M5h6

[Dave Ball]

There were several area's that the M-5H-6 was "more truck" than the CCKW or the Studebaker US6.
One was the power under the hood and the overall strength of the componets used.
Such as the one piece cast axle housing versus the three piece tube pressed into the center section on the Jimmy and Stude.
The M-5H-6 can haul a much heavery and bulky load cross country and do it in much harsher conditions.
The 24 inch deep beds and the gearing are much deeper and built for some serious loading.
Everything even the tires are bigger on the M-5H-6 when compared to its little sisters the CCKW or US6.
Your are correct about the rear suspension the Hendrickson walking beam had the benifit of lots of articulation and was super duty compared to the CCKW and the US6 the one major advatage was crawling over obstacles and through mud also the M-5H-6 had Thorton lockers so the rears all were driving that means the truck was a true 6x6 not a 4x4 like the CCKW or US6.
After the war the M5 was sought after by the lumber companies and utilities because of its ability to go where the work was with it super duty load carring capability.
The Hendrickson walking beam rears are still in use and are just now starting to get replaced by much more complicated air ride suspension systems.
Google RT340 Hendrickson.
Until you have driven a M-5H-6 on soft ground over hill and dale in double low lock 6x6 you have not trully driven a Binder. These trucks will put a smile on your face a mile wide that stays long after the rumbling engine is shut down you trully have to ride one to enjoy it and yes they will climb and go over terrain thought impassable and leave a Jimmy and Stude long behind looking for an easier way. I have seen this in action and it is a little unnervering at first but then you get used to a 7 ton truck going where its pointed.