M-37 vs M-37B1 - Steel Soldiers::Military Vehicles Supersite

Tony · 03-08-2010, 20:43

Could anyone tell me the difference between the M-37 and the M-37B1.

Thank you

Tony

AMGeneral · 03-08-2010, 20:52

Well,different transmission,but they will interchange,spare mounted on a frame outside of the drivers door,and the troop seat on the passenger side being the full length of the bed.

I also believe there were changes to the water pump and the rear tail lights were different as well.

Also,B1 trucks tend to rust more quicky than the earlier ones,maybe a different steel composition?

Also the M37s have a pintile with a swivel feature whereas the M37B1 is bolted directly to the rear frame crossmember.

Capt.Marion · 03-08-2010, 20:56

M37 has the spare tire carrier moved to a hinged hanger on the driver's side door that has to be opened before the door itself can be opened. Mostly minor changes aside from that. A B1 can be distinguished even without the spare tire mount on the door by the bolts/bolt holes in a vertical line immediately forward of the driver's door.

NDT · 03-08-2010, 21:08

[quote=AMGeneral;557051]
Also,B1 trucks tend to rust more quicky than the earlier ones,maybe a different steel composition?

/quote]

I thought that too and wondered if others agreed.

vtdeucedriver · 03-08-2010, 21:31

Yes on the steel composition and I believe they knew it because the B1 came undercoated from the factory to where the 50's trucks were not.

Also boys, you cant ALWAYS go by the spare on the door. It was a MWO and could be field modified. My 1951 M37 had the spare moved to the door. Funny thing, it must have been a quickie because they never installed the spacer block on the left front spring assy.

m376x6 · 03-08-2010, 21:36

The engines were designated T245 and T245A respectively. Haven't really found any differences in the engines. The boxes were different in that the spare was mounted outside the drivers door so the troop seats were full length both sides on the B1. Also the bed tool boxes had tabs welded on to be able to lock the bed doors for the B1. I've not found any differences in the water pumps. There were also minor changes such as fuel filters mounted on the regulator bracket on the very early series. The very early series had current meters as opposed to volt gauges. But an early field mod replaced most of the current meters. Also many early series were upgraded at the depot with newer wiring harnesses. Eliminating an odd looking double connector light control switch. As mentioned earlier, the transmissions were different with no parts internally being interchangeable but both will mount up to any M37/M43 series. I've owned almost 30 37's and a few 43's and have never found where the B1 series is more prone to rust. Being that the earlier series ended production in 54 and to 55 for the Canadian version, they generally had more rust than the newer series which ran from 58 through 68. The early series and B1 truck used different pintle hooks and won't interchange. Don't shy away from either series, they are both tremendous trucks with a distinctive personality and style. They draw attention wherever they go. The shorter length and slightly narrower track from their WWII and civilian series make them ideal offroading vehicles. Parts are available as well as whole host of aftermarket neat things like air locking diffs, and freewheeling hubs. Some folks complain of weak axles but some of us have really abused these trucks and never broken an axle. I've lit up the rear end with 9.00-20 tires squealing big rubber with the V8 and not broken an axle. I've hauled well over 2,500 pounds out of mountain valleys and no problems. Then again some folks have simply compression slowed these trucks going downhill and broken a rear axle. I've only ever heard of one front axle breaking and it was related to use of a front locking diff. Best of Luck.

Regards,
M376X6

shootiniron · 03-08-2010, 21:37

I thought that there was a wiring up-grade or change too.

Capt.Marion · 03-08-2010, 22:20

I think they switched to a different style of connector, I'm probably wrong, though.

BTW the engine was T245 and T245A, not 215 (Yes, I'm being nitpicky, but that's just the way I am)

m376x6 · 03-09-2010, 01:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Capt.Marion

I think they switched to a different style of connector, I'm probably wrong, though.

BTW the engine was T245 and T245A, not 215 (Yes, I'm being nitpicky, but that's just the way I am)

You're right, brain fart here. I was thinking 245 and typed 241. Thanks

zak · 03-09-2010, 07:32

Didn't the B1 series go to the packard style connector?