ida34 said:
One thing not brought up is the fact that there is no way it is a 92. The M39 series is the series that spawned the M52. The M52a2 is the last in the line before the 800 series started replacing them in the early 70's. I am not sure when they stopped making them but it would be safe to say in the 70's. You need to try to find the correct year for your truck before you get insurance or plates.
I understand that the guy that started this thread doesn't care about the accuracy of his title, or the fabbed up data plate - but others reading this thread in the future may want/need additional data.
According to AM General, the bulk of the G-744 (M39, M54A2, M52A2, etc.) production for US use ended in 1969. Production of the replacement M809 series began in 1970 - however, there were a FEW (and emphasis on FEW) of the older-style trucks built after the production of the M809 series was under way. This was in order to fullfill some older contracts, and some were for foreign sales. Therefore, for a while, both styles of truck were leaving the AM General assembly line at the same time. All this transition took place in 1970-71.
The sure way to determine the year of one of any of these trucks is with the VIN, which is stamped in the frame. A second choice would be with the military-assigned registration number, which is stenciled on the inside of the door and on the underside of the hood.
The original poster has decided to live with the erroneous title and data plate, which is his call. I would caution others as an aside, that it is my understanding that it is a felony to alter VIN tags (I am not a LEO, but I think both Chuck and Kenny are) - hence, I'd be leary of driving a vehicle with altered VIN plates. Andit is unlikely the previously mentioned altered plate matches the relatively unalterable frame stamping. Truthfully, everything is likely to be cool with this, unless the vehicle is involved in a wreck (or worse, stolen, and then wrecked), at which point everybody and their uncle starts looking for a way to make someone else pay, or to minimize their payout.
Since at some point in its life this truck was owned by someone who either did know or didn't care about the right way to do things (hence the screwed up title and screwed up axle engagement), I'd suggest going over the truck with the proverbial fine-tooth comb, starting with the brake system. Your life, your family's life, and the lives of fellow motorists are riding on this person's skill - or lack thereof.
Severe tire scrubbing sounds like a sprag issue - (the reverse sprag is selected inside the transfer case, but the truck is moving forward). I've seen sprags burst because of such issues, wrecking the transfer case in the process - and driveshafts come out, taking oil pans with them.
Be VERY careful if you are doing any work on the driveline - I suspect that there is a lot of windup. I'd jack up a front wheel before doing anything, in order to relieve the strain - I suspect it will spin back, so don't be surprised.
Best wishes,
David Doyle
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