For Andy and any others who may be interested in repowered M37s, I have
seen or heard of a wide variety of configurations. For diesel motors:
GM 5.7 litre, Isuzu turbodiesel, MARS/Hercules turbodiesel, and the diesel
form a Gama Goat (maybe a Perkins 5-cyl?). For gas motors: Chevy 283, 327,
350, 400, Buick 350, Goodwrench 350, Ford 289, Chrysler 318, 440, 426 hemi. Since the
transmission and transfer case are divorced, you can change trannies--I've
seen rigs w/ 5-speeds or automatics.
I have a '51 M37 with a Chevy 400 and a TH400 automatic, and a '53 with a
Goodwrench (GM) 350 and a TH350 automatic. The '51 also has power steering
(the box is made by Ross, who also supplies International and Ford big
trucks) and a modern tilt steering wheel/column from an 80's Pontiac. I'm
also told that the PS box from a '75-'78 Ramcharger or Trailduster 4x4 works
well on the M37. In addition, the '51 is running 36x12.50x16 radial Super
Swampers which help the ride, bring the revs down a bit, and add a little
more style and offroadability. These tires mount on the stock split rims
just fine.
On the '51, the installation on the motor looks pretty amateurish; some
hacking of inner fenders, and access to the driver's side spark plugs is
tough. But it runs just great. The motor install on the '53 is slick-- I
don't know what the motor mounts and associated frame cross-piece came out
of, but it fits in nice, is centered, and looks pretty much like it belongs
there. Both trucks were converted before I got them, and the original
engines were long gone, so I hope I'm OK with the purists . . . ;-)
The '53 has an excellent rust-free body, a new canvas top, a bunch o' new
parts, and is for sale now at $3300, if it's OK to advertise here. If not,
pls ignore ;-) I'm located 40 minutes no. of Boston, MA
Oh yeah, if anyone has a Land Rover with a Chrysler 225 slant six, I'd
like to hear about it. Or a Unimog with an American motor . . .
--Steve sac1@mvulo.att.com