Things for a "n00b" to look for in a deuce

[kadetklapp]

I've wanted one of these since high school. I understand that going thru GL or other .gov liquidation/ "210 lots" is a real hassle given all the screwed up paper work and general inefficiency of .gov.

I live in west-central Indiana and have seen them come up for sale from time to time in our Indiana Auto & RV. I'd prefer to buy a fixer-upper locally than have to travel out of state and deal with that nonsense.

What I'm mostly concerned with though, is what I should look out for/stay away from. I'm pretty handy at working on vehicles, but I'm not mad mechanic. I understand that most of the motors are cummins diesels and have low mileage/hours. What I"m mainly concerned with is the brake systems. I know a lot of the seals dry-rot and I'm sure these parts are difficult to repair and expensive to replace.

Usage of the vehicle is going to be quite practical. I'm a bit of a "Prepper" and have been diesel-shopping for the last couple of years. I gave up and hocked my old XJ Cherokee for a newer family-friendly Grand Cherokee so I could stay running with a four-wheel drive. I'm able to make my own biodiesel, and our family has a small rural tract of land which my grandfather owns. He runs a diesel Liberty and has a tractor.

I considered getting a CCUVV 6.2L blazer but those motors are problematic (injector pumps) and are not multifuel, and not quite big enough for what I want.

So what are some things to look for in a deuce? What are some problem areas to check out?

 

[broman78]

The engines in a deuce aren't made by cummins that would be for the 5 ton series. Deuces engines are made by white, hercules, and contential. I was lucky when I bought my truck it was an USAF truck with the dual brake system. What I have noticed is whinch trucks tend to have a lot more abuse that non which trucks.

 

[fuzzytoaster]

Oh boy...that is a long answer. I suggest using the "search" function in the tool bar above for specifics but a general over view (i cant get it all)

• Body Rust
• Does the engine turn over?
• Does it have a title? (it better or its a pain)
• Turbo installed?
• Dry rot of any seals, tires, etc..
• it goes on..

The best thing would be to test drive it if able. If you really REALLY want a "fixer-upper" you might get more than you bargain for. Just my

 

[kadetklapp]

Oh boy...that is a long answer. I suggest using the "search" function in the tool bar above for specifics but a general over view (i cant get it all)

• Body Rust
• Does the engine turn over?
• Does it have a title? (it better or its a pain)
• Turbo installed?
• Dry rot of any seals, tires, etc..
• it goes on..

The best thing would be to test drive it if able. If you really REALLY want a "fixer-upper" you might get more than you bargain for. Just my

True. I guess my fixer-upper I mean good running, reliable, but cosmetic issues. I plan to "Pimp" the cab out with some sound proofing, air seats from an International, and some 12v electronic ham gear and a stereo. Maybe some upgraded gauges too.

I prefer a dry (not rusted) body with a running turbo motor and good transmission/axles.

 

[fuzzytoaster]

Dont we all lol. But its crap shoot unless you inspect every part of everything, and even then its a 40+ year old truck. Im not trying to discourage you..but use good sense and trust your gut.

If you have questions about a specific deuce then take pictures and let us take a look at them. Most of these guys could tell you more than the manual by a few pictures.

 

[BKubu]

Contact DOCFARMALL (he goes by Doc or just Jeff) in Rising Sun, IN. I am sure he can fix you up with a truck.

 

[Recovry4x4]

Clinto, post your word document.

 

[clinto]

Clinto, post your word document.

 

[Heavysteven]

I would look for rust, leaks in wheels, hoses, and if it starts.

Also, GL sucks but I got a great deal.

Don't forget this is a 13,500 lb truck make sure you the space, money, and will to take care of it.

 

[zout]

K - you did the first best thing you could do before purchasing your dream - ASKED HERE - welcome aboard and listen wisely - and choose wisely.

 

[nk14zp]

Read the TM's down load them here. Deuce - Steel Soldiers::Military Vehicles Supersite

 

[kadetklapp]

Good stuff guys, I appreciate it.

I'm on the job as an LEO and took an interest to Chevy Caprice police cars about a dozen years ago. Those cars, albeit smaller and more common, were usually beat to piss so I"m sort of used to typical fleet "maintenance" or lacktherof.

I still have a Caprice but it's a show car that I get literally no use from. Trying to decide if I wanna sell it to fund my latest adventure. The truck will be kept on some property my grandfather owns near my house. It will be used as a SHTF get out of dodge vehicle, not for long trips but for adverse road conditions, etc.

Also could be used to haul firewood and construction materials for grandpa. He's a Korea vet, and while I doubt he will drive it much if at all, he will certainly enjoy it.

 

[stumps]

If you do decide on a GL deuce, and I think you should if you are at all handy, check out Ft. McCoy, WI. Their trucks are typical, WI national guard trucks, and are pretty well maintained. But most importantly, you will get to deal with Mike B., the best GL guy there is!

-Chuck

 

[dittle]

One more thing to look at that a lot of people don't think of is the u-bolts that hold the saddle to the rear springs. If the area around the u-bolts wasn't cleaned of dirt the moisture would sit in there and eat the u-bolts down until they look like a sand timer. Having your u-bolts break while driving is not a good thing to have happen.

 

[markmontana]

... Having your u-bolts break while driving is not a good thing to have happen.

Wow- that is interesting. How often has that happened?

 

[dittle]

Depends on how much care was shown to the vehicle. My Deuce is fine, but a friends needs replaced. The dirt had been in those grooves so long on his that the rust and dirt became one. He had to chisel the dirt/rust out of the groove just so he could see what his bolts looked like.

 

[kadetklapp]

I need to get up close to one and go over it so I know what areas to check. Luckily a guy who used to work at the sheriff's department with me has had two deuces and currently owns one deuce and a gamma goat. I got in touch with him to see about checking out his truck which may be for sale as well.