M43 Axle Swap

[wadefreedomvehicles]

So on the fourth of July, we were taking the ambulance down to a parade and then once we got there and tried to drive it, nothing would happen. The drive line would spin but the truck would not move. So we decided it was an axle problem. Sure enough, the passenger side axle shaft shear off the end and fragment cracked all around as far as we can tell. We tried to pound it out through the other side and it would move. So we decided to do an axle swap. An M37 came up for sale locally and it came with extra axle shafts and an extra rear axle. So we took off the old axle, and then last night went and rolled the new one underneath, and it doesn't fit.
Does an M43 Ambulance have a longer axle than the standard M37 power-wagon? Or why would this be the case?
Any help much appreciated. For now we are going to try to take apart the old axle and take the bad shaft out and see if we cant replace it.

[Kaegi]

let me guess its too wide? that would make it a Power wagon axle assembly. the PWs and WCs are a bit wider than M37s. I think they narrowed the M37s so they could fit easier through the doors of cargo planes. During WW2 that was an issue with the Wcs. they actually modified some of the bodies to make the fit through the doors.

[wadefreedomvehicles]

The Axle we just bought for it one of the blocks on top of the axle where the springs hook on and rest on, is lined up, and then you go to the other side and the block on the axle is out about 2 inches from the springs. on the outside of the springs. Does that make sense?

[Kaegi]

The Axle we just bought for it one of the blocks on top of the axle where the springs hook on and rest on, is lined up, and then you go to the other side and the block on the axle is out about 2 inches from the springs. on the outside of the springs. Does that make sense?

yes that's a power wagon axle assembly. the only thing its good for for you is the diff, the stub axles, the backing plates, hubs, drums, other brake parts and the knuckles. I think maybe the short inner axle is the same too.

[wadefreedomvehicles]

SO if I have a NOS axle shaft for a military dodge power wagon rear axle, will it fit in my axle that I took off of the M43?

[W_A_Watson_II]

Only the short side, the long sides are different. But you broke the short one, so swap the carrier and short axle shaft.

[wadefreedomvehicles]

So we went to take apart the axle assembly that came originally and the housing that the axle shaft slides into is all bent up and is ovaled. Pretty much, we have decided that we need a new axle and so I now i have dodge civilian axle for sale. Also have any parts other than the axle shafts out of the military one for sale.

[wadefreedomvehicles]

Just bought a rebuilt axle from Boyce Equipment today. Gonna get it painted this weekend, and then install it sometime next week hopefully!!

[wadefreedomvehicles]

Got the axle painted, hopefully by weekend I will be driving the m43 around the block again.

[wadefreedomvehicles]

Installed the axle yesterday and last night. Drove it around the block and it all seems to be working fine.
Now I need to do some more mechanical work on the ambulance to get it working better and be less maintenance.
Thanks everyone for your input, and answering some questions and such.
BTW I do have that civilian PW axle for sale. If anyone is interested let me know.

[Tom P]

Posting your location would help in selling the axle.
Glad you got it going again.
TGP

[Cal_Gary]

I recall he's out of Orem, Utah ( a half hour from me in Draper).
Gary

[wadefreedomvehicles]

Thanks, Yeah I am in Orem Utah. Thanks. Also I will post it for sale in the Swap Meet section.