WC52 Dodge Truck, Cargo, 3/4 ton, 4x4

The 3/4 ton G-502 series of Dodge WC trucks was introduced in late 1941, replacing the G505 1/2 ton trucks of the period 1939-1941. The most versitile of the 3/4 ton "Weapons Carriers" was the WC-51 or WC-52, two trucks that were identical except for the presence (WC-52) or absence (WC-51) of the front-bumper-mounted winch. Although called a "weapons carrier" it had folding troop seats down both sides of the cargo area and was primarily used to haul personnel and ammunition. Numerous variations were produced, including the M-6 Gun Motor Carriage (GMC) which mounted a 37mm Anti-tank Gun in the cargo bed of the WC-52 base vehicle.

The WC-52 was equipped with a Braden MU-2 winch, mounted in the center, front. The WC-52 frame was specially made, extended to accomodate the winch. The winch capacity was originally 5,000 lbs. with 3/8 in. wire rope, but was increased to 7,500 lbs. in October 1943. The higher capacity winch was equipped with 7/16 in. wire rope and a heavier shear pin.

WC52 Dodge Truck, Cargo, 3/4 ton, 4x4.

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17 Sep 1944 Thousands of Allied planes begin airborne assault on Holland, Operation Market Garden.
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WC-52 Truck, Cargo, 3/4 ton, 4x4 w/Winch Dodge (G502)

The WC-52 Truck, Cargo, 3/4 ton, 4x4 was developed at a Dodge subsidiary, the Fargo Motor Corporation. Between 1942 and 1945, 59,114 WC-52s were built for U.S. use and shipment to allies, especially the Soviet Union where the trucks became quite common. They were utilized very broadly for many purposes in all branches of the U.S. military through World War II and the Korean War. The M-37 3/4 ton 4x4 Dodge truck gradually replaced the WC models during the mid- to late-1950s.

WC-52 3/4 ton 4x4 Dodge Cargo Truck Specifications

Net Weight	5,945 lbs
Height (w/canvas top)	6 ft, 10 in.
Height (top lowered)	5 ft, 2 in.
Width	6 ft, 11 in.
Length	14 ft, 9 in.
Ground clearance	10 5/8 in.
Wheelbase	98 in.
Tires	9.00 x 16, 8 ply
Engine	Dodge T214, 6 cyl, 230 cu. in. gasoline
Transmission	New Process 4-speed
Transfer case	New Process Single-speed
Horsepower	76 bhp
Road Speed	54 mph
Range	240 mi

WC-52 3/4 ton 4x4 Dodge Photos

Find additional photos and hi-res versions of the WC-52 3/4 ton 4x4 Dodge at the Olive-Drab Military Mashup:

Dodge WC-51 (or WC52) 3/4-ton weapon carrier loaded with ammunition ready to leave for piers and shipment overseas, Morrison Area, Hampton Roads Port of Embarkation, Newport News, VA, 24 May 1943. This vehicle was among those which accompanied the 45th Division when is sailed for service in Africa, Sicily and Italy.

Dodge WC-52 3/4-ton 4x4 cargo truck, 1942.

Crew mans the M-6 Gun Motor Carriage (GMC) with 37mm anti-tank gun, based on the WC-52 Dodge 3/4 ton Weapons Carrier, during US Army maneuvers in the Carolinas, August 1942. The M6 GMC truck was manufactured by Dodge (the standard WC-52) and the completed vehicle and gun combination were produced by the Fargo Division of Chrysler Motor Corp. (Vehicle sometimes known as the 3/4-ton Fargo).

Dodge WC-52 3/4-ton 4x4 truck towing a 40mm AAA gun, backs into the cargo doors of a C-119 Flying Boxcar, circa 1950.

WC-52 3/4-ton 4x4 cargo truck, with winch, 1942 photo when this model was about six months in the field. Manufactured by Dodge and developed at a Dodge subsidiary, the Fargo Motor Corporation.

Dodge WC-52 3/4-ton truck (left) alongside a 1/2-ton Dodge WC, the previous version, 1942.

WC-52 3/4 ton 4x4 Dodge Photo Gallery

WC-52 Truck, Cargo, 3/4 ton, 4x4 Dodge (G502) loaded with ammunition.

A pair of WC-52 3/4 ton 4x4 weapons carrier trucks packed for shipment at Hampton Roads Port of Embarkation, Newport News, VA, 19 December 1944.

WC-52s waiting for shipment to the U.S. Army, at the Chrysler Corporation Dodge truck plant near Detroit, MI, August 1942. Other Dodge WC-series vehicles are also visible in the lot.