Dave:
> Can anyone tell me the difference between the M809, M813, M814 and the M54.
> I believe they are in the G744 chassis series.
You are kind of mixing apples and oranges. The M54 series of 6x6 5 Ton
trucks were developed after WW II to replace vehicles in the 4,5,6 and 7 1/2
ton class. The first production models came out in 1950, by Diamond T and
International Harvester. The M54 series included many models, to include the
M54 Cargo vehicle, the M52 Tractor, etc. I can give you a whole list of
model numbers and what the variant was.
The original M54 series had a gasoline engine. It was replaced with a diesel
engine in 1962, and with a multi-fuel engine in 1963, namely the supercharged
version of the LD465 that is in the Duece and a half.
The M809 series of trucks was designed as a test to improve the performance
of the M54 series. Although similar trucks (used same designs), the
production of the M809s was all new production, and not rebuilds of the M54
series.
The M809 series tests achieved their goal, which ultimately led to the M939
series of trucks which was and is a HUGE improvement.
The M809 series of trucks was made by AM General to replace the M54 series
under a product development and improvement initiative. The M809 series was
powered with a commercial NHC-250 diesel engine.
There are many models of trucks in the M809 and M54 series, with three basic
chassis:
1) M809 Chassis Used for the M813 (Cargo), M813A1 (Cargo-dropside),
M816 (Wrecker), and M815 (Bolster Truck).
2) M810 Chassis. Used for the M817 (Dump Truck) and the M818 (Tractor).
3) M811/M812 Chassis. Used for the M814 (Cargo long wheel base), M819
(Tractor, Wrecker), M820 (Van Expansible) and M821 (Bridge Transport).
Compare to the:
M40 Chassis Used for the M54 (Cargo), M41 (Cargo), M
M40C Chassis Used for the M543 (Wrecker), M62 (Wrecker)
M61 Chassis Used for the M51 (Dump Truck), M52 (Tractor)
M63 Chassis Used for the M246 (Tractor/Wrecker)
An "oddball" variant chassis that did not make it to the M809 series, was the
M139 chassis. The basic M139 chassis was used for the M328 Bridging Truck.
The M139C and M139D chassis was used for the Honest John Rocket.
Both the 139C and 139D chassis had high reduction axles to increase tractive
power, and had modified front cross members. The M289 launcher (M139D
chassis) has a long launcher rail which extends over the cab and is supported
by an A-frame. The M386 launcher has a short launcher rail and no frame.
Doc
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