M939 series 5-ton 6×6 truck

The M939 and M939A1 models use a Cummins NHC 250, a 855 cubic inches (14.0 L) naturally aspirated inline 6 cylinder diesel engine developing 240 horsepower (180 kW) at 2100 rpm and 685 pound force-feet (929 N⋅m) of torque at 1,500 rpm.[8] This was the standard engine of the M809 series. The M939A2 models use a newer and smaller Cummins 6CTA8.3 504 cubic inches (8.3 L) turbocharged inline 6 cylinder diesel engine developing 240 horsepower (180 kW) at 2100 rpm and 745 pound force-feet (1,010 N⋅m) torque at 1,500 rpm.[4][9][10]

By 1980 fewer soldiers knew how to shift manual transmissions and heavy-duty automatic transmissions had matured so the M809's manual was replaced with an Allison MT654CR 5-speed automatic. This is easier to drive, shifts better, and has less shock to the chassis than a manual transmission.

The M809 had an unusual 2-speed transfer case that engaged the front axle automatically, a more modern and conventional model was used. It could shift between low and high ranges while moving. In the low range the front axle is automatically engaged, in the high range the driver controls it.[11]

The M809 series used Rockwell-Standard double-reduction axles with a 6.44:1 ratio. New production M939A2 use a similar Meritor model, also with a 6.44:1 ratio. Steering boxes and some other components have also changed. Entire components are interchangeable but the component parts are different.

A ladder frame with three beam axles, the front on leaf springs, the rear tandem on leaf springs with locating arms, was used.

The M939 series uses 11:00 R20 tires with two tires per side per axle in the rear (rear tandem duals). This allows a heavy load to be carried on improved roads and most US trucks in the past have used them. The M939A1 and M939A2 series instead use oversized 14:00 R20 tires with a single tire on each side per axle, still with a tandem setup. Single, larger tires in a line (having the same track) work better and get stuck less often on soft ground. M939A2 series vehicles use a central tire inflation system (CTIS).[12]

There are three wheelbases (measurements are from the centerline of the front axle to the centerline of the rear tandem). The short, used for tractors and dump trucks, is 13 feet 11 inches (4.24 m), the long ("standard"), used for cargo trucks and wreckers, is 14 feet 11 inches (4.55 m), and the extra-long, used for long cargo trucks and expansible vans, is 17 feet 11 inches (5.46 m).[13]

The M809 series had an unusual air-over-hydraulic braking system, The M939 series have a commercial type air-brake system modified for military service.

M925A2 Dropside cargo truck

M928A2 Long cargo truck

The M923 (M925 w/winch) was the standard cargo version of the series. It had a 14 by 7 feet (4.3 m × 2.1 m) body with drop sides so it could be loaded from the side by forklifts. It had a bottom hinged tailgate. Side racks, troop seats, and overhead bows with a canvas cover were standard.

The M927 (M928 w/winch), with an extra long wheelbase, had a 20 by 7 feet (6.1 m × 2.1 m) long box. There was no drop side version. Side racks and overhead bows with a canvas cover were standard but no troop seats were fitted.[14]

M930A2 Dump truck

The M929 (M930 w/winch) was a dump truck used to haul sand, gravel, dirt, rubble, scrap, and other bulk materials. It had a dump body with cab protector and a tailgate that could hinge at either the top or bottom. They could be equipped with overhead bows, tarpaulin, and troop seats, but the relatively small size of the body limited their passenger or cargo load.[14]

M932A2 Semi-tractor

The M931 (M932 w/winch) was a semi-tractor used to tow semi-trailers up to 37,500 pounds (17,000 kg). A front-mounted winch was optional. Unlike commercial trucks the fifth-wheel could also pivot side to side, making a more flexible connection to the trailer. Even so, off-road performance was limited.[14]

M934 Expansible van

The M934 (M935 with a hydraulic lift-gate) had a 17 ft (5.2 m) van body with a slide out section on each side. When the sections are extended the working floor was over 12 ft (3.7 m) wide. The body could support 5,000 lb (2,300 kg) of communications equipment.[14]

M936A2 Medium wrecker

The M936 was a wrecker used to recover disabled or stuck trucks and lift large components. A rotating, telescoping, and elevating hydraulic boom could lift a maximum of 20,000 pounds (9,100 kg). Although the truck was not meant to carry a load, the boom could support 7,000 pounds (3,200 kg) when towing. They had 20,000 pounds (9,100 kg) front and 45,000 pounds (20,000 kg) rear winches, outriggers, boom braces, and special extra-heavy duty rear springs for stability. Chains, chocks, block and tackle, oxygen-acetylene torches, and other automotive tools were carried.[14]

M945 Ribbon Bridge transporter

The M939 to M945 were chassis with cabs, meant to carry specialized bodies. They were available in long and extra long wheelbases, and with or without front winches. The largest was the M945 used to mount the so-called "Bat Wing" body Shop Equipment Organizational Repair Truck Mounted (SEORTM), the Antenna Mast section of Patriot Missile Batteries, and with oversized 14:00 R20 tires as a transporter to carry and launch Improved Ribbon Bridge sections and Bridge Erection Boats.[4][15]