Posted by Jack Smith on April 07, 2000 at 01:44:56:
In Reply to: Flathead # P2b*II23b5* posted by Lisa Bunch on April 06, 2000 at 11:44:00:
Lisa,
Your engine is from an early 50's Plymouth automobile, as indicated by the big P cast into the cylinder head. A truck block would have a DT in that spot, Dodge Truck. The 24 volt starter wil fit the civilian block, as long as the engine has the right flywheel. There were many different tooth counts on the ring gears, and different clutch facing sizes. The front motor mount you refer to is the Dodge "Floating Power Mount" of some considerable fame, and it can be used and WAS used in civilian autos and army trucks alike.In fact, if one looks hard under the OD paint on an M37, rigth in the center of the top arch, you can see the Floating Power logo stamped there. The engine doesn't really belong in the bed however. Most trucks had them further toward the front. (come on, can't I get one dig in?) The basic difference between your block and a military block is the oil filler tube..because the army trucks needed watertight engines for fording, the tube on an M37 was bolted on with a flange instead of being pressed into the block like the civvie. There are other minor differences, such as variations in rear main seals, oil pumps and distributors, etc, but the head castings are identical aside from the cast-in letters. have one of eac rigt here a few feet away and they are the same, even to the contours. If yours is in good shape, there's probably no good reason to pitch it, Unless you will have your truck judged.