Posted by Charles Aarons on July 01, 1997 at 18:28:55:
In Reply to: Re: M37 conversion posted by Dave kratz on July 01, 1997 at 14:19:08:
: : I just finished (about a month ago) putting a MARS
: : Hercules DTI3.7 diesel in a 52 M37. I'm using a Clark
: : 280VO trans (5.98 1st, 0.80 5th), 4.89 gears, Michelin
: : 11.00R16 tires, and a Braden AHSU3 hydraulic winch. Also
: : disk brakes in the front from Tim Petersen. It stops well
: : goes 70 to 75 but there's a big gap between 3rd (1.86:1)
: : and 4th. Otherwise it's great.
: I've got to ask an obvious question. Why would
: you want to go that fast in an older "technology"
: vehicle? Man,...75 MPH is damn near light speed
: for a vehicle of this type, even with 4.89 gears.
: My concern would be that your seals and 3'rd
: members are going to get torn up very quickly.
: Did you replace these components as well to more
: modern axle housings? I would love to see the
: specs. sheet for this unit. I'm still kicking
: around in the flathead 6 with 5.83's and frankly,
: I don't think I'd dump that kind of money into a
: vehicle of this type.
: What do you use this truck for on a regular basis?
: Dave Kratz
The TC and ring & pinions turn 16% slower because of the 4.89 ratios. I use the truck for firewood, driving to work (10 mi ea way) and 4-wheeling (50-150 miles). I have other stuff for expeditions and fast driving. It was pricey but about half the cost of a new diesel 4x4 3/4 or 1 ton, and more capable (of course it looks better). I admit I really don't need 5th gear with the 4.89s and 11.00-16s, I might change the tranny guts to a 5th gear direct configuration (top speed then would be 64, cruising about 58). Call me at 907-349-8673 after 7/13 if you have ?s.