Posted by Fred Coldwell on Tuesday, May 01, 2001 at 10:46AM :
In Reply to: Fred C. - tell us about your T233. posted by AAA on Tuesday, May 01, 2001 at 9:19AM :
She was built in 1945 to replace the WC-51/52 3/4 ton weapon carrier and the WC-56/57/58 3/4 ton command car by serving both purposes. 12 volt, 230 cu. in engine, 5.83 axle ratio, spur gear 4 speed tranny (6.40 1st gear), 2 speed transfer case (1.96 low range) for 114% gradeability, meaning she can climb about a 50 degree slope (45 degrees = 100% grade, 1 foot rise for 1 foot distance). Ten inches narrower overall than the production 3/4 ton to fit into late war transport aircraft. About 6 inches lower profile than WC-5X trucks when windshield & top are lowered, same height when top raised. Looks like a Dodgeep.
First use of frame extensions (instead of different frame) for winch model Dodge 3/4 ton truck, has Braden MUC3-10F front PTO 7,500 lb. winch that uses a 2 piece winch shaft from PTO on tranny. Non-winch model had a pintle hook in front bumper for spotting aircraft on the tarmac. Steering box outside narrow frame above front axle, so uses a forward steering idler arm & 2 drag links like the M-37. Long soft springs, tubular shocks all four corners, transfer case mounts from bottom entirely above frame rails similar to M-37. Spare tire can mount just ahead of tailgate for personnel carrier role, or just behind front seats leaving tailgate accessibly for cargo duty. Top shown is galvanized sheet metal on the original top bows underneath, original top was canvas in the same configuration. She runs, needs brakes, will become my off road Colorado mountain cruiser when refurbished.
She is the true transition truck between the WC-5X series and the M-37. She can be seen in person May 19-20 at the Colorado O.D. Jamboree outside Castle Rock, CO. Call 720-217-5533 for meet details.
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