Re: [MV] Making an M-37/M-43 go faster??

From: AlvisStalwart6x6@aol.com
Date: Fri Jun 02 2000 - 06:53:02 PDT


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In a message dated 6/2/00 12:11:50 AM, w7ls@blarg.net writes:

>3000rpm gives about 52 mph or so. 40 mph sure sounds better on the
>engine, though.

What's wrong with that? Do you really need to go faster than 50? As you
stated you'd need better brakes to go much faster, so don't . . .

3000 RPM is a completely acceptable RPM for all but the most wimpy gasoline
engine. As I recall, the 900 CID 6 cylinder engine in a Walker Bulldog and
variants on that chassis, turn 2800 RPM and you have a little 251. Heck,
even that gas guzzling B81 in my Stalwart (and the B80 in your Saracen) will
turn 3750 happily all day and night.

>It is my truck, as well as a collectable.

Well, I can see at least one option for an overdrive unit but you won't like
the price. I have seen Gear Vendors overdrive units successfully placed
between the transmission and transfer case thereby overdriving both axles.
You only need to relocate the transfer case about a foot to the rear and
shorten the rear and lengthen the front drive shafts. As I recall, these
overdrive units were $2000+ . . . or you could simply have a slow truck as
your driver.

Last time I was in your area, near Seattle area wasn't it, I thought I was
doing just fine to maintain 50MPH with traffic and all, so I think I'd leave
the old girl alone. It could be worse, you could have a Stalwart.

Bruce

PS if it were me I'd find a late model Dodge pickup chassis with that narrow
inline 6 cylinder Cummins, shorten it as required, and drop that old body on
top of it. Then I'd restore the old running gear and keep it handy and
pristine so it could be returned to stock when the time to slow down came. I
don't suggest this, it is just what I'd do, but I like torturing myself,
hence the Stalwart.



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