FDS750 vs. surplus 2 1/2 ton?


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Posted by Brian A. on Tuesday, October 29, 2002 at 5:44AM :

In Reply to: w500 timken is orphaned lockerchild? posted by James on Monday, October 28, 2002 at 10:52PM :

The only other production uses of the split banjo front axles that I am aware of were in WWII military vehicles. I do not know if any or all were FDS750 axles as I have not found specs for them and the military did not use locked axles very often, usually only the Marine Corps. Some of the vehicles with split banjo fronts include; early GMC CCKW 2 1/2 ton 6x6, White scout cars and half-tracks. No one seems to know much about the half-track front axles, have talked to several half track specialists/parts dealers, but their published specs and personally measured dimensions indicate that parts should interchange with the W500. Alas, all of the published literature I have seen for these rigs lists their axle ratios at 6.8:1 and none have been listed as possessing lockers. If all you want is the axles to make up a special use mud buggy for your hunting application or an inexpensive (relative term) off-road truck, then the M35 2 1/2 ton 6x6 series of trucks would be my first choice. There is a lot of support out there for the axles, including aftermarket performance parts, and if you buy the whole truck they can be had pretty cheap. I know it is not a Dodge (I have a W500 and an M35A2), but with the M35 series you can get a synchronized transfer case hi-low range, automatic or air-shift front axle engagment, choice of gas or diesel engines, an 8'x12' bed with troop seats and canvas covers, overdrive transmissions (with diesels), and most importantly lots of inexpensive surplus military parts.



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