Design M151 ¼-ton 4×4 utility truck

m151a2 top , closed

although m151 retained same basic layout , dimensions of predecessors, intents , purposes new design. unlike previous jeep designs, structure consisted of steel tub bolted onto separate steel frame, m151 utilized integrated frame design, integrated box frame rails sheet-steel body-structure. eliminating separate frame gave m151 more ground clearance, while @ same time lowering center of gravity. process enlarged vehicle, making roomier previous jeep designs, while retaining same light weight.

front has grille horizontal slats

another area improved upon in m151 suspension. dispensing rigid live axles in front , rear previous military jeeps used (a layout still used on modern day jeeps, such jeep cj , wrangler), m151 instead equipped independent suspension , coil springs. made capable of high-speed, cross-country travel, while boasting high maneuverability , agility. new suspension had added benefit of providing more comfortable ride.

due copyright , trademark issues, m151 did not feature jeep s distinctive 7 vertical slot grille, instead, horizontal grille used.

problems

unlike other military transports, such wwii , korean war jeeps , dodge , chevrolet transport trucks, m151 never released civilian market. partly because did not meet federal highway safety standards civilian vehicles, , because of series of rollover accidents. while these blamed on independent suspension (which played no small part), due driver errors, operators unprepared increased performance compared jeeps replaced. swing axle rear suspension design prone radical camber changes when subjected abrupt shifts in lateral loads, resulting in catastrophic oversteer, led in turn vehicle rollover. sudden , excessive steering input, commonly found in high-speed emergency avoidance maneuvers, recipe disaster, heavy braking mid-turn. vehicle s tendency lose control reduced when there weight in rear, drivers place ammunition box filled sand under rear seat when no other load being carried. box emptied or abandoned when weight not needed. recoilless rifle carrier models prone rollover accidents due stiffer rear springs , typically subjected severe speed restrictions time gun not aboard.

the handling issues resolved redesign of rear suspension, introduced in m151a2 model. however, due liability concerns, u.s. department of defense deemed m151 series vehicles unsafe public highway use , limiting public use. continuing problems vehicle roll-overs 1980s led military retrofit many m151 series vehicles roll on protection structure (rops), roll cage intended protect both front , rear seat passengers.