Bought an M123A1C today

[Kalashnikov]

Happen to find an M123 on Craigslist at the beginning of the week and checked it out today. Seems to be in pretty good shape, though there is some rot. It was only about 40 minutes away on a normal drive so it was a slow ride back on the highway. Took a while for the flat spots to finally even out a bit. I'd like it but it's too bad it doesn't have an extra gear or two. I think the ratios are excellent compared to a 3rd to 4th shift on the M809s.

While it does run and drive, it will certainly need some mechanical and cosmetic work. The throttle/idle isn't right; it sticks and will die if you don't keep it high enough.
There are some leaks, one kinda bad oil leak at the front of the engine and another at the rear of the tcase that isn't too bad.
There is some rot on the front fenders, the rockers, the hard top, the back of the cab, and the steps to get in the cab but definitely fixable. Water temp wasn't registering so I'll have to see if it's the gauge or the thermostat.

One question is what's up the 25klb rear winch? I thought they had 45klb? And, according to Olive-drab.com, the difference of the M123A1C is a 36klb crane? I definitely don't see that anywhere...

 

[ODw/envy]

I really want a tractor!

Good find. Hope it works for you.

 

[Kalashnikov]

More pics:

 

[GoldComet6]

Congrats man - looks nice as is!!

I'm still amazed at the size of these trucks...wow.

 

[Derrickl112]

i think m920 has one with a crane....this is the best picture of it i could find...

 

[Kalashnikov]

i think m920 has one with a crane....this is the best picture of it i could find...

That's a nice set up. I need to get a trailer now.

It is a big truck. I think the 809s should've come with the 14-24s instead of the 11-20s.

I had some clogged filer syndrome show up when I was a about a mile from my destination! 1st gear for about 1/4 mile or so. I pulled over, shut down and let it sit for a minute and was able to get it into 4th without too much hesitation on the remainder of the trip. The PO said he cleaned one of the tanks and replaced the filters but I guess I have some more cleaning to do.

 

[wsucougarx]

Wow nice score! Those things are beasts! Wow, truck looks great. Wonder how many are out there in operation?

 

[03silverado]

Sweet ride saw one at the Aberdeen show here in Maryland that thing is a beast sucks its so slow and terrible on fuel. Nice find though how's it ride? Im going to guess similar to a hay wagon?

 

[73m819]

Any more info on the 123 with the crane

 

[area52]

That winch is rated for 45,000lbs, bare drum is 25,000lbs. I don't think these trucks ever came stock with a crane? I thought they were single and double winch only.

 

[frodobaggins]

That winch is rated for 45,000lbs, bare drum is 25,000lbs. I don't think these trucks ever came stock with a crane? I thought they were single and double winch only.

I think you have that backwards. A winch can pull more the more cable that is pulled off as it has a smaller diameter to rotate. As more cable comes on, the drum gets bigger and the gear ratio changes so you can pull less.

 

[Kalashnikov]

Sweet ride saw one at the Aberdeen show here in Maryland that thing is a beast sucks its so slow and terrible on fuel. Nice find though how's it ride? Im going to guess similar to a hay wagon?

Yea, I wish it was a little faster but oh well, it's still fun to drive. The ride is actually pretty nice, much better than my M818. Although the air ride seat seems to be working a lot better than my M818. The seats in general are thicker foam and more comfortable.

 

[joeM62]

Nice score on the M123, I'm surprised one was on craigslist.

 

[KsM715]

Aren't the 10tons overwidth, thus requiring permits when you want to run to the grocery store?

 

[m16ty]

I could be wrong but I was under the impression the M123 used the same 45K winch as the 5-ton wreckers. They are Tulsa winches though.

 

[123mack]

The winch is identical to the one on the rear of 5-ton wreckers. Garwood was the major producer of the winch, as well as the mount. There was never a stock M123 series with a crane.

 

[mattg2448]

Them tires are BALD! great find!

 

[Kalashnikov]

Nice score on the M123, I'm surprised one was on craigslist.

I've found a lot of good stuff on Craigslist. Actually I bought all my MVs on Craigslist. I've seen anything from 10 ton flatbeds, huge cranes, forklifts, gas wreckers, M809 series trucks including an M816 once, to the smaller trailers.

Aren't the 10tons overwidth, thus requiring permits when you want to run to the grocery store?

In MA you don't need a permit/escort/etc. til 12' I believe.

Them tires are BALD! great find!

Only that 1 tire is really bad, but they sure had some bad flat spots. It's going to suck buying tires for this truck!

And the winch that is on it is a 25klb Garwood according to the data plate which I know is the correct plate since I've seen it on other M123A1Cs. Only reason I thought it was a 45klb winch is because that's what it says on Olive-drab.com

 

[Jim Hunter]

Wow this is an incredible truck
Thanks for sharing and keep us updated please!


Jim

 

[73m819]

Everything that I read says 45k winch, the C model has the lower 5th wheel and single winch. maybe your reading 22.5 tons

as a side note, on page 381 upper right, Fred Crismons U.S. Military Wheeled Vehicles, has a pic of a singled out 123