1973 M54 or M51???

[QKA-M35]

Interesting....you say that because the area on the transmission where the PTO would mount looks super clean as if there was never a PTO mounted. The cover plate looks untouched. However the truck has a front winch assembly. I'm going to get pics of the truck and post them for further assessment by you and the rest of the experts. I'm leaning towards a M52 or M51.

Calling all experts! Here are the indicator pics that I will hope help you in determining whether this is a M54, M51, or M52. The rear pics of frame show it to be very clean almost factory which leads me to believe that this could have been a rare single axle 5 Ton which they did make. However, if it was a single axle 5 Ton then why the need for the trailer bed? Why not just keep the tractor, dump or cargo bed? I took pics of the area between back of cab and trailer bed which clearly shows where something was mounted that used air, hydraulic or PTO setup due to the disconnected lines. You would have to zoom in to get a better look.

I look forward to your replies!!!

 

[QKA-M35]

Can anyone help with this mystery? Trying to determine if the truck I have is an M54, 52 or 51. Original single axle from factory or "bobbed"?

 

[AZDeuce]

I've studied some pictures of the rear of both the M51 dump truck, and the M52 tractors yours is DEFINITELY a M52 Tractor. The biggest give away is the rear cross member. The dump truck has a solid flat topped piece of bent "U" channel, while the M52 has a stamped piece of steel that is depressed on top by a few inches. So your truck used to be a M52A2 Tractor. Hopes that helps.

 

[QKA-M35]

I've studied some pictures of the rear of both the M51 dump truck, and the M52 tractors yours is DEFINITELY a M52 Tractor. The biggest give away is the rear cross member. The dump truck has a solid flat topped piece of bent "U" channel, while the M52 has a stamped piece of steel that is depressed on top by a few inches. So your truck used to be a M52A2 Tractor. Hopes that helps.

Hell yeah that helps!!! You're awesome!! THANK YOU for solving my mystery!!!

 

[QKA-M35]

Hell yeah that helps!!! You're awesome!! THANK YOU for solving my mystery!!!

Wait...just to clarify....are you saying this is a factory "Single Axle" Tractor or was it a Dual Axle that was Bobbed? Just looks like the rear framing is factory. Please let me know what your assessment is.

 

[QKA-M35]

Hell yeah that helps!!! You're awesome!! THANK YOU for solving my mystery!!!

Wait...just to clarify....are you saying this is a factory "Single Axle" Tractor or was it a Dual Axle that was Bobbed? Just looks like the rear framing is factory. Please let me know what your assessment is.

 

[98G]

Originally a dual axle tractor.

 

[AZDeuce]

It originally was a dual rear axled tractor (6x6), I've never heard or seen a military single axle tractor except one made once they were in civilian hands. The rear tires (on the rear axle) actually sit a few inches past the frame of the truck. So I doubt your frame was shortened just the rear axle removed and the middle axle moved back a bit. Hope that was what you wanted to know - AZ

 

[QKA-M35]

Originally a dual axle tractor.

Ok...thanks for the confirmation!!!

 

[fasttruck]

Reference to post #20: 5tons have PTO on right side of transmission. If no PTO is used an sheet metal cover is used to cover the opening. If the transmission was replaced after a dump body was removed with a plain PTO opening then it would look like it was never there. Another clue would be if the knock out that fills the hole in the floor where the PTO lever goes is missing would suggest a PTO had been present and is now gone. Depot or Direct Support would not likely close that up.

 

[QKA-M35]

Reference to post #20: 5tons have PTO on right side of transmission. If no PTO is used an sheet metal cover is used to cover the opening. If the transmission was replaced after a dump body was removed with a plain PTO opening then it would look like it was never there. Another clue would be if the knock out that fills the hole in the floor where the PTO lever goes is missing would suggest a PTO had been present and is now gone. Depot or Direct Support would not likely close that up.

Thanks for the intel. This truck does still have it's PTO lever but the linkage end of it that sits above the transmission is just dangling there not connected to anything.