Anyone who has biked or hoofed up and down California’s fire roads has probably asked themselves what sort of vehicle is capable of negotiating the narrow motorways. One answer to that question is this 1952 Dodge M37 3/4 ton 4X4. The Dodge M37 was the fifties postwar descendant of Dodge WC-series of World War II-era military vehicles. This restored M37 evidently found its way into civilian use on California fire fighting patrol duty. The M37 was manufactured in more than a few variants. A 5.83:1 gear ratio (!) on both axles made good if not slow use of the 78 horsepower flathead six engine. Super durability and legendary ability to make a determined crawl over most any terrain is a automotive quality for which the Dodge M37 and Power Wagon relatives are still famous for.
4 Responses
What a nicely restored truck!!
Posted on July 9th, 2009 at 5:48 pm
That’s so tough. I want one!
It doesn’t matter if a vehicle is slow or has less than 100hp under the hood. When you have torque like that, the feeling of being able to crawl over absolutely anything in your path more than makes up for it. Some day, I wouldn’t mind having a 6WD Duece-and-a-half. So tough.
Posted on July 10th, 2009 at 9:00 am
Brian: 6×6s are frighteningly cheap. Google “Boyce Equipment” and look up their price sheet. It’s like 6k for a completely refurbed cab+chassis. Super RV Potential!
While some purists would have me crucified for it, I’d love to take one of these and drop in a Cummins (the new 6.7?) + 6-speed, throw on ~38″ tires (no lift needed) and change nothing else.
Posted on July 10th, 2009 at 9:30 am
^^^
I’d also add zombieproof door locks, but that’s just me.
Posted on July 11th, 2009 at 8:48 pm