1940 CMP developments

[Tony Smith]

Originally posted by David_Hayward
Please shoot me down on this one but I think the evidence suggests that in 1939 Windsor's team compared both GMC and M-H 4 x 4 chassis, and the Ford men naturally though that the M-H setup should be used. Probably with the Chevrolet rear axle located in front....Dr Gregg's photo of the F15A pilot truck had Chev axles and most likely a M-H transfer case. There is evidence that GM of Canada had used M-H components since at least 1935. However, the basic M-H design had its shortcomings as Tony has highlighted, and although we know the DND did indeed use M-H-converted MCPs, with Thornton and M-H/Timken components, it was GM McKinnons that produced the original 4 x 4 components under licence from Timken, and Fords subsequently dual-sourced by producing their own designs based thereon in their axle plant. The new design had the options of dual-speeds [if required] and disengement of front axle. As well as right-side output.

However, when reference is made to the use of M-H layouts when the first 4 x 4 CMP trucks were conceived, I believe that I can now prove this was in fact totally correct!

David, I didn't suggest that there was any shortcomings in the M-H system, quite the opposite! It was very well designed and the concept is still being produced today. The system was designed to be used on 1 or 1 1/2 ton trucks with 85hp engines. The issue with M-H components in the prototype CMP's was their marginal weight ratings for that application. They could have gotten away with it if the CMP was only ever going to be a 15cwt, but for the sake of standardisation, a heavier case was required for the FAT and 60cwt's. I don't believe the Ford produced cases are a new design, as I mentioned many of the parts share Ford and Chev numbers and are interchangeable. It was just a case of two (at least!) manufacturers of the components. Who originally conceived or licenced the design, I'll leave for you to discover.