Question about steering wheels on the M35?

[Shotgun]

Hi Guys: Well I looked at an M923 the other day and just to big (in terms on working on, large drums and so forth). Looked at a M813, very interesting but it’s close to M923 in size, than the M35 to me. I have made the decision to go with the M-35 size if I can find a nice one for a decent price. Look at a M35 A-2 and the guy wanted way too much for what it was. Just one problem with it, being a very large ape (more like a sliver back) and I might add old to boot, I have a hard time with the steering wheel. I sit on the seat and the wheel is just on my thighs and on top of me. Is it possible to go to a smaller steering wheel? Or can you put a joint in the steering line and change the pitch of the steering wheel? It would be nice to get the wheel off my legs. And have some room if the seat bounces up, wouldn't be good for part of me to go up and the other part not. Any other large apes out there and how do you handle it? Any suggestions that doesn’t involve cutting my legs off would be great. Thanks Guys, Shotgun

 

[Shotgun]

Obvious I can’t spell steering right sorry for not proofing it. Shotgun

 

[TehTDK]

Technically speaking there should be no real issue with putting a smaller steering wheel in an M35. You might just experience leverage issues when turning since the M35 has no servo assisted steering straight from the factory. You might want to look into the Air-Assist kit which adds air assisted servo steering to the truck, or consider upgrading to a hydraulic support system similar to what is installed in normal cars these days.

Such a setup would also help with the steering jerking and potentially breaking your thumbs if you hit a rock, pothole etc.

 

[swbradley1]

I am rather large and did not cut my legs off. I just call it FDS, Fat Dampened Steering. One of my Deuces rubs me and the other one does not. The 813 is roomy in comparison with the smaller wheel and power steering it is a little nicer to drive.

 

[mbehne]

6'4 here and about 225. It is tight but not nearly as uncomfortable as I thought it would be. Most of our trips haven't been really long, but for the most part, my clutch leg gives out before anything. For what it's worth, I don't know how you would steer the beast with a smaller wheel unless you had assist or better yet PS.

Mike

 

[Rusty nuts]

When I was looking a buying an M35, I had a chance to sit in one with a spring seat and one with the solid base. The solid base fit me a lot better as there is more room. You lose the spring cushioning, but I had a local upholstery guy refoam the seat with a multi-layer modern day foam that makes the seat pretty comfy and only raised the height an inch.

 

[Woodsplinter]

SS member M-35 Tom sells a full hydro power steering conversion kit which allows you to move the steering column up higher for more legroom. Here's the link:

http://waterloospecialties.com/

 

[VPed]

You can also think of cutting some of the spring under the seat to allow it to sit lower. Or you can change the location of the little angle that serves as a stop in the upward direction. Or you can replace the seat spring and shock with an air spring as others have done. Or you can install an air ride seat from a modern truck. Just some additional thoughts.

 

[Shotgun]

Thanks for the reply's guys, food for thought. Playing with the seat seems to be the easy choice vs. spending 2 to 3 grand on the steering system. If I am going to spend that kind of money, then it's not much of a push to go to an A-3 after the price of the truck and getting a steering upgrade. The M-813 is nice, but I am already having issues with Ins. just on the M-35 size. If I go up in size they will go ape on me, spent the last week just trying someone to work with on it, tha'st not costing me a small fortune to ins. it. Thanks for helping out the new guy. Shotgun

 

[Happyland1410]

I changed my steering wheel to the smaller 18" type used on the M35A3 trucks and I am very happy with it. There really is not that much difference in steering effort and you get a little more room.

Here is the thread on my swap:
http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showth...-Christmas-)&p=1309918&viewfull=1#post1309918

 

[plym49]

I 'temporarily' removed the driver's seat back when I got my Deuce. That was a few years ago. I never replaced it - I just throw a folded Army blanket over the seat frame. Yes, I am basically sitting against steel (with some motheaten wool in between) but for whatever reason I am fine driving it that way for hours at a time. Getting my butt further back in the seat made a world of difference and the stock wheel has been fine.

I have read that, if you go to a smaller ID wheel, that there are some with different splines that won't work. I do not know the particular wheels that fit on an A2.

 

[Shotgun]

Thanks Happyland for the tread for the steering wheel change, that helps a lot. So does the M35-A3 wheel fit all A-2's splines? Shotgun

 

[Happyland1410]

Thanks Happyland for the tread for the steering wheel change, that helps a lot. So does the M35-A3 wheel fit all A-2's splines? Shotgun

Yes, the splines on the steering column are the same for the A2 and A3. They are also the same on the 809 series 5 tons.

Here is a link to the vendor my wife bought mine from:
http://www.ccsurplus.com/content/5-ton-m809-series-new-steering-wheel-11601248-18-m35a3

 

[Shotgun]

Thanks for the update Happyland, that helps a lot with figuring it out. Shotgun