M725 project, your thoughts...
Post by alosix on Jul 25, 2006, 7:23am
We're looking at picking up a M725 for the shop to pull parts hauling and tow rig duties.
the M725 choice is simple, they are odd looking old Jeeps that bring a bunch of attention at shows. Great for getting people into our tent to see our wares. (At least thats what my Canadian M101 trailer and Jeep TJ seem to do).
Now the the fun part. We'll probably only need the truck a few times a month. Most shows aren't real far away, but some are and require some highway time. The M725 we're looking at seems to be in good shape with less than 40k on the clock. Needs brake and fuel tank work.
We also need this to be done on a pseudo budget (If I had 40k to budget for a truck, I'd go buy a 1 ton truck )
So, let me know if this doesn't sound too nuts:
Step 1: Goal is brakes, tires, highway speed.
1.) Swap in D60/D70 from 1989 Dodge 12v 350. (4.10 ratio I think)
2.) Add 8 lug wheels
3.) mount up some 37" Toyo M55s.
4.) Possible Vette MC swap or other brake help. (maybe even the one from the 1989 Dodge we are cannibalizing)
This should get us:
a.) Maintainable brakes
b.) More available bolt pattern for wheels.
c.) Highway top speed without killing the engine/t-case.
d.) No towing in this round. Just filling the back full of Jeep parts.
Questions:
1.) The tranny has a fairly low 1st gear. I figure it should be able to move the truck with 4.10s in it. It might not go real fast, but I'm figuring that in 4th gear on flat ground it might be able to do 65 mph. 4.56 or 4.88 would probably be better, but not so much for step 2. Though 4.56 might be a very good middle ground.
Step 2:
1.) Install 12v CTD from 1989 truck. (I make that sound so straightforward don't I).
2.) Install the rest of the drive train from the truck (tranny/t-case).
3.) Spend all winter trying to make everything fit right.
This should get us:
a.) a 'real' 5/4 truck capable of hauling parts + 2 Jeeps on a trailer.
Step 3:
1.) Probably install some Firestone AiRide bags front and rear with a linked suspension. Just to soften the ride when unloaded and to let me adapt airbags to one more vehicle .
Sorry for the long post. Any thoughts/criticisms would be appreciated.
Jason