So, I'm starting a build thread for my M37. The last thread was contemplation and planning and it seemed to make sense to start a fresh thread.
The plan is ... 6.2l LS3 from Chevy Performance. Which is here. Tremec 4050, which will be here soon. Atlas 4, which will be here in 16 weeks or so, Dana Pro 60 up front, which was half off and is here. And 14 bolt that WFO is building for me which will be here in a couple of weeks. So, in 2 weeks, I'll have enough of the drivetrain to start looking at engine and transmission placement and axles to start looking at axle and suspension. I had been looking at keeping it leaf springs, but looking at the age of all the hangers, I've decided that it will be the same amount of work to go head an 4 link the rear and 3 link the front. We are going to full hydro this rig, so maybe we can 4 link the front? We'll see what the packing looks like. the frame is very much like an fj40. It's very narrow up front. I'm assuming it will have similar trade offs.
The first task was to get the bed loose. Which it is. Once I can get the bed outside, I'm going to have someone come and sandblast the inside and I'll bedliner the inside, leaving the outside the same. Every single bolt had to be cut off the top.
Actually the very first step was to get the massive Barden winch off. I found a guy. The idea is to rebuild it and convert it to hydraulic. It's possible, it's been done. The rig just doesn't look right without. So, planning on running it off the PSC pump that's going on.
Next step is to take the entire front clip off in preparation to remove the drive train and all the crazy electrical stuff.
Amazingly, I got connected with a guy out by Lake Berryessa who restores 40's and 50's power wagons most, but some of these also, for a living. He's going to rebuild and convert the winch for me, but also, in 2020 his shop was burned to the ground with about 40 power wagons in various states of restoration. One of the ones he lost was for a Vietnam vet. He's coming to come over and help me tear it down in exchange for getting the drivetrain and axles to build a new rig for this vet. So, I'm very happy to make that trade and get access to his knowledge and expedience.
So, still need to buy - PSC hydro pump, alternator, PSC steering ram (thinking 2.5 or 2.75" X 8").
The plan is ... 6.2l LS3 from Chevy Performance. Which is here. Tremec 4050, which will be here soon. Atlas 4, which will be here in 16 weeks or so, Dana Pro 60 up front, which was half off and is here. And 14 bolt that WFO is building for me which will be here in a couple of weeks. So, in 2 weeks, I'll have enough of the drivetrain to start looking at engine and transmission placement and axles to start looking at axle and suspension. I had been looking at keeping it leaf springs, but looking at the age of all the hangers, I've decided that it will be the same amount of work to go head an 4 link the rear and 3 link the front. We are going to full hydro this rig, so maybe we can 4 link the front? We'll see what the packing looks like. the frame is very much like an fj40. It's very narrow up front. I'm assuming it will have similar trade offs.
The first task was to get the bed loose. Which it is. Once I can get the bed outside, I'm going to have someone come and sandblast the inside and I'll bedliner the inside, leaving the outside the same. Every single bolt had to be cut off the top.
Actually the very first step was to get the massive Barden winch off. I found a guy. The idea is to rebuild it and convert it to hydraulic. It's possible, it's been done. The rig just doesn't look right without. So, planning on running it off the PSC pump that's going on.
Next step is to take the entire front clip off in preparation to remove the drive train and all the crazy electrical stuff.
Amazingly, I got connected with a guy out by Lake Berryessa who restores 40's and 50's power wagons most, but some of these also, for a living. He's going to rebuild and convert the winch for me, but also, in 2020 his shop was burned to the ground with about 40 power wagons in various states of restoration. One of the ones he lost was for a Vietnam vet. He's coming to come over and help me tear it down in exchange for getting the drivetrain and axles to build a new rig for this vet. So, I'm very happy to make that trade and get access to his knowledge and expedience.
So, still need to buy - PSC hydro pump, alternator, PSC steering ram (thinking 2.5 or 2.75" X 8").
