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Anybody own an M35a?

moneypit_K5

moneypit_K5

1/2 ton status
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I'm looking at buying this military 6x6 to use as a tow rig.

Heres why:


  • No cdl required.
  • they have a multiple fuel engine, they basically run on any liquid fuel.​
  • dude, 6.72 axle ratio and 10 powered tires.:saweet::saweet:

My plan is to do away with a truck/trailer all together and run my K5 right up on the truck bed.

Currently, i pull with my '98 cummins 4x4. I use the tow rig as a fail safe extraction rig when we break or get real stuck.

but its pretty hard on the dodge with all the brush and mud, getting it back in those trails just beats the hell out of it.

I think it will be a safer tow with a big rig on the ice/snow/mud as well, at least compared to my dodge and trailer.

You guys have any thoughts about this?.
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M35a.jpg
 
Why would cdl not be required? 3 axle trucks go commercial at 6,001 lbs. and 2 axle at 26,001 lbs. unless WA is different. Maybe that's just a CA thing. Just wondering out loud. Anyway, I thought that would be a cool way to haul a rig. I considered a deuce to build into an all-terrain motorhome, just never got ahold of one. I saw a lat model for sale a while back for 14k, the 6 wheeler instead of 10 wheeler. I was VERY tempted, even though I had a hard time justifying it.:D
 
I have no idea why no cdl, some thing to do with the ex army aspect of it.
I can get this one for 3500 with a winch on the front, which is somewhat of a rarity on these. also, this one has new tires, runs perfect and only has 30k or so on it. on it, although mileage is generally pretty low for all ex army surplus.
 
Fuel mileage was never really a concern it seems, but I'd surely pay 3500 for that if it runs good and has new rubber. If nothing else, just for the COOOOL factor!:D Oh, if I could only find a DUKW.:saweet:
 
actually, i think these do ok for fuel milage. ive heard guys getting as much as 15 out of them.

PLUS they will literally run on anything. trans fluid, motor oil, gas, diesel, hydraulic fluid...
 
moneypit_K5 said:
actually, i think these do ok for fuel milage. ive heard guys getting as much as 15 out of them.

PLUS they will literally run on anything. trans fluid, motor oil, gas, diesel, hydraulic fluid...
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Sounds like it would run on waste oil, i.e. FREE fuel!:D 15 mpg would be damn good for a beast like that IMO.
 
i wouldnt run any waste vege through it, then what would i use in my dodge? :D

how about all that used motor oil i go through at the shop instead...now that sounds free....
 
Here is a clipping from wikipedia regarding the CDL requirements:

Brake system is air-over-hydraulic six wheel drum with a driveline parking brake, although gladhands exist on the rear of the vehicle for connection to trailers with full air service and emergency brakes. Braking performance of the truck is similar to other power drum brake vehicles of this size. Each drum was designed with maximum efficiency in mind, and individual drums can dissipate up to 12 kW of braking heat. Due to this brake system and GVWR under 26,001 pounds, the big deuce can be driven without a commercial driver's license in most states. California requires a CDL to operate an M35 on public roads.


I just bought 2 of these through a government auction here in central Alabama. I got both of them in running condition for $1420 apiece. One has 26000 miles and the other has 36000. I bought them to canibalize for 2 steering axles. They are worth $1300 apiece just for the scrap value. I figure I keep the front axles and scrap the rest and I have a set of steering axles for about $240 plus my fuel and time!

Mike
 
Thanks, Mr. Chevy, that answered my question: I live in the state with the most retarded vehicle laws.:doah:
 
four_by_ken said:
Its true that they run on almost anything... doesnt mean they are happy doing it.
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right, it wouldnt like the high octane/low lubricant stuff, but im sure you wouldnt have much of a problem running engine oil mixes (black diesel). no different than any other diesel except they will make it further on pump gas.
 
The Multi-Fuel engines had a fuel compensator on them that would regulate how much fuel was being burned.....as in if your running 30% gasoline/70% diesel mix compared to 10% gasoline/90% diesel mix, you will see power and mileage loss, if your going to run gasoline, kerosene, jet fuel, or other "dry" fuels i would recommend throwing a quart or two of tranny fluid in it.....helps alot with the lubricity.....

