to tanks I sure miss it ( 65-67 Elgin AF base , FL )
Nice Score! You rarely find them that complete. Could be bearings or a broken piston skirt. Kind of common. You will be pulling the wheels to check brakes I hope? For sure that left front wheel is loose. saw it rocking on the hub as you turned it. Don't forget left side lugs are left thread. Nice!! I have a 52 M37 and a 47 WDX PW TGP
@@BradenBuildz Watch your video @ 27:15 it rocks as you go back forward. Your a Smart young fellow, been watching since your deck over rebuild and first skid steer. Nothing you can't handle. TGP
I would go with "Cry once pay once"! D the rebuild! Why tear it apart twice> More chances of breaking something that could in the category of "Unobtanium"! But its your time and Money! In the end you do what you think is best for you! I would give my left testicle for that old Mk37! I joined the Army in 1975, and I used to drive one of those Daily! Even had one with railroad ties in the bed (for weight) and a plow up front for Snow plowing! Great times. I will be watching to see what you do! Good Luck!
Full bearing kit. Give the Veteran one last ride in his beloved vehicle, be proud of doing a task so kind and thoughtful, and if you wanna swap later, then I’ll watch that video too. I have faith you’ll make the correct decision however you choose to go. Good luck to you and the gentleman. I’ll be waiting for the next update. 🪖 🛻 💪🏼
That has a 230 cu. in. flat head 6 cyl engine. I also think that would have been called a command truck with that canvas rear cover and side seats. I had one exactly like it years ago. there is a gas fueled heater that goes on the right fender for arctic use. The winch is PTO driven and nearly unstoppable. This is a very nice vehicle you have there, reminds me of the one I had.
Take the fuel pump out and see if the knock goes away. Some wee driven by a pushrod that some people miss em and some miss the lobe if it is that type and they are not fully seated. Other than that I agree a new set of bearings and see where you are then.
It's definitely been repainted at some point because 03Z39051 is not a valid US Army hood registration number for a 1954 M37. Propper hood registration number on a 1954 would be 244**** There are several big shows, and swap meets every year, and you can find quite a bit of good parts at them when doing a restoration on old military vehicles. In the pictures at the end, it looks like one was at the MVPA show in Louisville KY from several years ago.
I'll never understand youth with obviously more money than they know what to do with running good vehicles into the ground instead of performing regular and preventative maintenance. Also, I hope you paid for the chair you shouldn't have sat in.
And I present to you, “Most miserable human-being” Award CONGRATULATIONS 🎊
Yet here you are watching him and not only that but taking time to comment something. This kid has hundreds of thousands of people interested in watching him be himself. I could imagine you could count the same for yourself on one hand.
You sir are also the type of old fart who complains kids these days don't appreciate or care for history, yet here is this young man and many others of us who care, love, and restore history.
Apart form that, thank you for your service.
Its the stores fault for putting a faulty chair on the sidewalk I didnt see a sign saying no sitting in chair
Pin of shame
If you want to get it running in time for the seller and still have time to enjoy do full bearing kit get it on the road and make a trip to the veteran that sold it, and give him the chance to drive it again
My daily driver was the M715 Kiser Jeep during my time in the Army 1972-1974. Used for troop transport and supply run details. The one I drove had the canvas cab roof and bed cover. It never failed to do its job. It was finally replaced by the K5 Blazer 1975 and the M561 Gamma Goat 6 wheel drive. Brings back memories from 52 years ago. Good luck with your renovation.
Thanks for a great video. You are so fortunate to have a dad and the resources to even be able to take on a project like this to save this old vehicle. Carry On and hope the project is a success.
Those old flat heads are as simple ae they come ... go for rod bearings, mic it all out to make sure the crank is good and drive it. I have done some old dodge flat heads back in the 80s and 90s and I'm sure they are still running today. Nice rig.
I agree with you. Definitely drop the pan and put in new rod bearings. It will also fix your oil leak. The rest of the engine sounds great! Great channel too, I always look forward to your videos. I see the Silverado in the background, are you going to fix it?
That engine is quite rebuildable, I have done it. I would rebuild that engine, why risk it failing a few months down the road. Do it right and never worry about it again.
Wow that od girl is really good shape! Ive had 3 of these M37s, I worked on US mil base an island we used one for work it was a 64 and I got one out of the scrap yard running then I bought one in Florida for $1500 didnt need a thing other then to mill the head down. I also had a WM300. that old flat head 6 is a decent motor and the running gear is solid good find!
