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Military Surplus: Dodge M37 Power Wagon

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If you want tough and rugged, you can be guaranteed if it was tough enough for military use, it will be tough enough for anything you can throw at it! Listed here on craigslist in Wyanet, Illinois and priced at $3,150 or best offer is a 1954 Dodge M37 Military Power Wagon. This truck is basically all stock, except for the locked up engine.  The owner has a second engine available but didn’t disclose the price in the ad.

The Dodge 230 flathead 6 cylinder (which is locked) is mated to a 4 speed transmission and drives a 24 volt system. The body is said to be mostly solid except for a couple common areas of rust, no images of these areas are provided.

The soft top bows are included and the old soft top, which is only usable as a pattern for the next one. The owner says to act fast on this truck as it won’t last long, yet it’s been 25 days since they listed it. He is also considering some trades but there is no list of what will be considered, so you will have to contact him to find out what he will take in trade.

Cheers,
Robert

Comments

  1. Avatar JW

    Won’t last long but he has lowered the price, seems it’s lasted longer than he expected. Cool old military truck and it should be saved but not by me as it’s way too much work.

    Like 0
  2. Avatar DENIS

    I kinda like it…would be fun if I had the time to fool with it….just happen to have a spare Olds motor lookin’ for a home….

    Like 0
    • Avatar Robert harbrecht

      I put a 56 Olds engine & trans ..axles wouldn’t take all the power.

      Like 0
  3. Avatar Mark S

    With a little effort this engine might free up, pull the plugs and fill the cylinders with diesel fuel and let it soak for a few weeks. Keep the cylinders topped up. Try turning it over with a breaker bar and socket on the crankshaft. It is worth trying if you want to keep this truck original. This truck will require some serious mechanical skills to restore.

    Like 0
  4. Avatar Dave Wright

    These are wonderful old trucks and I have owned many. The challenges with them is they are painfully slow, relegating them to parade or ranch use. I know several companies that still use them on outback and ranch tours with seats in the bed. You can upgrade the engine but the original is a really good one, just limited on power. What is needed are higher gears. There are many around that have modern engines installed with little effect because of the low differintal ratios. There are few parts that interchange with more modern parts so a successful transplant requires a complete running gear change including differentials and brakes, power steering is nice too. I know of a couple with Cummins diesels and modern running gear that are very cool. I prefer the newer Jeep M715 Platform, they have many modern parts that interchange with civilian units and they will run at 55 or 60 MPH as built.

    Like 0
  5. Avatar SpecialED

    People, anyone who buys one of these trucks for road use is an idiot. I’ve had one since 1983, and use it for skidding large trees and logs on ten+ acres I own in New York State. I also use it for snow plowing only around my property. And yes it needs a bigger engine even with low gearing.

    Like 0
  6. Avatar Robert harbrecht

    I paid $250 for mine and it ran. Drove it home. steel cab no rust.

    Like 0

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