It's Beggin for a Cummins ?

[WJune]

Reading my OLD CARS paper I see add that may be a project waiting to happen for someone. 1977 Dodge military ambulance 4x4, V8 auto, runs, low miles, needs tlc, drive home. $650. 609-259-2379 NJ If its like the one I checked out with a 6. 2, it would make a tough camper. Had crawl through between buckets. Good thing it's far away or I would have another project.

 

[XJSuperman]

I think so!



I am wanting to find a kasier (jeep) M-725 ambulance and swap in a 12 valve. Make a camper out of the box and then tow my jeep behind it.



This is all after I find my next dodge/cummins which I need/want more right now.

 

[tx_fireman1525]

Those old military dodges usually came with a 318 gasser. Swapin in a Cummins may not be a bad idea!

 

[91W350]

I am wanting to find a kasier (jeep) M-725 ambulance and swap in a 12 valve. Make a camper out of the box and then tow my jeep behind it.

You might want to check out the M715 Zone one of their members installed a 4BT (eight valve?) into a M715. The truck was absolutely unstoppable. Loads of low end torque with 5. 87 axles makes for a crawling machine Anyway, I think his name was Lee and he went by McInfantry. If you search for his posts, you might gain some valuable information.



He ran into length problems with the 4 cylinder, I am not sure why as a six was in there originally. I put a small block Chevrolet in one and had lots of room. I mounted my radiator on the engine side of the original radiator bracket.



Another problem was the depth of the diesel in the frame. The oil pan had differential issues.



For me the biggest problem would be the gearing. They have that terrible low 5. 87 axle ratio. I ran a 38. 5 tire and 55 was about it. I suppose you could raise the truck and go wih 44s, but your hitch would have to have some kind of drop to tow a trailer with!



Some people say to just swap gear ratios, even though they are equipped with a Dana 60/70, they are different than civilian models. It is possible to install complete axles out of a donor truck. It seems the GM 14 bolt and Dana 60 front are popular out of the CUCV series Chevrolets. You lose that cool large bolt pattern when you do that though. The brake upgrade alone would probably make the axle swap worthwhile.



I had three of the 715s and my younger brother had three, and two 725s, the ambulances you are talking about. Parts are not easy to come by and everything in the drivetrain seems to be just a little oddball.



All that being said, they are great off road. Just point the nose and hammer down. I never knew one that rolled over. Either they will climb, or they will slide back. I had a Detroit locker in the rear and a lockRight in the front. Glen