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IHC model 1854 shop van

Z71

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Perhaps I should not have posted this in the deuce forum, but this vehicle is in the same size, weight and cargo capacity category as the deuce. The truck is essentially International Harvester model 1854 with an all aluminum van body with windows. The truck looks somewhat similar to the M109 shop van, except that the truck has a single rear axle. It is a 4WD vehicle. I have seen several of these auctioned off on GL. They are essentially a commercial IHC truck 4X4 chassis with a DoD spec shop van and other military spec items like the pintle hook hitch. I think they qualify as a military vehicle as they were special ordered for the DoD service.

Does anyone know much about these particular trucks? IHC model 1854 is a mid 80's truck chassis, it uses a 9.0 liter V8 diesel, which is supposedly not one of the best motors, but it will run just fine if not overworked. The transmission is an Allison automatic. Does someone know what the road speed of a truck like this would be? Can steady 65 MPH be expected? The all aluminum van body is a vast improvement over the steel van body of the M109 series, which leaks and rots away in time. I like the M109A4 shop vans, but top speed of 50 MPH frankly sucks. 65 MPH would be much nicer and safer. The IHC truck has 4WD capability and the cab has more comforts than M series military trucks.
 
Last edited:

wreckerman893

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I have seen them on GL too.

I think I remember them being used to deliver ammo to the ranges when I was at Fort Benning back in the 80's.

They were assigned to the Temporary Motor Pool (TMP) and were dispatched to units that needed them.

Some TMP vehicles were assigned to certain units and could not be signed out by any other unit.....my unit had a bus that was used to haul the Mag Rats (guys that issued out ammo) from the barracks to the Ammo Supply Point and back.

One of the best jobs I had as a young Specialist was driving that bus.
 

Stretch44875

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I had the 9.0 in a school bus. With 18,000 lbs, and a 4.44 rear end, I could run 65 all day. Slowed down some on the hills, but not bad. Never had any problems out of the engine, it had 220,000 miles on it.
 
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