New member here + questions about the M35A2.

[Kevin C]

Hey guys, great site you've got here! I figured I'd sign up, and learn a little bit. I've practically always loved the Deuces since I was a little kid, and was thinking about buying one next summer, since I can afford it now. So, please educate me if you will! I read a lot here on the Wiki page, but it seems as if it's just barely a part of the tip of the iceberg.

M35 2½ ton cargo truck - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I read about them having the LDS-427, LDT-465, and Caterpillar 3116 I6 diesels.

What are the bores + strokes of these engines?

What is their maximum speed (RPM's) and safe cruising speed (RPM's)? I've already read that the stock M35's will do 55 MPH, with a cruising speed of supposedly around 48 MPH.

Which lasts the longest? (I've heard that the Cat's are very reliable, from a few people who drive over the road rigs, 18 wheelers.)

What are the stock wheel/tire sizes? What are the largest tires that can be used on stock wheels? Plus, what are some popular brands used? (I'm a car guy, I'm only familiar with Mickey Thompson drag radials & slicks, Nitto drag radials, Sumitomo, Toyo, etc.. All street + drag strip tires). So, needless to say, my knowledge of tires for my 3,200 LB Camaro does not apply to a 13,000+ LB truck.


On average, what do hard top, turbo diesel, 5 speed, decently running Deuces go for? I've been looking around on various MV sites, and have seen them everywhere in between $4,000 and $18,000.

I really hope this is an appropriate section for this sort of thread. I was looking around for a "new member introduction" section, and the "conversation" section seemed to be the place to post my introduction, and a few general questions. I apologize in advance if there is a better-suited section. I'm basically just looking for the run-down on these trucks since I have no experience around them.

Thanks!

Kevin

 

[AceHigh]

Wow, that is a lot of questions. The LDTs are usually found in M35A2 trucks and the LDSs are usually in 5 tons, but they often pop up in M35A2.

The Cat 3116 is found in the M35A3 series coupled to a Allison 1545 auto transmission.

Although the M35, M35A1, M35A2 and M35A3 are similar all have differences that you will quickly learn. Good M35A2 trucks can be bought for a little over $1,000 but you can also get a pile of scrap for $2,000, (when buying from the government) but private sales are higher and usully less problematic.

 

[Heavysteven]

The Cat 3116 in the M35A3 is a very nice motor. I would owe an A3 but the cost is too high.

LDS seems to be the popular engine in a M35A2

Cost range from 1000-3000 from GL on an M35A2.

I would read the true cost if ownership thread as well.

I went through GL and got a nice truck.

 

[Kevin C]

LOL. It's only 7 questions! I'm just trying to figure out what these trucks are all about.

For the most part I've seen most in the 4,000 to 6,500 range. Only two or three in the 3,000 range, and none for 1,000-2,000 as you mentioned. Then, there's the few that confuse me, the couple that are way up in the 15,000-18,000 range that I've seen. I'm positive they were all A2's, so I just didn't understand such a price jump. Someone must've just put a lot of cash into restoring a couple of them.

Then again, I'm only going off of a Google search: "M35A2 for sale" and judging off of the few surplus sites I've found.

 

[L999here]

...1973(?) and earlier..

Believe most of the American Motors (AM General) and Kaiser M35's were equipped with the Hercules 465 cu. in. ,multi-fueled straight 6-cyl. engine. Most I've seen also had a turbo-charger set up.

 

[Kevin C]

Apparently 465 is the series "name" of the engine, and it's actually 478 cubic inches.

The M35A2 is popularly powered by a LDT 465 engine, made by either Continental Motors Company, Hercules, or White Motor Company. It is an in-line, 478 cu. in., 6 cylinder, turbocharged multifuel engine with 134 bhp

I don't know if that's reliable or not, since it is Wikipedia information.

I saw something on another post about manuals on the M35's, but I didn't have luck finding any.

Does anyone know if there are manuals on here, with detailed specs?

 

[doghead]

Read this, it's mostly correct. Deuce - Steel Soldiers::Military Vehicles Supersite

Then try reading the 500+ pages of Threads in the Deuce forum.

 

[mckeeranger]

I saw something on another post about manuals on the M35's, but I didn't have luck finding any.

Does anyone know if there are manuals on here, with detailed specs?

Yup. Click on the "Resources" tab at the top of the website, then pick what you would like to see. It will take you to the old Steel Soldiers website where you will find the manuals.

 

[Kevin C]

Thanks guys, and sorry for any inconvenience. I'm just not familiar with every section of the site yet.

 

[SCSG-G4]

All the manuals on the deuces are here on this site, in the resources section. That includes the motor, the transmission, the transfer case, the starter, the injection pump, and the alternator! The LD-465 engine comes in three different 'flavors', LD-465, LDT-465, and LDS-465. The "T" stands for turbo, which cleaned up the exhaust per the EPA, but only added 6 horsepower (to 140), and the "S" version is superturbocharged with a different injector pump and turbo unit. All of your questions have been answered many times here. Best way to learn is to go to the deuce forum, go to the last page (earliest posts) and read all the threads from way back when to now, then do the same thing on the deuce modification and hot-rodding forum. If you still have questions, then ask away!

 

[clinto]