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New to me '52 M37
Posted: Thu May 11, 2023 5:40 pm
by Rdinatal
Newbie here. I've always had an itch for a milsup truck. Bounced around between a few: M35, M37, LMTV
Finnaly decided if this is going to happen I need to narrow on one. Found a '52 M37 two weeks ago in SC. Looked at it twice. 2nd time it followed me home.
Since i don't have enough garage space it lives in a 10x20 dive up storage facility with a roll up door. Tight, but its weather proof and secure. I had two outdoor storage lots but lately things have been stolen. Decided that this will need a bit more security.
Currently waiting for 3 upgrade kits from Mseriesrebuild.com:
Locking hubs (silver)
Dual circuit pwr assist Master Cylinder
Power Steering
Re: New to me '52 M37
Posted: Fri May 12, 2023 4:04 am
by Argie1978
Welcome!!!
Post some pics of the truck.

Re: New to me '52 M37
Posted: Fri May 12, 2023 4:10 am
by NAM VET
I am in SC too, Lexinton, keep my truck in a big hanger-like building at the airport with a dozen others, with every sort of experience and equipment for us. Are you near us? Hal
Re: New to me '52 M37
Posted: Fri May 12, 2023 4:16 am
by Rdinatal
NAM VET wrote: ↑Fri May 12, 2023 4:10 am
I am in SC too, Lexinton, keep my truck in a big hanger-like building at the airport with a dozen others, with every sort of experience and equipment for us. Are you near us? Hal
Down by Columbia, SC? That's 1.5hrs away from Huntersville, NC so not close.
Nice to be here though.
Re: New to me '52 M37
Posted: Fri May 12, 2023 6:03 am
by Rdinatal
Before pictures

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Follow me home...

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Re: New to me '52 M37
Posted: Fri May 12, 2023 6:32 am
by ashyers
Rdinatal,
Welcome to the community! Looks like a really nice truck. I look forward to hearing how you like it.
Andy
Front Axle Flange
Posted: Wed May 24, 2023 3:19 am
by Rdinatal
Putting on locking hubs from MSeriesrebuild. Started on the driver's side and have all but one stud out but that's fighting me. What can one do, or not to do, to back them out?
I've tried the two jammed nuts, working the lower one. They just spin. Even heating the stud up a little = spin.
Picked up one of those stud removers. The one with the knurled disk that wedges the stud against the tool body. Using that next.

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Re: New to me '52 M37
Posted: Wed May 24, 2023 5:37 am
by greeno
Before cutting up the threads with the stud remover, did you try red loctite on the outer nut?
Re: New to me '52 M37
Posted: Wed May 24, 2023 6:42 am
by NAM VET
as your truck journey continues, you are going to find that there will always be some troublesome, often unexpected encounters, which can greatly hinder the accomplishment of your task. These vintage stalwarts can give great enjoyment and service, but like other old things and people, they can be ornery and recalcitrant at times. Sometimes it is best to take a break from a task, and start anew in a day or so. And welcome again, Hal, near Columbia SC.
Re: New to me '52 M37
Posted: Thu May 25, 2023 3:01 am
by Rdinatal
Thanks Hal. The idea of walking away for a bit is practiced. I'm going back tonight to do the passenger side. The lone stud on the driver's side can wait a bit. Maybe it will get lonely and unscrew itself just to join its buddies in the baggie.
I was working on my wife's car once. The bolts on the turbo oil return line were giving me fits lining up. On my back looking up I could see them perfectly. Wasn't until I closed my eyes, both started and were able to be tightened. Seems there was an angle that was fooling me when looking. Closing my eyes forced me to use feel and the compound angles didn't cause the issue anymore.
Re: New to me '52 M37
Posted: Sat May 27, 2023 4:54 am
by Rdinatal
greeno wrote: ↑Wed May 24, 2023 5:37 am
Before cutting up the threads with the stud remover, did you try red loctite on the outer nut?
Went the Loctite route. Worked great, the nuts didn't slip.
The stud broke.

Will need to concentrate on that...
Anyway, went to the passenger side. All studs came out.

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Re: New to me '52 M37
Posted: Sun May 28, 2023 1:24 pm
by Rdinatal
Finally!! Got my exercise today along with my profanity quota. Drivers side hub done.

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Re: New to me '52 M37
Posted: Wed Oct 11, 2023 4:29 am
by Rdinatal
The power brake booster is installed with the remote reservoir and reserve vacuum can.
Changed to a mechanical brake light switch to reduce the complexity of the plumbing. It now has separate front/rear braking circuits.

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Re: New to me '52 M37
Posted: Wed Oct 11, 2023 10:36 pm
by Cal_Gary
Impressive!
Re: New to me '52 M37
Posted: Thu Oct 12, 2023 12:32 am
by Argie1978
Well done.
Why don’t you open an entry in the builder’s blog section? You can show there your progress.
