Newbie from Cape Cod and new M923 owner

[Cape Coastie]

So I have been around this sight for awhile and owned a 1951 M37 about 20 years ago. I purchased a M105a2 back in Feb. I figured I needed something better to tow it with than my F150. Started looking and cruising all the auction sites. Found a 1984 M923 locally that didn't have an engine in it and was due to be parted out. Talked with owner and made a deal to buy the truck with an engine to come from a running M936 of the same vintage. Truck is in great condition. This Friday starts the big engine swap. Will try to keep updates of progress with photos but hope to complete the swap this weekend with some long days. Have learned a lot from this site so far and hope to continue. My first look at the truck looked like this.

 

[ageregunner]

Welcome from PA. Good luck with the engine install.

 

[two.fiveM35]

Welcome from Texas. Good luck on the swap and keep us updated. We like pictures...

 

[Bo1]

Welcome from Louisiana

 

[dependable]

Welcome from the glacier remains to the east of you.

 

[elkhtr]

You're in great shape, half the work has already been done. I replaced the engine in my 923 a couple of months ago, not as bad as I thought. It went in much faster than it came out. The technical manual is your friend, it saves a lot of backtracking.

 

[theeDIZ]

Welcome from MD .

 

[datadawg]

Welcome from another PA member. I usually make it to the Cape every summer to visit my folks in Hyannis. Good luck with the project. You have super singles on your truck, which is, I think an upgrade from 1984 era trucks. I believe there is a member on this site who lives in Wilmington Mass (?) and from the grape vine, he's very handy. His name is Martin Cox and AFAIK, he has a 5 ton. He might have info on local parts, etc. -- may be worth looking him up on this forum.

 

[turnkey]

Welcome from the Ill area.

 

[dawico]

Welcome from Texas.

 

[Cape Coastie]

Datadawg thanks for the info. I may have to look him up soon. Let me know if you are in the area and need anything.

 

[acesneights1]

It that Vintage Irons old truck ?

 

[Cape Coastie]

Yes it is. That is where I will be doing the engine swap.

 

[acesneights1]

You are in excellent hands then. I almost bought that truck myself but another friend had one that was running and time to do the swap just wasn't on my side.

It will be a nice truck when done.

 

[Blackbear]

Another welcome from Texas.

 

[blmyachtsales]

Another MA guy here, Matt at vintage is a good guy. Helped me plenty. I'm in Swansea, what part of the cape are you in?

 

[Cape Coastie]

Blmyachtsales I live in Sandwich. I also work in the yacht industry.

 

[Cape Coastie]

Engine swap complete

So, I bought a 1984 M923 without an engine with the deal of getting a running engine out of a M936. Swap began last Saturday morning and went for 24 hours between sat. and sun. Monday was another 12 hours. Finished up between Tuesday and Thursday with another 6 hours. Had three talented mechanics and even my wife helping to paint and do checks. We swapped front hubs between both trucks due to a set of spacers needed from the M923 to the M936. While the engine was out put in a block heater and added the dual fuel line mod. Registered on Friday and have been testing over the weekend. Runs great and everything works with only a few minor glitches.

 

[sed6]

Wow! Way to knock it out! Having Soldiers B, C, D & E to help must have been awesome. Your pic #3/10 with both up on jackstands, pic of the month!

 

[turnkey]

Nice rebuild ...Now when are you going to swap out the back on the 923, for the Ice Cream rig???