Who all offroads their M37?

m37_power · Post by **m37_power** » Mon Apr 20, 2009 3:19 am

Im in the process of restoring my 52 and im trying to decide if i want to offroad it when its done. I also have a wrangler willys edition that i am considering building up for offroad. I love hitting the trails here in WV, but how will the dodge perform offroad. Mine is going to be mostly stock with the exception of some 38.5 TSL boggers on it. I realize that driving it will be more of a challenge then my jeep, but im looking for some opinons of those that have done it. I love the fact that its different. I see it as anyone can build up a jeep and take it offroad, but seeing something different like a M37 on the trails is just awesome. I appreciate any feedback that you can give. This board has helped me out alot already.

Tom @ Snake River · Post by **Tom @ Snake River** » Mon Apr 20, 2009 5:13 am

M37's are one of the best rigs for off road driving, I would rate them better than the same vintage of Jeep.
A locker in the rear and power steering are nice options to have for a minimum.

Juan · Post by **Juan** » Mon Apr 20, 2009 6:21 am

Tom @ Snake River wrote:M37's are one of the best rigs for off road driving, I would rate them better than the same vintage of Jeep.
A locker in the rear and power steering are nice options to have for a minimum.

Absolutely, no vintage jeep can match it's off road abilities.
You need a very built modern jeep to do it.

Just my 0.2

m37_power · Post by **m37_power** » Mon Apr 20, 2009 6:43 am

i should have been more specific....my jeep is a 2000 TJ sport that i made into a willys edition. I appreciate the comments so far. Im just trying to see how well the M37's perform offroad. From the few videos i have seen, they look very capable.

m37_power · Post by **m37_power** » Mon Apr 20, 2009 6:49 am

my jeep that i am comparing the M37 to offroad wise....

My M37 when i got it a few months back....i dont have any updated pics.

poor rich · Post by **poor rich** » Mon Apr 20, 2009 1:02 pm

get ready to be amazed!
Rich

m37_power · Post by **m37_power** » Mon Apr 20, 2009 4:07 pm

Thats exactly what i wanted to hear. Thanks for the comments guys.

W_A_Watson_II · Post by **W_A_Watson_II** » Mon Apr 20, 2009 5:14 pm

m37_power,

Jon M. (who frequents here from time to time) has an M, Vintage Jeep and a newer Jeep. He off roads all three and depending on what kind of off roading, bight help you decide.

As for Me, well my (OK my wife's) Jeep is strictly a modern on road unit so I only off road the M37. Let me tell you with the right altercations you will be amazed at what it does. On the other had the basic M is very very capable with the right tires.

My Site with more details/pictures: http://m37.wawii.com/

Tom @ Snake River · Post by **Tom @ Snake River** » Mon Apr 20, 2009 7:27 pm

I bought an 2003 H2 Hummer, my wife loves it, - it is nice that all the axles lock up, but as for off-road, FORGET IT,
It is the most pimped out garage queen of a vehicle. I at least wanted to put an "EMT" sticker in the back window to at least give it somewhat of a macho image, and my wife made me take it off.
Even on the H2 forum when they ask for off-road pictures, they are out in wide open spaces.

Tbonem37 · Post by **Tbonem37** » Mon Apr 20, 2009 7:55 pm

I do, and often! It's stock save the 11.00-r16 XL's. The ride is much more friendly than a comparable jeep, even with those thick spring packs.

TRACTORg25 · Post by **TRACTORg25** » Wed Apr 22, 2009 3:45 am

I use mine in the wood all the time it still equipped with the 9.00 x 16 NDT tires. It will go in some places my 79 cj-7 can't go and vice versa because of length and turning radious.

Keith · Post by **Keith** » Wed Apr 22, 2009 7:15 am

m37_power wrote: Mine is going to be mostly stock with the exception of some 38.5 TSL boggers on it.

I've had my M37 off the pavement a time or two: http://rides.webshots.com/album/64381057IVHZEV

I highly recommend that you consider adding a roll cage or roll bar as there is no structure to keep 6k# off your head if you turn turtle. Also, seat belts to hold you under that cage can come in handy. On steep down hills, I've found myself literally hanging from my seat belt while still operating my steering and brakes.

Since stock M37s have open differentials, you will have power to 2 wheels when shifted into 4WD unless you add a locker to one or both differentials. IMO, M37 axle shafts are undersized relative to the weight of the truck, so gentle use of the skinny pedal is advised.

Enjoy!

mattveeder · Post by **mattveeder** » Wed Apr 22, 2009 12:34 pm

I hate to admit that my m37 has been off road a time or two. Out of all of the 4X4's that I have expierenced the m37 in stock form is amazing. Better than any other stock vehicle that I have ever wheeled. I have a 05 wrangler rocky mountain edition and have never bothered to wheel it. Mostly because it is nothing in stock form to my m37.

mattveeder · Post by **mattveeder** » Wed Apr 22, 2009 12:34 pm

I hate to admit that my m37 has been off road a time or two. Out of all of the 4X4's that I have expierenced the m37 in stock form is amazing. Better than any other stock vehicle that I have ever wheeled. I have a 05 wrangler rocky mountain edition and have never bothered to wheel it. Mostly because it is nothing in stock form to my m37.

m37_power · Post by **m37_power** » Thu Apr 23, 2009 2:48 am

Great feedback as usual from everyone. I am planning on adding a cage to the truck, something that wont kill the stock looks of it, but protect me if i do flop it on its side. I have seatbelts on order for it as well. Ive read mixed things about the axles. I have a spare parts truck that is rusted way beyond repair, but the drivetrain is still intact. I am going to strip it down for parts. That way i will have spare axles, shafts...etc. I hate tearing down a M, but this one was used as a winter salt truck in the 70's here in WV. You can imagine what the body looks like. Well, youll have to use your imagination due to there not being a body there....lol. Thanks again for all the help.

Who all offroads their M37?

Who all offroads their M37?

Re: Who all offroads their M37?