Brother I almost pissed my pants when you went to sit in that rocking chair. Just a typical day when all feels like it's just wrong.
Nice army truck tho!!!
😂😂😂
Rod Bearings. My cousin has a big duece and a half that he uses for his business. Love that big truck
stoked for you man, thank you for filming through the challenging moments, thank your also saving this steel soldier and giving it another life. i would also go with inspect / replace the rod bearings. seems like it was designed for this sort of maintenance i.e. remove the cross member and drop the pan. Any way man I'm following and I've subbed you btw I have a m151 that I saved and a unimog 404 before that so I understand your struggles.
im his dad. I have all 3 M151 versions and a GPW . I had a GP.
Outstanding shape given this truck is as old as I am...still looking for rebuild kit for myself!! Godzilla, this truck and me are the same age!!
I love Trucks that why i am here
Wow
this is great
Go go go
great
Awesome. Love your content. If you ever need help with a recovery, I live in Benton. Give me a hollar. Keep up the good work. Praise God.
Writing from Oz, long time MB/GPW fan, your truck is a once in a lifetime find, complete, even the pioneer tools on the back. Beautiful engine bay. People here in OZ would give their left test***e to find one like this. Please put some fresh oil in the engine before you run it any more. Agree with the comments, if you can give the Vet as last ride that would be awesome. Will keep an eye on the channel. Puppies as always are too cute. Cheers, Jeeperjaffas.
The bumper numbers say a lot. your truck is from headquarters company, 47th Aviation battalion. My first driver assignment when I arrived in 2-28 Inf in 1962 was our S4 section's 3/4 ton. I was immediately surprised by how difficult it was to steer and brake (no power assist). A real chore to drive, assigned to the newest recruit. Official nomenclature was Truck, utility, 3/4 ton, M1937.
21:41 you can see the mvpa on the reflector. Dont know much about it other than that it stands for military vehicle preservation society.
“The largest international historic military vehicle group, the Military Vehicle Preservation Association (MVPA) includes roughly 3500 members and nearly 80 affiliate groups in the United States and around the world. But it wasn’t always that way…”
He knows all about the MVPA since birth lol
Well sir, an old mechanics rule of thumb is this. Do the cheapest, easiest thing first and then go to the more expensive and complicated stuff if the first option doesn't work. Who knows? A set of rod bearings just might do the trick. Best of luck to you!!!!
Probably just do the bottom end since its not smoking. Doesn't cost a lot and you have to fix the leak anyway. If the crank is badly scored you would then have to rebuild it. Pretty cool rig.
What a great army truck you have 👌🏻... And the German Shepherd',s i love these dog's really beautiful. Regards from Holland 🇳🇱.
Oh lordy my mouth is drooling over this beauty
I would say it's an M42 command truck, mine is a 1952. It's older, you can tell right away by the absence of a door mounted spare. M42 had a winch and you can see the antenna mounts and electrical plugs around the outside of the truck. They had a covered bed and a radio desk where a guy had a folding seat to operate the radio from. It has a snorkel and exhaust stack. My truck was used by a federal fire department, with truck having original numbers still visible it would be cool to try and keep it as it is and preserve it. I am putting a 4BT Cummins diesel in mine, after the army mine was in the Army Corps of Engineers and then MA Federal Fire so mine was not original when I got it. But the data plate was in the glove box and the equipment differences told me it was an M42.
"My wife might have one..." What?! Second video I've watched and I would have sworn that Braden was a high school student. Does he just look that young, or have I just gotten that old? lol Love the videos so far, keep it up!
Awesome content my guy!! Hope all is well w ya
You have to pull the pan to fix oil leak. If compression is good. If oil pressure is good. Do bearings. If it doesn’t work then you will have to pull the engine. Also what does the clutch look like? If really bad you might want to consider pulling the engine to avoid a clutch replacement later. A lot of things to consider. You are young, but it is still a lot of time and work. What is your time worth when you are not working your regular job?
That is ridiculously good condition
Throw bearings in it and rebuild it after the original owner has had his fun with it.
Another great video Mik! Really nice iob. The ranch is taking shape!!!
Replace rod bearings its a in frame fix a cheaper cost and if it fails then pull the engine do a rebuild
You should name the truck "Sgt. NUTS". Great video brother. 👍🏻
Best channel on tube!
The M37 is one of my favorite vehicles.
They usually change the gear ratios in these because they only go 45 mph.
They have a flat-head straight six but many put Dodge V8s in them.
Some put Cummings 4-cylinder diesels in them.
