Drivetrain question

[Paladin]

I can't get the rear drive shaft to engage on my contact truck, and I believe it has something to do with the weird drive disconnect to run the gen set. There is a short shaft from the t case into what appears to be a coupler of some sort to disengage the drive when the gen set is running. This coupler doesn't move when you shift the lever in or out, although it looks like it should. I can't find any info on this anywhere, so I don't know how it's supposed to work. I think this must be the problem, but I'm open to suggestions. Any info would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
P.

[Carter]

I am not sure what kind of a drive train you have, if it is possible to take couple of pictures someone here might be able to help you.

[Paladin]

Not a bad idea, I'll see if I can get a couple.
Thanks!

[vtdeucedriver]

He has the M56. Anyone have a copy of the 60's maintenance manual. It should be in that one

[Carter]

He has the M56. Anyone have a copy of the 60's maintenance manual. It should be in that one

I thought the M56 was a cab and chassis with various special bodies installed with drive trains to suit those needs with not all being the same, again that's my understanding and I could be wrong on that as I have never owned one.

http://photos.imageevent.com/colwell/m3 ... 0Ldoor.JPG

[Paladin]

That is correct Carter, the M56 is the generic designation for the long wheelbase cab and chassis. My truck is an M56C1 Contact Maint Truck w/w. It has the 7.5 kw gen set and welder and two PTO's, one for the winch, one for the Gen set. The one for the gen is in line with the drive, and has the interlock in question on it which either engages the gen or the drive.

[Carter]

Always wanted one of those but could never find one so had to settle for a plain old M37.

[Paladin]

Ironically, I'm the opposite, I'd rather have the plain M37. This sucker is rare, I just never liked the tool beds. It's a phenomenal truck otherwise, only 5700 miles, new tires, I'm the first owner since the military, just hate the bed. Oh well, I really can't complain, the price was unreal.

[Monkey Man]

Hey Carter.....
Do you have a Plain O'l M37 to give Paladin so you can take the M56c1 away and make you both happy??

MM

[Carter]

What a great idea Tony, for a contact maintenance rig I even be willing to give-up old 909.

[Paladin]

Oh man, that is a good looking truck Carter.... I'd be very tempted if we were closer to each other. I can't afford shipping though. What year is yours?

[Carter]

It's a '53. Yes the distance is a big hang up, fun to think about though.

[Paladin]

My M38a1is a '53. I sure do like the look of the plain M37 though....

[Paladin]

Yes Carter, were it not for that limiting factor, I'd be all over that. I've thought of selling her and buying another, but really wanted to find out more about production numbers and value ballpark so I wasn't going into it blind.

[Monkey Man]

Distance?? - No Problem, ROADTRIP Man!!!!!!!!!!!!

MM