In my opinion a M921-M939 5 ton truck would be better over all if you can get one, better selection of tires available (I.E. radials), bigger tires, better and bigger, engines (6CT or 290 cummins), deeper axle gears, allison 5 speed automatic, bigger t-case (makes a 2.5 case look like something out of a jeep)......


Or if you could ever possibly find one.....get a HEMTT PLS (paletized loading system)......make sure you get the rear deck pallet with it though....you could drive your truck right up on the pallet, strap it down, and back the HEMTT up to it and just pull the pallet up on the back and drive off.....what would be sweet is if you could find a PLS Maintenance box for it (comes with spot for welder, torch, full set of tool boxes, air compressor, EVERYTHING), and get a PLS trailer and pallet and haul your truck on it....... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palletized_Load_System or you could rock it like Sonni Hoenegger and get a M1070 HETT..... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HETT .......both of course are powered by the 500 horse Screamin' Demon 8V92T Detroit Diesel (sounds best with straight pipes at high RPM) and Allison automatic trannies......and if you could ever find one of the "super" HETT's out of our Europe bases they come with a 700 horse C16 Cat engine.....
 
As totally ****ing awesome the HEMTT PLS is:bow::saweet:. I am not sure if they are available for sale to the public even through the government auctions. I could be wrong though. You probably could setup a 5 ton truck with the pallet system though, that would still be pretty bad ass :D.
 
Really, i see your idea, but its not worth it unless its just for the cool factor.

Maintenance on something like that has got to be killer in terms of part cost/availability. Also, how far do youtow? What type of terrain? THe highway manners on that thing have got to suck.

It sounds like a fun idea, but really, your current setup is pretty ideal. I kinda see your point on not wanting to beat the dodge up as a recovery vehicle, but that isnt' its main purpose anyways. Its purpose is tow rig. You can always try to avoid using it for extraction purposes.

Anyways, just my 0.02. Don't mean to rain on your parade, it is a sweet idea/concept, but is it really worht what it woudl take? Probably not. Most ppl would kill for your tow rig/trailer setup.
 
unfortunately, for what we play in, using my tow rig as an extraction device is mostly unavoidable. I would have needed to extend the bed about 3' to get my K5 up there, now with the willys it would fit nicely on the stock 12' bed.

And I get what your saying about road manners, but they really arent bad. mostly just loud. I wouldnt be towing more than 50 miles anyhow. Ive done alot of research on parts availablitity, etc. Im looking for one to buy right now. If it doesnt work out, it wont be hard to resell.
 
moneypit_K5 said:
unfortunately, for what we play in, using my tow rig as an extraction device is mostly unavoidable. I would have needed to extend the bed about 3' to get my K5 up there, now with the willys it would fit nicely on the stock 12' bed.

And I get what your saying about road manners, but they really arent bad. mostly just loud. I wouldnt be towing more than 50 miles anyhow. Ive done alot of research on parts availablitity, etc. Im looking for one to buy right now. If it doesnt work out, it wont be hard to resell.
Click to expand...

Ok then, sounds like you have done your research. have fun! Can't wait to see it. POST lost of pics!:D
 
dhcomp said:
Really, i see your idea, but its not worth it unless its just for the cool factor.

Maintenance on something like that has got to be killer in terms of part cost/availability. Also, how far do youtow? What type of terrain? THe highway manners on that thing have got to suck.

It sounds like a fun idea, but really, your current setup is pretty ideal. I kinda see your point on not wanting to beat the dodge up as a recovery vehicle, but that isnt' its main purpose anyways. Its purpose is tow rig. You can always try to avoid using it for extraction purposes.

Anyways, just my 0.02. Don't mean to rain on your parade, it is a sweet idea/concept, but is it really worht what it woudl take? Probably not. Most ppl would kill for your tow rig/trailer setup.
Click to expand...


see thats whats sweet about a 2.5 ton truck though, there have been so many of those trucks produced parts are readily available and you can actually get alot of the parts from big truck shops or parts suppliers.....
 
I know it’s different with state laws, but the requirements for a Commercial driver’s license federally are that you have to be using it for commerce before a CDL is needed. In other words if you aren’t using it to make money, then you don’t need one. But, like I said.. state law can be more stringent.


 
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