Hi there,
I've got two questions about the M-32. What is that part outside the right drive sprocket, I mean what is the function of it ? And what about that sort of grating at the rear hull? Who can help me?
Thanks and greetings from
robert

Robert
That grating,basically a square looking object,is an exhaust deflector for the engine A lot of late production M4A1's had them on there
I am not sure what the function of the part is on the drive sprocket It may act as sort of a winch I imagine the crew could but a cable on it and the ARV would be put in reverse and the cable could tow a bogged down vehicle that way onto firmer ground

IIRC it lifts the boom (hoist frame) into position.

Eric has it right.The cable to lift the boom would be attached to that drum,thne the other end would to one of 3 holes on the end of the bomm to lift it or lower it.I believe the drum part could turn independently of the sprocket.But I am not sure.That would make sense,being able to raise the boom at the right moment. (++) (++)

The item is called a "Lifting Drum" and it is attached directly to the sprocket. The boom is raised & lowered by then moving vehicle forward & backward.

The M32 boom isn't a precision instrument -- you set it up the way you want it (back, forward, part up) & then work in that position with boom locked in place. All lifting is done by the winch cable over the boom, not by adjusting the boom itself. (Although there are no doubt GI's who have done just about everything!!)

John