difference 2 1/2 tractor trucks

[johan77]

Hi guys, what's the difference between an m275 a1 and a2 ? both are SWB (short wheelbase), 2 1/2 ton tractors, same tires, is it in the engine or gearbox ? 4 or 5 speed with high and low transfer case? do they both lack the presence of a spare tire and a toolbox behing the cab ? (the m48 and 5 ton tractors do have it installed).

Happy new year and stay safe !!!!

 

[NDT]

Only difference is the A1 has the LDS427 turbosupercharged engine with no muffler and bottom exhaust while the A2 has the LD465 normally aspirated engine with muffler and bottom exhaust. Of course both models would have received the LDT engine with stack exhaust at rebuild time.

 

[gringeltaube]

I think the M275A1 and -A2 both came with a vertical stack exhaust, including a spark-arrestor-type muffler (?)
Also, the only one -A1 I have seen still had the Sprag T-case.

 

[MWMULES]

Neither had tool boxes or spare tire carriers, if you got a steer flat you used the one from trailer or one of the duals. If a dual you just pulled it till you got it fixed. Both had hi/low transfer cases.

 

[NDT]

I think the M275A1 and -A2 both came with a vertical stack exhaust, including a spark-arrestor-type muffler (?)
Also, the only one -A1 I have seen still had the Sprag T-case.

David Doyle probably knows the most about this, here are my observations. My ‘66 275A2 for sure never had a stack, it had the muffler near the transfer case with a downspout. The 1970’s contract trucks did have the skinny stack from the factory. The ‘63 275A1 which I sold to SETOYOTA had a hole burned in the fender which tells me it did not come that way from South Bend.