Bobbing m35a3 keeping 6x6

[offroadexpeditions]

I want to shorten my M35A3, but I would like to keep it 6x6. If I move the rear tandem forward about 3 ft, can it cause any negative impact on vehicle's performance, like stability, or turning? Any thoughts?

Thanks,

Peter

 

[Rambling Wreck]

Not sure about the clearances of all the components. Turning radius should be tighter but may require a little more muscle since you are essentially shortening your turning leverage, which may amplify the drag on the tandems. It would certainly be COOL. I haven't considered this option as my plan was to bob mine but I would love to see this build.opcorn:

 

[M543A2]

Given you can cut out frame pieces accurately to shorten it, re-join them securely, and have a location for the fuel tank, etc, I see no problem with your idea. It is best not to weld the top and bottom flanges of a truck frame rail just in case they are tempered, so a long, tight fitting splice, inside and outside the rails, held in place with high grade bolts is best. It is really good if you can find a frame rail piece off another truck that fits nicely over the outside or inside the Deuce frame rail for the splice. Failing that, cut the flange off one side of the cut out deuce rail pieces, place one over the outside with the flange up or down, the other inside the rails with the flange in the opposite direction. Solidly bolt through.
Regards Marti

 

[robert c neth]

had an m 211 like that for a few years and it drove well .made a nice trail truck.

 

[73m819]

JUST slide the total rear assemble forward, cut of the rear frame, reinstall the rear cross member, a lot better then slicing/dicing the frame

 

[jw4x4]

A 900 series tractor with a shortened 5 ton bed is my preference to that dilemma.

 

[Rambling Wreck]

I want to shorten my M35A3, but I would like to keep it 6x6. If I move the rear tandem forward about 3 ft, can it cause any negative impact on vehicle's performance, like stability, or turning? Any thoughts?

Thanks,

Peter

The reason this idea intrigues me is that if I did it I would be able to park in a normal parking spot without compromising payload capacity like I would if I bobbed it. I also think it would be nice to have the sharper turning radius. Both of these points would be beneficial if I started using the truck as a daily driver.

Where are you planning on putting the fuel tank and spare tire holder?

 

[patracy]

There was one for sale locally to me on craigslist for a while. Looked absolutely idiotic IMO. Why bother with it?

 

[olly hondro]

Yeah, I could see doing that. I parked my Chevy Avalanche next to the A3, the A3 is about 3 feet longer. Which brings up a thought : my HOA prohibits trucks longer than 19 ft........

 

[jrobinson5093]

I seen a m35a2 like than on here a while back can remember the thread right now but I dont think it would help turning it might make it worse. the tandems will probable try to push the front or you will wear the back tires out quick.

 

[Rambling Wreck]

There was one for sale locally to me on craigslist for a while. Looked absolutely idiotic IMO. Why bother with it?

Dang, I wish I would have seen that. If it looks stupid then I would abandon the idea. The last interesting thing I saw on craigslist was a bobbed deuce for only $4,500 (Macon I think).

Does anyone have a picture of a shortened (not bobbed) deuce?

 

[olly hondro]

Maybe somebody could photoshop a shorty for you.

 

[APM215]

Maybe somebody could photoshop a shorty for you.

I think i can help. M35A2 "Shorty" and just for fun COE to make it even shorter.

 

[offroadexpeditions]

The reason this idea intrigues me is that if I did it I would be able to park in a normal parking spot without compromising payload capacity like I would if I bobbed it. I also think it would be nice to have the sharper turning radius. Both of these points would be beneficial if I started using the truck as a daily driver.

Where are you planning on putting the fuel tank and spare tire holder?

I will put them in the bed behind the cab. I want to have it for daily use, and the off road use. The extra axle would spread the weight over larger area, so it would not sink that easily. I would like to remove some leaf springs from the back, to make suspension softer. Don't care about payload much. Any idea how many and which springs should I remove?

 

[offroadexpeditions]

I think i can help. M35A2 "Shorty" and just for fun COE to make it even shorter.

 

[APM215]

The only real problem I can see with moving the axle forward is the drive shaft angle and slip yoke extendibility to allow for axle articulation. Do some quick math to see how much up and down travel you want in relation to how much the drive shaft needs to grow or shrink to find out how short you can make it. I think it would be a cool truck for in the woods or the trails. Go for it and take pic’s of your progress.

 

[59apache]

i guess its harder to steer around corners...if i see the lever between the front axle and the rear and keep in mind that the rear rubbing heavy on the ground....shorter lever, more effort. on soft ground it tends to drive straight ... over the full lock front tires...

only presumptions. build it, we'll see it!

 

[plym49]

I think i can help. M35A2 "Shorty" and just for fun COE to make it even shorter.

That photo is SO shop'd!

 

[hairba11]

Yeah, I could see doing that. I parked my Chevy Avalanche next to the A3, the A3 is about 3 feet longer. Which brings up a thought : my HOA prohibits trucks longer than 19 ft........

that's gotta suck. even my 77 LTD wagon is 19'-6"

 

[housemover]

Have someone with a M275 talk about it. They are shorter than a M35 I just don't know how much.