Posted by Greg Coffin [172.68.35.42] on Thursday, December 29, 2022 at 10:43:44 :
In Reply to: M 37 Differences posted by Mike [172.71.254.131] on Tuesday, December 27, 2022 at 12:07:24 :
All the M37s are excellent vehicles. 'Better" is really a matter of personal taste here.
The Canadian M37s come with a 251, but it's married to an oddball (Adcock?) 4sp transmission that is very difficult to find parts for, and the PTOs are unobtainable. I don't know if a NP420 will bolt up to the bellhousing or not. I've been told that the the last run of US M37s (1967-68) came with 251s, but I've never confirmed that.
All the US M37s had NP420 transmissions. Early ones had a different shift tower, but the guts are all the same. Fun Fact - A NP420 from an M37 will bolt right up to a 3/4 ton WC - now you have synchro 3rd and 4th. However, I don't know if the shift towers are in the same place. I tend to think not.
I think the early trucks had the spare in the back, and later ones had the spare tire carrier on the door. I have a 1951 with the carrier in the bed, and a B1 (1964) with the carrier on the door. People like both for different reasons. One downside to the door carrier is parking lots. Release the catch and the tire will swing right into the car next to you :(
Earlier trucks have metal Douglas electrical connectors, later trucks have rubber Packard connectors. People like both for different reasons. I tend to like the Douglas because they are easy to repair, but the Packard seem to be a little more weather resistant.
Have fun!
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