Mightymanx and Cleb have me thinking about doing a recovery from Redstone to WA State....Hmmm. Seems all the nice M109A3's are on your side of the states. 3500 miles....2500 miles....lets see...500 miles/10 hours/day comes out to 5-7 days.
I did it in 5 days avg 52 mph and 10mpg on a 109. Next time I will will require a heater. that -20 with a 50mph windchill got silly cold and my left foot got some frostbite. (poor circulation it's screwed together)
the 4 way flashers got a workout but nobody even paid any attention to me. I am doing the same thing for a friend but comming from Iowa this time in the summer his 109 soon to be stored at my buddies house. And he used to be a light wheel mechanic so he can due the once over.
Things I would first before I do the trip again.
1 A heater !!!!!!!! the propane buddy only worked till it got to cold for propane to atomize and it didnot work that great anyway the window seals were pretty shot (I had snow blowing around the cab)
2. The muffler mod before I set out. I will post pictures of mine. And yes it is silly quiet.
3. The temperfoam under the seat canvas mod. after 3 days it got less fun with 30 year foam supporting the buttocks.
4. Make a radiator block before I set out for a winter trip it was hard to make one in route I did my trip in December and the engine only peaked at 160* before I made the block after I could get 180* and the engine was much happier.
Bonus tip:
The hand throttle can be used as a ghetto cruise control saves you from putting a brick on the throttle and my leg can only hold that peddal to the floor so many ways till the calf cramps up. CAUTION it will also drive youstraight off a cliff and does not shut off with brake application use at your own risk I gave myself 3 days of driving that truck to get used to it's character before I even attempted it.
If you have any specific questions give me a shout.
