M51, should I buy?

[jimm1009]

I have owned a few M35 series and my last and most favorite was an M35A2C.

It is gone now and have a M51 truck available for a good price.
Any advantages to this truck or unique things that I should know about.

Right up front I want to remove and sell the OEM dump bed and probably bob it.
Please do not flame me but it is a new phase in my life and am entertaining this
project for fun.
Advice and suggestions are most welcome.
jimm1009 (Now in Baton Rouge, LA)
email: m1009jim@yahoo.com

 

[NDT]

It's gasoline powered? Those get like 2 mpg.

 

[jimm1009]

Sad to say that I do not have enough information yet.
Let's assume that it is not gas powered as I would not buy one that is not diesel.
Is there any difference in the model designation for gas versus diesel?
Jim

 

[amgeneral72]

Your killing me

My wife wants a gasser dump truck so bad

I have to here it all the time

I'd buy it

 

[Recovry4x4]

The 6602 gas motor is wicked. I love the M39 series with the flat grill.

 

[BEASTMASTER]

hey let me know what u want for the dump when u decide. I've owned mine for 14 yrs. and plowed with it up mass. for 10 yrs. they get like 4 miles to gallon but will pull a house down. but in actuality a diesel only gets 4 to 6 miles a gallon. good luck

 

[BEASTMASTER]

I believe that the M-51a2 was the first diesel .

 

[BKubu]

Unless the truck is very clean (i.e., uncommonly clean) and the price can't be beat, I'd suggest finding a tractor. You will have less work to get it where you want to. Plus, the dump trucks have good value in original condition. Good luck whichever way you go!

 

[jimm1009]

After a couple of months I was able to stop by to see this truck again.
It seems that the hydraulic pump took a dump on the drive side.
They pulled the pump off and let it sit on the fender in the weather.
It look like it has been off for 5 years or more.
I assume that no coverplate was put on the engine to protect it
it is open to the humidity in Louisiana.
I have not tracked down the owner yet.
Is there any way to find out when it was made as in a similar manner to the 2.5 ton
using the s/n?
Oh and yes it is a diesel engine. It seems to be complete except for the batteries.

M51A2 WO/W
s/n 1649
Made by IHC
Contract 5157860
Jim