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The M39 series 5-ton 6×6 truck was a family of heavy tactical trucks built for the United States Armed Forces. The basic cargo version was designed to transport a 5-ton (4,500 kg), 14 ft (4.3 m) long load over all terrain in all weather.
All axles have cross-axle differential locks and there are longitudinal differential locks in rear (and front on 8×8 and 10×10 chassis) axle combinations and the transfer case. Axle weight ratings are 9000 kg or 11,000 kg for front axles, and 13,000 kg for rear axles with single wheels/tyres. [4]
The safety of the M939 series of trucks has been criticized, especially braking performance and stability when loaded. In 1999 the U.S. Army began retrofitting anti-lock brake systems to the M939 trucks. [24] Until the trucks were modified, they were limited to a 40 mph (65 km/h) top speed by an Army-wide safety order. [citation needed]
The M1009 Blazer used 10-bolt axles (front and rear) featuring 3.08:1 gears. The rear axle was equipped with an Eaton Automatic Differential Lock (ADL) while the front was a standard open differential. The M1008 trucks used open Dana 60 front axles, with the M1028
In 1950 the next generation of tactical trucks were being developed. Sizes were rationalized, with 1 ⁄ 4 and 3 ⁄ 4-ton 4x4s and 2 + 1 ⁄ 2, 5, and 10-ton 6x6s. Trucks were military standard designs, 6x6 trucks used common cabs and similar fender and hood styles. [14]
An M56 used as a fire truck in the Lane Motor Museum. The Dodge M37 was a 3 ⁄ 4-ton 4x4 truck developed for service in the United States military as a successor to the widely used Dodge-built WC Series introduced during World War II.
Early models were standard commercial models, with chrome trim and hubcaps, in 1942 all trucks became plainer. The military model EH was a 5-ton on road 4x2 cargo truck. The EH, EHU (cabover) and semi-tractor models EHT and EHUT had EN354 engines and disc wheels. Early trucks had standard commercial cabs, later open military cabs were used.
A 20 June 1945 report by the Army Ground Forces Equipment Review Board recommended that all 4‑ton to 6‑ton tactical trucks should be replaced by a single standard 5‑ton (4,536 kg) 6x6 truck series. In 1949 specifications were set and truck manufactures began working on prototypes.