In 1976 the Michigan DNR bought 3 new special order light duty fire trucks from the Dodge dealer I worked at. They were designated M3 and were sprung for about 2 ton, they had old timy body style with narrow hood that opened from the sides, and big fenders and tall "army" style wheels and tires, duals on the back, with running boards connecting the front and rear fenders, and they were 4 speed trans + 4wd. The fenders, grilles and running boards were reinforced with riveted on angle iron as was the box and tailgate. After we prepped them they went somewhere else to have the water tank and PTO driven pumps and hose reels installed. The fender tag called out 230CI. Gear ratios were 4.56! Had brass nomenclature plate riveted to the dash explaining how to shift and indicated top speed was 45 MPH. I'd only read about the 230 in the old motor's books, still haven't had an opportunity to work on one. The DNR uses those three trucks to this day as first responders to the jackpine burns that happen all to often.
