Suspension inquiry

[USAFpj]

Now that the WC52 is proving to be more dependable, its time to address some issues. One is the rear suspension. The previous owner did a pretty good job of installing 'helper' springs for heavier loads? This prevents me from installing the rear knee-action shocks.

My question is this- if I remove bubba's suspension job and install the original shocks, will this do anything to help the rough ride of this old truck?

[rjbeamer]

My guess is that it will not help the ride with no load on the truck because the helper springs usually have no contact with the upper stops unless you have a heavy load on board. If the helper springs are under tension then the ride will usually suffer some.

Roger

[dpcd67]

No it won't do anything; Dodge trucks are super heavy duty and are rough riding. I solved that problem by putting Michelin Radials on them; My WM300 and M37 have 1100x16 and my WC63 (now being built) has 900x16. Actually gives them a nice ride. Sort of.

[PoW]

There is a world of ride difference between the WW2 Dodges and the M37 series.

A lot of engineering upgrades went into the last design of the Power Wagons: The G741 trucks.

PoW

[dpcd67]

Yes, but not the WM300. Do not confuse the WDX or M series Power Wagon with the M37. The G741 is not in any way a Power Wagon. Totally different suspension. The last of the Power Wagons were the WM300 built until 1968. M37 production ended in 63.
First post I see; Welcome to the forum!

[USAFpj]

Thanks for the replies, guys- and welcome to the G503, PoW.

I won't desecrate the name of the DCPD corporation, but is was truly an eye-opener when I took my first 'shake down' ride in my WC52, after years in a CJ2A. I quickly realized this was a work truck, not a country road cruiser..

[PoW]

Mr. Dodge, Chrysler, Plymouth, DeSoto, rest assured I know full well the difference between the civvy PW's and the G741's since I've been repairing and driving them going on my 6th decade.

Ironically, they all went mixed down the same production line.

If one looks closely enough, you can make out some civvies behind the M37.

They will all be Power Wagons to me, regardless of a non-salient point.

PrinceO'Weird

[dpcd67]

Ok, very good then; just didn't sound like you knew the difference, and we don't know you. So I explained the facts.
But M37s, aren't and never will be, Power Wagons. I have a guy here who calls his M37 a Power Wagon and I have to bash him in the head with a DPCD marked tire iron. He likes it.

[PoW]

My best M37 effort:

2 years to build.

25 years to accrue just shy of 250K mi.

Lots of worn out parts, but hey, who puts 10K a year on a tactical?

PoW

[PoW]

After all this, I should apply to Ron for the honorary rating of Commodore...

PoW

[USAFpj]

Nice, Dennis! Another knowledgeable Gee member, Ben Dover (Joel) has nothing but the greatest things to say about the M37. In my neck of the woods, we don't have many MV owners and can't say that I've ever seen one in the wild 'round here. Until the day that I saw a blue M37 and 40ish Power Wagon parked next to each other in my neighbor's field. He was using the PW to winch out his M37 that had gotten stuck, had owned both for decades, and I just never knew as we keep to ourselves..