We’re introducing a new feature series at Diesel Army that will showcase some of the coolest military vehicles on four (or more) wheels. While there’s no shortage of awe-inspiring vehicles and modifications available to the general public, as we all know Uncle Sam has some of the most interesting stuff around, and that hardware is often hard to come by for the general population.
This month, we’re taking a look at Rob Dicarlo’s BMY Harsco M923A2. This five-ton, 6×6 heavy-duty transport hails from the Desert Storm era. Built in 1990, this particular model spent its early days hauling around the 105 mm Howitzer cannon and its ammunition at the National Guard base in Walnut Creek, California, in the 79th IBCT 1st Battalion 143rd Field Artillery Regiment.
“I have been an avid off-roader my whole life and I just wanted something different that could handle lots of off road use, yet would be comfortable to drive,” Rob said. “Having a six-wheel drive off-road toy on 50-inch tires is the ultimate ‘go anywhere’ vehicle. Another plus is that the CTIS (central tire inflation system) means there’s no need to get out to change tire pressures, and if you get a puncture you can put the system in run-flat mode and keep driving.”
Derived from the M939 transport truck, which was developed in the late 1970s to replace the aging M39 and M809 series and is still in production today, this M923A2 weighs in at about 22,000 pounds and is powered by an 8.3-liter, six-cylinder turbocharged Cummins diesel motor that currently generates about 375 horsepower and 1,000 pound-feet of torque – a substantial upgrade from the 240 hp and 716 lb-ft these motors make in stock configuration – while still returning 14 to 16 miles per gallon in its present tune. To get the power to all four corners, the motor is hooked to an Alison five-speed automatic transmission and a two-speed transfer case.
M923 variants of the M939, such as the one we’re looking at here, were specifically configured for cargo transport and featured a body with drop sides so it could be loaded from the side by forklifts.
“The driver who was in charge of maintaining this vehicle during its time in the service received an award for zero failures in over 100,000 miles of use,” explains Bill Dozer of Those Military Guys in Rancho Cucamonga, California, who specialize in maintaining vehicles like the M923A2. “It was kept at the National Guard base due to the fact that it was one of only two M923A2 trucks on-base.”
Far from a show piece, this M923A2 has seen plenty of off-road hours at locations ranging from vast expanses of desert to snowy mountain trails and has dispatched four-foot deep water crossings and extremely deep mud bogs with aplomb.
As capable as the M923A2 is, Rob has made a number of modifications along the way to improve his vehicle. Like most builds, this project may never be “done,” as he is constantly finding ways to step up the truck. “There are so many upgrades I just can’t even remember them all,” he admits. “The truck is getting additional modifications on a regular basis. The motor alone has had numerous hours of tuning to get the power where it is.”
It’s clear from Rob’s sentiments about his M923A2 that the project is a labor of love. “Like most men, I subscribe to the idea that big boys want big toys.”
And, if you’re going to go big, what better way to do it than with a vehicle purpose-built for the job? Stay tuned next month for our next installment of Monthly Military.
You might also like
Do You Know Where America's Diesel Trucks Are Assembled?
If you’re curious where your heavy-duty diesel truck was assembled (built), the answer takes you on a little road trip across North America.
