Dodge M880 Specs
by Dan Ketchum
The M880 is a Dodge pick-up truck modified for non-combat military use. This vehicle---known as a Commercial Utility Cargo Vehicle (CUCV)---first appeared in 1976 when it replaced the Kaiser M715 and the Dodge M-37 military trucks. After the M880's 1977 run, the U.S. military turned to the M1008, the M1009, the M1010 and finally the HMMWV (the Humvee). Though the specifications of the M880 may vary slightly per truck, most of the vehicle's baseline specs remain consistent.
Engine
According to the military vehicle enthusiasts at Olive-Drab.com, the Dodge M880 runs on a 318-cubic inch, eight-cylinder engine. It has 150 brake horsepower delivered at the crankshaft at 4,000 RPM and generates 230 ft.-lbs. of torque at 2,400 RPM. The M880's engine features a two-barrel carburetor; some carburetors were manufactured by Carter while others were produced by Holley. Each M880 is equipped with a 20-gallon capacity fuel tank.
Drive System
A Chrysler-manufactured Torqueflite 727, three-speed automatic transmission powers the Dodge M880 CUCV's drive system. The truck's transfer case is an NP203, a two-speed full-time 4x4 chain drive system. In front, the truck sports a Dana 44 axle with a Dana 60 in the rear for an axle ratio of 4.10:1. Hydraulic power-assisted front disc and rear drum brakes provide stopping power. The truck features a 12-volt electrical system and a 50-amp alternator.
Body
The M880's total curb weight is 4,648 pounds. The vehicle can carry a payload of up to 2,500 pounds for a gross vehicle weight of 7,748 pounds. The hearty weight capacities allow the M880 to perform its basic cargo-carrying functions. The M880 is 218.74 inches long, 79.5 inches wide and 73.85 inches tall while the vehicle's wheelbase measures 131 inches. The truck features a ground clearance of 8.5 inches unloaded and 8 inches under load. The truck's body features steel bows, which allow the addition of a cargo cover. Other body features include troop seats and a rear-step, bumper-mounted pintle hook. With the hook, the M880 can tow loads of up to 3,000 pounds.
Variations
The M880's base model, a military cargo truck, derives from the Dodge W200 pickup truck. According to Olive-Drab.com, some military kits supply the M880 with 24-volt power, enhanced amperage, blackout lights and auxiliary rear springs. Other models in the M880 series include the M881-885 4x4 cargo trucks---which featured communications kits---while the M886 is an ambulance vehicle. M887 and M888 models serve as 4x4 maintenance and tactical telephone trucks, respectively.
References
Writer Bio
Dan Ketchum has been a professional writer since 2003, with work appearing online and offline in Word Riot, Bazooka Magazine, Anemone Sidecar, Trails and more. Dan's diverse professional background spans from costume design and screenwriting to mixology, manual labor and video game industry publicity.
