deuce wrecker

[indy4x4fab]

did they ever make a 2.5 ton wrecker, on a 2.5 deuce frame and axles? not a five or ten ton version.

 

[73m819]

YES the M60, the M108 came first, then the short build run of the M60 ( to light to be very effective)

 

[steelandcanvas]

A wrecker based on the M35 truck was designated the M60 and also the M108. Two tractor variants for towing semi-trailers were developed, the M48 and M275. The M48 featured a full-length wheelbase (identical to the M35 cargo), while the M275 featured a shorter wheelbase for reduced weight and greater maneuverability. However, due to the smaller size and lower power of the 2½ ton trucks, most heavier loads were handled by their respective 5-ton counterparts. As a result few were produced.

 

[maddawg308]

Here's what one looks like.

JATONKA M108 FOR SALE

 

[indy4x4fab]

how hard are they to find?

 

[maddawg308]

Very. There are only a few guys on this board with one, and they are well sought after. They were all made in the 1950s, so most of those made have been turned into Toyotas several times over by now.

 

[73m819]

Here's what one looks like.

JATONKA M108 FOR SALE

I strict terms, the 108 was NOT built as a wrecker but a BOMB HANDLYING TRUCK ( crane truck), though CALLED a deuce wrecker

 

[indy4x4fab]

u guys think a 2.5 frame would handle a 5 wrecker body put on to it?

 

[73m819]

Very. There are only a few guys on this board with one, and they are well sought after. They were all made in the 1950s, so most of those made have been turned into Toyotas several times over by now.

SO far , NO m60 deuce wreckers are in the wrecker count, I have NOT heard of any SSers owning a m60

The M60 is the only true 2 1/2t wrecker, the XM60 had a Holmes twin boom wrecker bed, now this would be the wrecker to find

 

[Chief_919]

u guys think a 2.5 frame would handle a 5 wrecker body put on to it?

No.

 

[73m819]

u guys think a 2.5 frame would handle a 5 wrecker body put on to it?

NO, the wrecker had walking beanm suspension, double frame, ect,ect, the 5t bed would be REAL HEAVY

 

[indy4x4fab]

i see

 

[maddawg308]

There was a M60 wrecker rebuild by M Series Rebuild a few years back, they have some small pics of the resto. I think it was in MV Magazine as well.

 

[73m819]

There was a M60 wrecker rebuild by M Series Rebuild a few years back, they have some small pics of the resto. I think it was in MV Magazine as well.

Yes, it went to HI.

 

[Danger Ranger]

Quick interruption: indy, do you know you spelled deuce wrong in your sig? or is there a reason... (sorry for hijack, i will delete with answer...)

 

[emr]

Good post ...

 

[Recovry4x4]

I'm a fortunate owner of an M108. Downright handy around the yard. I would say there are more than an even share of the M108s in members hands. I can think of 8 1/2 owned by Steel Soldiers members and I know there is one more member who's name escapes me that had one. Thats 9 1/2 on SS.

 

[Danger Ranger]

Which is the 1/2?

 

[Recovry4x4]

Jatonka owns 2 1/2 of them.

 

[davey8943]

I tend to check MILITARY INFORMATION HQ (www.olive-drab.com) any time I have a question of "what is this MXXX?" or "Did they ever make an extra long bed 10 ten?" type questions.

So, out of habit, I checked the g-742 page (thats the family name for the 2.5 ton "M35A2 Class"). That page shows the M108 and a few pictures:

TRUCK, CRANE, 2 1/2 TON, 6X6 M108

The picture posted looks an awful lot like a 5 ton to me...

-- 10 lug wheels
-- extended fenders
-- wheels/tires look like 1100 - 20s
-- level winder on the winch

What am I missing here guys? Or does the "all-knowing" MILITARY INFORMATION HQ have a typo?

Thanks,
Dave