TOW BAR IDENTIFICATION HELP

[FM1955]

Greetings-
We received a 1952 M37 as a donation to our transportation museum.
It is purportedly a former Korean War radio truck, but we have no definitive records with the truck confirming that.

In the bed of the truck is a very substantial, extendable "tow bar" (see photos).
Collapsed it measures approximately 68" in length and the width at the front of the bar measures 17" from the tip to the tip of the bolts.

We would like to know:
1) is this tow bar in fact a military accessory correct to the M37
2) the correct name/terminology used to identify it
3) it's intended use/purpose
4) value as an individual/separate item apart from the truck itself.

One of our senior volunteers theorized that it is an "extraction bar" used to pull vehicles out of mud or bodies of water should they become stuck?

Any assistance M37 forum members can provide would be greatly appreciated.
We would like to have as much complete information on the truck as may be available.
Thank you in advance.

[Cal_Gary]

Welcome FM1955-glad to have you with us!
That's not standard M37 equipment from what I can tell. There is a boom kit accessory for the M37; however I've not seen one myself so I can't be sure. You might send a PM to ELWOOD of this forum who had an M37 boom kit at one time. He might be able to offer some expertise. Hopefully you added the truck to our Registry above. Also hope your cab data plate has the VIN on it; if not, look at the left frame rail in front of the steering box-you might have to sand off some grime in order to see it.

Be sure to add your location to your profile-that helps us when finding parts vendors close to your location (nothing more than State is needed but you are welcome to include City as well).

Feel free to post your many questions here-lots of M37 enthusiasts and owners here who will offer advice freely and emphatically at times!
Again, welcome!
Gary

[NAM VET]

From what your pic shows of the bed of your truck, it seems to be not very rusty, and if your truck is like that elsewhere, you have a good candidate for a nice restoration. Keep us informed. And welcome. NV

[milstencil]

That's the A frame hoist for the M series vehicles.
What you have is only part of the kit.
Go here https://www.steelsoldiers.com/threads/m ... nch.61360/
for more info and pix.
Rick