Yeah, I swapped to 4.89 gears from Nitro Gears and now we are swapping in a 4BT Cummins.
@@415s30 Wonderful, I am so happy for you. That 4 cylinder Cummings is a popular engine swap. I subscribed. It should ask for ever.
thanks bro i really enjoy your vids 🤜
Great video,looking forward to more videos on this.
Unfortunately, the previous owner over heated it and spun a main. You can tell he overheated because in the early images of the engine there is antifreeze around the spark plugs and the rad was low. Pull the pan, make sure none of the rods or crank looked blued from heat. Then wiggle each rod until you find one with too much play. I would, if nothing is blued, and the crank isn't scored...throw a full set of bearings in it and enjoy the truck. I bet a set of bearing will get it done and you will be good to go.
good luck with that knock
Ain't that the way it goes sometimes? Keep up the good content
Rod bearings
this is an awesome truck, would like to see more videos 👍
Hi do rod bearings then give veteran a ride 👍🏻💯🇬🇧
Just love the foam cleaning - very relaxing 🇬🇧😊
You might put in a bearing kit and fix the leak on the pan and have that last or you could wind up having more issues. Likely it been leaking for a long time and got low on oil pressure enough to kill the bearings. It might sound ok other than the knock but that doesn't mean there isn't other issues inside. It would not be easy to have to tow it back. It would make for content but I would still say do a full rebuild. It's going to be more reliable and last a lot longer. Especially, if the ideal is to preserve the truck instead of just have a bit of fun. Yes it might be cheaper to not rebuild the motor but it would help the truck to last a lot longer. Then once you have it rebuilt go ahead and redo the water proofing. Then you know it will be solid and not just good for now. Might be my opinion and one not everyone agrees with but its worth it to just go ahead and make sure it's 100% right. More money and time but as the old saying goes you get what you pay for.
That paint will polish up
Always wanted one as m37 is the best trucks!
Check your oil pressure first then you will know what direction to go on motor
Oil pressure good
When your transmission quits, just keep pounding on it!!! Military vehicles are almost always money pits. Good Luck
Use a cam with microphone for diagnostic of every used car you buy. I found damaged turbo bearings with this method :)
Bearings only! Good content man. BTW the miserable comments make YT toxic. I only do a hand full of videos and people can be ignorant. Keep up the good work!
She’s a beauty man!
Love the vids, can you try to post more often?
Thank you for sharing 👍👍👍👍
Another great one
About the most real youtuber on the planet imo! Much love and God Bless
If you can afford it, Do it right and rebuild it now. Never know what other problem it may have which can screw it up beyond repair . Love the content !
Should have double lined the winch for more pulling power for the winch!!!!
Take a compression test first to get a baseline to comparison with down the road.good luck
I would just go ahead and throw some rod bearings in it and call it a day because you have to pull the oil pan anyways to fix that oil leak do it all in one swing
As a new subscriber, I say oil pan and bearings.
Nice find little brother
You shall first release each wheel free young man! In my country after the military auctioned these to public, all are now fitted with Bedford truck 4 cylinder diesel engines and carry 4 to 6 tons of mined rocks and potatoes down hills for the 30 ton trucks. The best and everlasting farm and miners trucks for now.
The rocking chair. 🤣
When it rains, it pours. I think everyone has had days like that.
nice truck i wonder if its summat silly like a bolt has backed out on a flywheel or cluych plate check tht first also the flywheel cover had a cAR in the garage once tht made same noise and something had hit the cover bent it in lol
I love army trucks too
I have one I put a 5.7 Chevy Motor in, But vandal's Smashed it with a payloader
13:36 you need a snatch block for more power
looking forward to the outcome, I would just though a set of bearings in and hopeful that would work out
I had a 53 that I took down to the frame and restored. Drove to high school my senior year. I sold it not long after...55-60 downhill was just not fast enough for a 19 yo. Same old story, wish I held onto it. I got a M151 A2 10 years later as a second car. Sold that too...I never learned. Almost 60 now - if I get another I'll die in it
His dad. I have M151 M151A1 M151A2 GPW... had a mule... 2 Mighty Mites.. and a GP
When I was in them AF I worked in a range support branch three of us worked on old army trucks and it was so exciting when one would start they went from jeeps to tanks I sure miss it ( 65-67 Elgin AF base , FL )
You Restore the army truck 👍👍👍
What camera and drone do use.
Great vids man!,,
Rod bearings now, see if it gets rid of the knock. If it doesn't, then ya know what is next.
If the compression is good just do the bearings. It’s not a race car engine. It doesn’t care.
