The replacement for the legendary WC models of World War II, the Dodge M37 three-quarter-ton, 4x4 truck first arrived in 1951, the year this example was built. Military grade from its inception, this pickup is now vastly upgraded following a comprehensive two-year restoration completed in 2020, with the receipts included and the truck showing only 170 miles since completion. The project started with a boxed original Power Wagon frame, with a 408/485 HP Chrysler Magnum small-block stroker V-8 engine, rated at a big 535 lb-ft of torque, then installed. Sniper fuel injection, MSD ignition, a serpentine accessory drive and a Champion aluminum radiator are part of this installation as well, while JBA shorty headers feed a stainless 2-1 exhaust and Magnaflow muffler. A 5-speed NV4500 manual transmission connects to the Dana 44 front axle and corporate 14-bolt rear axle via a NP205 2-speed transfer case. Suspension changes include one-ton crossover steering with heavy-duty knuckles, Bilstein shocks and custom, off- road design leaf springs and hangers. There is a front sway bar and air-bump stops, new steering box, new hard fuel and brake lines, and 4-wheel disc brakes. An American Auto Wire severe-duty wiring harness, fresh weather stripping and new glass are installed throughout, as well. The body was media blasted and Upol primer was used prior to coating with RM epoxy, and Glasurit Porsche Slate Grey paint using Glasurit clear coat covers the body. A Black Raptor underside, bed and interior coating was applied as well, and a Boyce Equipment custom-fitted fiberglass hardtop covers the bed. The custom black and red interior features Procar bucket seats, an Ididit tilt column and Lecarra steering wheel, DOM tubing roll hoop with three-point seat belts, Classic Instruments bomber gauges, conversion to modern pedals, Vintage Air and fabricated door jambs. Sound comes from a Sony DSX-GS80 head unit and Rockford Fosgate speakers, with synchronized electric wipers and mil-spec LED lighting used throughout. The beast rides on Vision Nemesis 17x9-inch wheels and BF Goodrich KM2 37x12.50R17 tires, with a full-size spare included. For those looking for something quaint, this isn’t it. The M37 was born to be tough, and this version lives up to that reputation.
