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Chassis, Truck, 3/4 Ton 4x4, M56 (G-741)

The M56 Chassis is a member of the M-37 Dodge 3/4 ton 4x4 Truck Family (G-741).

The Chassis, Truck, 3/4 Ton 4x4, M56 was produced in three variants:

  • M56, with and without winch, were used to build crash trucks for USAF (Model R-2) and US Navy (Model MB-2). About 650 manufactured.
  • M56B1, production of the M56 with M37B1 modifications.
  • M56C, modified M56B1 with heavier suspension, used for Davey CMU-3 and CMU-5 Compressor Truck and other heavy-duty maintenance vehicles and variations.

All of the M56 variants have a wheelbase of 126 inches, same as the M43 Ambulance and the V41 Telephone Maintenance truck.

Federal Stock Numbers for the M56 Chassis variants are:

  • Chassis, Truck, 3/4 Ton 4x4 M56 FSN 2320-294-4942
  • Chassis, Truck, 3/4 Ton 4x4 M56 w/winch FSN 2320-835-8618
  • Chassis, Truck, 3/4 Ton 4x4 M56C w/winch FSN 2320-219-7329
  • Chassis, Truck, 3/4 Ton 4x4 M56B1 w/winch FSN 2320-542-4633

Chassis, Truck, 3/4 Ton 4x4, M53 (G-741)

In addition to the M56 chassis group, the M53 and M53B1 chassis trucks were produced as a light military truck platform. The distinction is that the M53 and M53B1 had a wheelbase of 112 inches.

The M53B1 chassis was used for the XM708 Dump Truck and the XM711 Wrecker as well as other applications.

Chassis, Truck, 3/4 Ton 4x4, M56 (G-741)
Chassis, Truck, 3/4 Ton 4x4, M56 (G-741).

M56C chassis with Davey CMU-3 Compressor Truck equipment mounted
M56C chassis with Davey CMU-3 Compressor Truck equipment mounted.

M56C chassis with Davey CMU-5 Welder/Generator Truck equipment mounted. Photo courtesy John Eickhof
M56C chassis with Davey CMU-5 Welder/Generator Truck equipment mounted. Photo courtesy John Eickhof.

Rear view, M56C chassis with Davey CMU-5 Welder/Generator Truck equipment mounted. Photo courtesy John Eickhof
Rear view, M56C chassis with Davey CMU-5 Welder/Generator Truck equipment mounted. Photo courtesy John Eickhof.

Rear view, open, M56C chassis with Davey CMU-5 Welder/Generator Truck equipment mounted. Photo courtesy John Eickhof
Rear view, open, M56C chassis with Davey CMU-5 Welder/Generator Truck equipment mounted. Photo courtesy John Eickhof.

Side view, M56C chassis with Davey CMU-5 Welder/Generator Truck equipment mounted. Photo courtesy John Eickhof
Side view, M56C chassis with Davey CMU-5 Welder/Generator Truck equipment mounted. Photo courtesy John Eickhof.