Anybody have a Deuce and a Half? M35A2 / M35A3...

[CSM]

Yes, I am crazy. But they look so fun! And with scrap prices, i am pretty sure that I could part out/scrap the thing if something major breaks and nearly break even. If I can find one with a winch for cheap enough... It might just come home.I am not crazy enough to get a 5 ton with the 800+ CI cummins in it. If I had a CDL, perhaps, but I think the 5 ton might be a bit too big. If anybody here has a deuce, I have some questions.

[Mopar1973Man]

THe local fire dept has 3 Deuce and a Half truck used for water tenders... What you want to know since I did the maintenance on them for over 6 years...

[CSM]

I don't know where to start really. I am just starting to learn about them. I like the concept of the multi fuel LDT diesels, but I haven't really worked on them. Are they decent engines? I have a lot of old oil that I can filter and run in an LDT :)I also like the CAT 3116 diesels and allison automatics in the newer deuces, but I am not sure I can afford an M35A3. If I get one its probably going to be a cheap surplus truck, and hopefully I can work through whatever issues it has without costing an arm or leg. What are some of the common things that you have to check up on with your adopted fleet? From what I read they are pretty simple, but some of the bearings & seals can be a pain to replace, but all are available and the manuals are as simple as a coloring book. Thanks Mike!

[Mopar1973Man]

Axle bearings, wheel seals, knuckle boots are a really PITA but its a common failure. You'll end up with gear lube soaked brakes and drums.

Engine wise they are nearly bullet proof. The turbo charged engine are MUCH stronger than the non-turboed. They are not know for high road speeds (Max of about 55 MPH) but they will pull huge amount of weight without thinking twice...

Injection pump is simular to the ol' VE pump in the first gen once you look at you'll understand what I mean.

Here is Water Tender 6

[CSM]

Very cool Mike. Thanks. They look like really solid trucks, and might be fun if I can find a cheap one.

[Rogan]

A local guy here has one that's been bobbed to a single rear axle. He says it turns so much easier, although he lost some GVW, but for what he uses it for (landscaping) the maneuverability outweighs the loss of capacity.It does look cool, though. I'll try to get a pic when I see it again. He's also got a couple Unimogs.I've always wanted a deuce and a half, but I would really like an old gama goatEspecially like THIS..

[Mopar1973Man]

Rogan's right those thing when there are load to max capacity they don't turn for crap. The rear axle pop and all kinds of noise just trying to turn arond on dirt roads.

[MarbleCrusher]

The guy that i work for has a sweet 5 ton its awesome, will go anywhere and its tons of fun! Had the chance to ride in a gama goat once, tons of fun too just dont expect to get anywhere to fast in a stock one lol-Jordan-