M715 Build

A little M715 history

The M715 was only built in the US for three years, 1967-69.  They hold the distinction of being the first M series US Military vehicle built using most commercial off the shelf components.  After 1969 they continued to be built in South Korea and are still built today. 

Click here to go to the M715 on Wikipedia.

Starting Point - 1968 Kaiser Jeep M715

A nearly stock M715 that sat in a field for several years after the right front spindle failed and the tire went into the body.  The drivetrain is still stock with a Jeep inline 6cyl, 4spd transmission, divorced NP200 transfer case, Dana 60 front axle and Dana 70 rear.   Other than missing the tailgate and an added hard top the body is mostly intact. 

Disassembly

Engine

The biggest change with this build will be the engine.  The customer has selected a LS7 from a 2006 Corvette which was completely rebuilt by Baldwin Race Engines.  They then rewired and set it up as a stand alone engine.  The LS7 is a 427 cubic inch, Gen IV architecture engine putting out 500+ horsepower. 

Transmission

GM 4L80E - Rebuilt by Larrys Transmissions

Transfer Case

Chevy NP205, with Advance Adapters Long Input Shaft Kit.

Axles

Front Axle - GM 10 Bolt

Rear Axle GM 14 Bolt

Suspension

Current plans for the suspension is a 3/4 link front and rear with coilovers, still to be sourced.

Frame Work

The M715 is a solid frame but this one does come wiout its issues.  Upon dissasembly we found that the steering box mount had been replaced with a cobbled up mount using random pieces.  In addition to this the front driver side of the frame to front cross member was cracked on the top, bottom and side.  This required repair on top of the changes need to compensate for the longer Jeep Cherokee power steering box we planned on using.