Nice Score!
You rarely find them that complete. Could be bearings or a broken piston skirt. Kind of common.
You will be pulling the wheels to check brakes I hope?
For sure that left front wheel is loose. saw it rocking on the hub as you turned it.
Don't forget left side lugs are left thread.
Nice!!
I have a 52 M37 and a 47 WDX PW
TGP
Hi
Thanks. Sure you didn’t see the axle moving up and down? Wheel doesn’t feel loose at all. Brakes will have to be redone
@@BradenBuildz Watch your video @ 27:15 it rocks as you go back forward.
Your a Smart young fellow, been watching since your deck over rebuild and first skid steer.
Nothing you can't handle.
TGP
@@thomaspetroff9117 that seems like it may be steering slop, pretty common in old vehicles like that as the ball joints just wear down
I would go with "Cry once pay once"! D the rebuild! Why tear it apart twice> More chances of breaking something that could in the category of "Unobtanium"! But its your time and Money! In the end you do what you think is best for you! I would give my left testicle for that old Mk37! I joined the Army in 1975, and I used to drive one of those Daily! Even had one with railroad ties in the bed (for weight) and a plow up front for Snow plowing! Great times. I will be watching to see what you do! Good Luck!
Cool video I’m srry your transmission blowed
Ain’t no thang
Full bearing kit. Give the Veteran one last ride in his beloved vehicle, be proud of doing a task so kind and thoughtful, and if you wanna swap later, then I’ll watch that video too. I have faith you’ll make the correct decision however you choose to go. Good luck to you and the gentleman. I’ll be waiting for the next update. 🪖 🛻 💪🏼
That has a 230 cu. in. flat head 6 cyl engine. I also think that would have been called a command truck with that canvas rear cover and side seats. I had one exactly like it years ago. there is a gas fueled heater that goes on the right fender for arctic use. The winch is PTO driven and nearly unstoppable. This is a very nice vehicle you have there, reminds me of the one I had.
@@andrewcrawley4429 Chrysler t-245
I would say do the bearings but if you are restoring it then rebuild it just to boost its life and hopefully make it hassle free
Had a 70 m35a2. Definitely miss it everyday after I sold it
@@jeepercreepers2 I would love a 5ton wrecker. Maybe one day. Don’t need it just want it.
Rod bearings 👍
rebuild it do a good job
What is that cat skidsteer with funny looking track setup in the background? Future video?
To pivot that sideways with the forks of the skidsteer, try to put the forks under the tire and then push as you did.
Donnie Gibbons used to use a stethascope on engines like Braden does!TY MILITARY MEN & WOMEN.❤
New bearing
Your truck leked relly serius amont of oil, maybe it could be another vid fixing that. Also really great work....
Indeed, looked like it leaked more oil on the church parking lot than he was putting in at the gas station. 😅
Bearings
FYI you should keep 4 metal dinner trays in the truck for trips like this, to put under the tyres/tires.
Take the fuel pump out and see if the knock goes away. Some wee driven by a pushrod that some people miss em and some miss the lobe if it is that type and they are not fully seated. Other than that I agree a new set of bearings and see where you are then.
Rebuild, for sure. From another Viet Nam Veteran
I'm not a mechanic but the way you explained it I would go for the individual bearing swap first like you said you aren't going to daily it
Nice
Ain't got no gas in it.
Love this thing!! I would make it my daily lol. Was this yours or are you just trying to get it running for a fella!?
@@deej7783 mine
@@BradenBuildz SCORE 💯👊💯
Rod bearings but you should pull the piston s and check the wrist pins and rings as well it could last another fifty years if you do it.
Hey you’re back. Find more old diesels in woods
It's definitely been repainted at some point because 03Z39051 is not a valid US Army hood registration number for a 1954 M37. Propper hood registration number on a 1954 would be 244**** There are several big shows, and swap meets every year, and you can find quite a bit of good parts at them when doing a restoration on old military vehicles. In the pictures at the end, it looks like one was at the MVPA show in Louisville KY from several years ago.
I was at that one. Wander if I have pics of it
Just checked. I have pics of all the m37’s and it wasn’t there
@@BradenBuildz I was there as well with my 1967 M715. It's the M715 that is on my channel.
Rod bearings, front crank seal let it eat.
If you can’t rescue that engine, I think the Mercedes-Benz OM606 In-Line 6 Cylinder Diesel would be a great swap.
12K rating is with one wrap on the spool, more than that and you loose a lot of power. Thats what snatch blocks are for.